Normally hair is pretty strong but when it is wet it is much much weaker!
Hair is made up of proteins called keratins. These keratins are safely ensconced in cuticles forming a protective covering like a flexible armor.
When hair is wet these keratins form weaker bonds (hydrogen bonds). Therefor it is way more flexible than dry hair.
When you brush damp hair chances are big that it stretches too much. Especially when it is matted here and there.
Unfortunately when hair is stretched too far, it cannot snap back into shape again like a rubber band. Instead, the stretching deforms the cuticle, causing cuticle edges to lift up and crack. So they cannot form a perfect protecting covering anymore. The hair is damaged.
(If you would use a hot föhn to dry the hair while brushing it, you even make this worse)
Damaged hair will loose a lot of moisture with results in a dull coat. Also the uplifted edges of the cuticles will give a rough surface to the hair which will cause the coat to get matted again real soon.
So it is better to brush or comb your pet when the coat is fully dry. And wash your dog when you are done brushing so the coat is not static anymore.
ADB Petite..Never before was brushing your pet so enjoyable for both you and your pet!
