Whether it's "OK" to pick your hair depends on how and where you're doing it. Picking at the roots when your hair is dry, to add volume, can be alright. However, picking at the ends can lead to frizz and breakage.
Here's a breakdown:
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Picking at the Roots (When Dry): This is generally considered acceptable and can even be beneficial for achieving volume and lift, particularly for textured hair. The action gently separates the hair strands at the scalp, creating the desired effect.
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Picking at the Ends: This is where you can run into problems. Picking at the ends, especially when the hair is dry, can disrupt the curl pattern, create unwanted frizz, and even cause breakage.
Why the Difference Matters:
The structure of your hair shaft plays a crucial role. The ends of your hair are more vulnerable and prone to damage than the roots. Constant manipulation, especially when dry, weakens the hair fiber, leading to splitting and breakage.
Tips for Picking Hair Safely (If Done at the Roots):
- Use a Wide-Tooth Comb or Pick: This minimizes snagging and pulling.
- Focus on the Roots: Gently lift the hair at the scalp rather than raking through the length.
- Do it When Dry: Dry hair is less elastic and more prone to damage when wet.
- Be Gentle: Avoid aggressive picking that can cause breakage or scalp irritation.
- Limit Frequency: Over-picking can still cause damage, even at the roots. Try to avoid doing it daily.
In summary: If you're carefully picking only at the roots of your dry hair to achieve volume, then it can be OK. But picking at the ends or being too rough will likely damage your hair.
