Colin Snow
There are several reasons why sleeping with cold, wet hair is not recommended. Firstly, wet hair is fragile and prone to breakage when you toss and turn at night. Secondly, a damp pillow can create a warm, humid environment that encourages bacteria and yeast growth, potentially leading to skin problems like acne or fungal infections. While there is no evidence that it causes catching a cold, as commonly believed, it may interrupt your sleep, causing you to wake up more frequently. Overall, while it may not be catastrophic to occasionally sleep with wet hair, it is advisable to avoid making it a regular practice to maintain hair and scalp health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of common cold | No, there is no scientific evidence that sleeping with cold/wet hair causes a cold. |
| Cause of skin problems | Possibly, as the dampness may create an environment for certain types of bacteria to thrive, potentially increasing the risk of skin problems like acne. |
| Cause of hair breakage | Yes, hair is weakest when it's wet, and sleeping with wet hair can cause hair breakage. |
| Cause of heat loss | Yes, a study in 2015 showed that people's heads lost more heat when exposed to cool temperatures. |
| Cause of fungal infections | Possibly, as wet hair for long periods may increase the risk of fungal infections. |
| Cause of dandruff | Possibly, as wet hair may lead to heat loss, which may worsen dandruff. |
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What You'll Learn
Wet hair doesn't cause colds, but it may increase the risk of other illnesses
It is a widely held belief that sleeping with wet hair can make you sick. However, this idea has been debunked by medical professionals, who assert that colds are caused by viruses that enter the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes and are not a result of having wet hair.
Wet hair does not cause colds, but it may increase the risk of other illnesses and health issues. Firstly, wet hair is more prone to breakage when tossing and turning during sleep, especially if it is braided or in a tight updo. Additionally, as water evaporates from the hair, it can promote dryness on the scalp and face, potentially causing skin irritation.
Sleeping with wet hair may also increase the risk of fungal infections of the scalp. While this is more common in individuals with weakened immune systems, the warm and damp environment created by wet hair can encourage the growth of fungi and yeast. Furthermore, research has shown that people's heads lose more heat when exposed to cooler temperatures, so sleeping with wet hair may lead to a less comfortable sleep.
To minimize these risks, it is advisable to allow enough time for hair to dry before going to sleep or to leave it loose if it must be wet. Regularly washing bedding and pillowcases can also help maintain scalp and skin health. While sleeping with wet hair may not cause a cold, it is important to consider these other potential health concerns and take appropriate precautions.
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Wet hair can cause hair breakage and damage
It is a common belief that sleeping with wet hair increases the risk of catching a cold or getting a head of tangled and broken hair. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. While it is true that colds are more common during colder months, they are caused by viruses that infect the respiratory system and spread through droplets in the air or on contaminated surfaces.
Nevertheless, wet hair is more susceptible to breakage and damage. Hair is primarily made up of proteins called keratins, which are enclosed within a protective outer coating called the cuticle. When hair strands are wet, these proteins form weaker bonds, making the hair more prone to damage from stretching and pulling. This deformation of the cuticle causes its edges to lift and crack, resulting in frizz-prone split ends and breakage. Additionally, the use of high heat on wet hair can lead to "flash drying," causing the cuticles to become rigid and brittle, which further increases the likelihood of damage.
To minimize hair breakage and damage, it is recommended to avoid tying hair in tight styles, such as ponytails, buns, or braids, when it is wet. These styles can cause hair to snap off near the elastic and lead to dry ends. Instead, leaving the hair down while sleeping can help reduce tension on the hair shaft. It is also beneficial to avoid using high heat for drying and opt for air drying or lower temperatures to mitigate potential breakage. Applying a heat protectant spray, serum, or leave-in conditioner before using any hot tools can also help.
Furthermore, using a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to gently blot and scrunch excess water from the hair is preferable to rubbing with a traditional bath towel, as the latter can be damaging to the hair's texture and silkiness. Conditioning the hair is another way to reduce friction and protect the hair during sleep. While it is best to dry hair before bed, using a hairdryer at a lower temperature can help speed up the drying process without causing excessive damage.
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Wet hair may cause skin irritation and acne
It is a common belief that sleeping with wet hair can make you sick. However, this is a myth with no scientific backing. While it is true that colds are more common during the colder months, they are caused by viruses that infect the respiratory system and spread through droplets in the air or contaminated surfaces.
Sleeping with wet hair does, however, carry some risks. Firstly, it can cause hair breakage, especially if the hair is braided or in a tight updo, as the hair shaft is under more tension when wet. Secondly, wet hair for extended periods can increase the risk of skin irritation and acne. This is because certain bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, leading to conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, bacterial or fungal folliculitis, and scalp ringworm. These infections can cause itchy, acne-like bumps or pustules on the scalp and face, resembling or leading to acne.
To reduce the risk of skin irritation and acne, it is best to avoid sleeping with wet hair. If this is unavoidable, it is recommended to leave the hair loose and use a pillowcase that doesn't retain moisture, such as silk, to minimise hair breakage and create a less favourable environment for bacterial growth.
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Wet hair may lead to an uncomfortable night's sleep
Secondly, sleeping with wet hair can increase the risk of developing a fungal infection of the scalp. This is because, as the hair dries overnight, some water becomes absorbed by the pillow and bedding, creating a damp environment near the face and scalp that may promote the growth of fungi and yeast. Additionally, research has shown that people's heads lose more heat when exposed to cool temperatures, so wet hair may lead to a colder and more uncomfortable sleep.
Furthermore, if you're a side or stomach sleeper, pinning wet hair between your pillow and face could cause skin irritation. As the water in your hair evaporates, it can also promote dryness on your face and scalp. While these risks are relatively mild, it's still a good idea to avoid sleeping with wet hair whenever possible. To prevent this, you can alter your bedtime routine to allow more time for drying your hair, or use a hairdryer sparingly to speed up the drying process.
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Wet hair may increase the risk of fungal infections
While it is widely believed that sleeping with wet hair can make you sick, this is a myth. There is no evidence that sleeping with wet hair can cause a cold. According to Dr. Chirag Shah, a board-certified emergency physician, "There is no evidence that one can catch a cold from going to bed with wet hair. When one gets a cold, it is due to being infected with a virus."
However, sleeping with wet hair does carry some risks. Firstly, it can cause hair breakage, especially if the hair is braided or in a tight updo, as the hair shaft is under more tension when wet. Secondly, sleeping with wet hair has been linked to an increased risk of developing fungal infections of the scalp, such as dandruff or dermatitis. This is because fungi, such as Malassezia, thrive in warm, damp environments, and a wet pillowcase and pillow provide the ideal breeding ground. In addition, people with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to fungal infections, and a study found anywhere between 4 to 16 species of fungi per pillow tested.
Furthermore, sleeping with wet hair can also increase the risk of developing fungal acne, which presents as small red bumps on the face and sometimes the upper body. This is caused by the same Malassezia fungus that can lead to scalp infections. Additionally, wet hair can cause skin infections such as bacterial or fungal folliculitis, which presents as small acne bumps or pustules that can become itchy or painful.
To reduce the risk of fungal infections and other skin and hair problems, it is recommended to avoid sleeping with wet hair whenever possible. If drying hair before bed is not an option, it is best to leave it down and avoid tight hairstyles that can cause breakage.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no scientific evidence that sleeping with wet hair can cause illness. However, there is a common belief that it can increase the risk of catching a cold, but this is not true.
Sleeping with wet hair can increase the risk of hair breakage and tangles. It can also cause fungal infections and skin irritation, including acne.
To reduce the risks, it is recommended to use a microfiber or silk pillowcase to minimise friction and hair breakage. You can also try to dry your hair to at least 75% before bed and apply a small amount of hair oil to reduce friction and minimise breakage.
