
It is a common habit for many people to go to bed with wet hair. What they may not realize is that this seemingly harmless practice can have several negative consequences for both their hair and their overall health.
Wet hair is fragile. The cuticle layers are not yet sealed, making the hair prone to stretching, breakage, and damage. When you sleep with wet hair, the friction between your hair and the pillow can lead to hair fall, tangles, and split ends. If this habit persists, your hair will lose its elasticity and become thin and weak over time.
It’s not just your hair that suffers; your scalp is also at risk. The high moisture on the scalp creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive. In particular, Malassezia, a type of fungus that causes seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, will flourish, leading to itching, flaking, and increased hair loss.
Wet hair provides the perfect condition for harmful bacteria and fungi to thrive, which can be detrimental to both your hair and scalp health.
Have you ever woken up with a headache, feeling exhausted, or even experiencing a runny or stuffy nose without catching a cold? The culprit could be your damp hair. According to traditional medicine, the head is a gathering place for yang energy, which is the life force of the body. When your hair is wet, the cold penetrates the head area, depleting this energy, leading to headaches, dizziness, and blood pressure imbalances, especially in the elderly or those with a weak constitution.
Sleeping with wet hair can also disrupt your sleep. Your body has to work harder to keep your head warm, making it difficult to fall into a deep sleep. You may find yourself waking up frequently or experiencing restless dreams. Additionally, your immune system weakens over time if you consistently sleep with damp hair.
You won’t notice hair breakage after just one night, but the subtle damage accumulates over time. That’s why some people who once had healthy hair end up with brittle and weak hair after a few years. Most of the time, it’s due to seemingly harmless habits like sleeping with wet hair.
Moreover, sleeping with damp hair can also wet the pillow, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and dirt, leading to acne on the face, forehead, and neck, especially for those with oily or sensitive skin.
Sleeping with wet hair poses several health risks that many people often overlook.
For healthy and beautiful hair: Avoid sleeping with wet hair
– When blow-drying your hair, direct the airflow from the roots to the tips, and avoid holding the dryer too close to your hair.
– Stop drying when your hair is about 90% dry, and then let it air dry completely using a fan or cold air setting.
– It’s best to shampoo during the day, or at least two hours before bedtime.
Drying your hair before bed is crucial for protecting your hair from breakage and tangles and maintaining a healthy scalp by preventing the growth of fungi and bacteria, ultimately leading to healthier hair and better sleep quality.
If you must wash your hair late at night:
– Gently blot your hair with a soft towel instead of rubbing it vigorously.
– Consider loosely braiding or tying your hair while sleeping, and apply a small amount of hair oil to reduce friction.
– Invest in a silk or satin pillowcase to minimize hair breakage and reduce bacterial buildup.
Beautiful hair doesn’t just come from expensive salon treatments or shampoos; it stems from the small daily habits you cultivate. Taking the time to blow-dry your hair before bed not only protects your hair but also ensures you get a good night’s sleep, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized in the morning.
So, even if you’re feeling lazy, spend those extra few minutes drying your hair. Let tonight be the night you start loving yourself from the smallest details, like ensuring your hair is dry and clean before hitting the hay.
Nurturing Nature’s Nurture: A Journey to Harmonious Health and Beauty
The launch of the book, “Wellness from Within”, will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2 pm at Aldora Dynasty, 1A Ton That Tung, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Dr. Nguyen Thu Huong, a renowned beauty queen and entrepreneur, will be introducing her latest work. As the 1995 Vietnamese Sports Beauty Queen, the 2011 runner-up for Mrs. World, and the current Chairman of WLIN Global Holdings and CEO of Nam Huong Media Group, her expertise and influence span across multiple industries.