Health & Life

Why Sleeping with Wet Hair is a Bad Idea: Understanding the Potential Harm

It is quite common for people to develop a habit of washing their hair at night and then going to bed with slightly damp hair. However, sleeping with wet hair is an unhealthy habit and can cause potential harm to both your health and your hair.

Administrator

3 August, 2024

Sleeping with wet hair is a common habit for many people, but it’s important to break this habit as soon as possible. Doing so can have serious consequences for your health and hair. Let’s dive into the details through the following article.

1. Should You Sleep with Wet Hair?

Dandruff and Scalp Infections

Many people assume that sleeping with wet hair will only make them prone to catching a cold. However, Dr. Shah, a board-certified emergency physician and co-founder of Push Health, believes that it poses a higher risk of developing scalp infections.

The Malassezia fungus, naturally found on the scalp, can thrive in a damp environment, leading to dandruff and scalp inflammation. Hence, ensuring your hair is completely dry before hitting the hay is crucial.

Moreover, your pillow is a haven for mold and mildew, especially in warm and humid conditions, thanks to your pillowcase and sweat. Research reveals that an average pillow can harbor between 4 to 16 types of fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus, a dangerous fungus that can cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals and exacerbate asthma.

Should You Sleep with Wet Hair?

Severe Hair Breakage

Sleeping with wet hair will not only give you a messy mane in the morning but also put your hair at risk of damage.

Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, a dermatologist, points out that hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. When you sleep, wet hair rubs against your pillow and bedding, making it prone to breakage. This risk increases if your hair is braided or tied up, adding more pressure to the strands.

Thus, it’s best to avoid sleeping with wet hair altogether. If, for some reason, you must sleep with damp hair, let it air dry and stay loose to minimize friction and protect your tresses.

2. Will Sleeping with Wet Hair Make You Sick?

The notion that sleeping with wet hair will make you fall ill is not entirely accurate. While many people believe this, there is no scientific evidence to support a direct link between the two, according to Dr. Chirag Shah, an emergency physician and co-founder of Push Health.

In reality, colds are caused by viral infections. These viruses spread through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also contract the virus by touching contaminated surfaces or coming into direct contact with an infected individual.

Will Sleeping with Wet Hair Make You Sick?

3. What to Do If You Have to Sleep with Wet Hair

If, for some reason, you can’t completely dry your hair before bed, consider the following tips to minimize damage and keep your locks healthy:

Coconut Oil Treatment

Applying coconut oil to your hair creates a protective barrier, reducing water absorption and minimizing breakage and damage. However, avoid using coconut oil if you have scalp issues like eczema or excessive sebum production, as it may worsen these conditions.

Use a Conditioner

Conditioners help nourish and protect your hair cuticles, reducing friction and making it easier to detangle. Chemically treated or colored hair particularly benefits from regular conditioning.

What to Do If You Have to Sleep with Wet Hair

Dry and Detangle Your Hair as Much as Possible

Take the time to blow-dry your hair or let it air dry as much as possible to reduce the amount of water left in your hair. Gently detangle your hair before bed to prevent hair tension and breakage.

Silk Pillowcase

A silk pillowcase has a smoother surface than a regular cotton one, reducing friction and minimizing hair breakage and tangles while you sleep.

Sleeping with wet hair is not ideal for your health or your hair. However, if you can’t avoid it, the above tips will help minimize damage and keep your locks healthy.

Source: Vinmec.com

Frequently asked questions

Sleeping with wet hair is unhealthy for several reasons. Firstly, it can increase the risk of developing a headache or catching a cold. Secondly, it may lead to hair breakage and damage, as wet hair is more fragile and prone to tangling. Additionally, the moisture from your hair can transfer to your pillow, creating a damp environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi, potentially causing skin irritation and allergies.

Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, and sleeping with it can cause breakage and split ends. It can also lead to tangling, making it difficult to manage and style your hair. Prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken the hair cuticles, affecting hair health and causing long-term damage.

Yes, it can. Going to sleep with wet hair can increase your chances of catching a cold or developing a sinus infection. The moisture from your hair can create a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, which can then be inhaled, leading to respiratory issues.

Instead of sleeping with wet hair, try to plan ahead and allow enough time for your hair to air dry before bedtime. You can also gently towel-dry your hair, being careful not to rub or twist it vigorously, as this can cause breakage. Using a blow dryer on a cool setting is another option, but avoid excessive heat as it can be damaging.

Sleeping with wet hair can have some potential health risks. It can cause skin irritation and allergies due to the growth of bacteria and fungi on your pillow. Additionally, it may increase the likelihood of developing headaches and experiencing neck pain. In rare cases, it could also lead to a condition called hyperthermia, where the body’s core temperature drops, leading to severe health complications.