Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping with wet hair is a common practice for many people, especially those who shower at night or exercise in the evening. While it may not be the best habit for hair and scalp health, it is not the worst thing you can do. However, there are some potential drawbacks and risks associated with this practice. Firstly, wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage, especially when it comes into friction with a pillowcase during sleep. Secondly, a moist scalp can promote fungal growth, leading to issues such as dandruff or dermatitis. Additionally, pillows can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, which can then transfer back to the scalp and cause infections. While the connection between wet hair and illness is mostly an old wives' tale, it is advisable to dry hair before bed when possible to maintain scalp and hair health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hair damage | Breakage, split ends, frizz, bedhead, tangles |
| Skin damage | Acne, skin irritation, dandruff |
| Fungal infections | Aspergillus fumigatus, scalp infections, respiratory issues |
| Sleep disruption | Increased wakefulness, interrupted sleep |
| Hair care | Use of microfiber towels, silk pillowcases, hair masks |
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What You'll Learn
It won't give you a cold, but it may cause fungal infections
It is a common belief that sleeping with wet hair can cause a cold. However, this is a myth, as colds are caused by viruses that enter your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes. While sleeping with wet hair will not make you sick in this way, it may increase your risk of developing a fungal infection of the scalp.
Fungi thrive in damp environments, and when you sleep with wet hair, your pillowcase becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. This means that when you sleep on the same pillowcase again, the fungi can transfer back to your scalp and cause an infection. Aspergillus fumigatus, for example, is a type of fungus that has been found in pillows and can lead to aspergillosis, a serious respiratory disorder. Most fungal infections are more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems, so if you are concerned about your risk, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor about your bedding and whether sleeping with wet hair could be a problem for you.
In addition to the risk of fungal infections, sleeping with wet hair can also cause hair breakage and skin irritation. Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage, especially if it is braided or in a tight updo, which adds tension to the hair shaft. The wetness can also cause product buildup on your pillow, which can then be transferred to your face, potentially clogging pores and causing acne.
To reduce the risk of fungal infections and other issues associated with sleeping with wet hair, it is recommended that you blot your hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt before going to sleep, or allow it to air-dry until it is at least partially dry. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can also help to reduce friction and minimize hair breakage.
While sleeping with wet hair may not cause a cold, it is important to consider the potential risks to your hair, scalp, and skin, and take steps to protect them if you choose to do so.
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Wet hair is weaker and more prone to breakage
To minimize breakage, it is recommended to leave your hair down or loosely tied when sleeping. Silk pillowcases and hair ties can also help reduce friction and prevent tangling. Additionally, it is advisable to blot or towel dry your hair before bed to remove excess moisture.
While sleeping with wet hair may not be ideal for hair health, it is not necessarily harmful to everyone. Some people may experience no issues at all, while others may notice changes in their hair, scalp, or skin. Repeated nights of sleeping with wet hair can increase the risk of breakage and frizz, as well as scalp concerns such as fungal infections, skin irritation, itchiness, dryness, redness, and dandruff.
To protect your hair, it is best to avoid making it a nightly habit, especially if you notice any adverse effects. If you must sleep with wet hair occasionally, consider blotting or air-drying it beforehand to reduce the amount of moisture.
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It can cause acne and irritate your skin
While there is no direct evidence that sleeping with wet hair will cause acne, it is believed that it could increase the risk of skin problems. As the hair dries overnight, some water is absorbed by the pillow and bedding, creating a damp environment. This moisture can cause bacteria and yeast to grow, which may lead to skin irritation and acne.
Dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, explains that the hair products used can also become face products when sleeping with wet hair. Conditioners, for example, attract moisture, which is good for the hair but may clog pores on the face, leading to acne. Repeated nights of interrupted sleep due to moisture can also cause cortisol levels to rise, increasing inflammation and potentially leading to more breakouts.
The warm, damp environment caused by sleeping with wet hair can encourage bacteria and yeast growth, which may lead to dandruff. Aspergillus fumigatus, a type of fungus, has been found in pillows and can cause aspergillosis, a respiratory infection. Those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of developing fungal infections.
To minimise the risk of skin irritation and acne, it is recommended to avoid sleeping with soaking wet hair. Towel-drying the hair or allowing it to air-dry before bed can reduce the amount of moisture transferred to the pillow and bedding. Using a silk pillowcase can also help as it provides a frictionless surface, reducing the risk of breakage and skin irritation.
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It may interrupt your sleep
While there is no direct evidence that sleeping with wet hair will cause you to develop a cold, there are other reasons why it may interrupt your sleep. Firstly, as your hair dries overnight, some water is absorbed by your pillow and bedding, creating a damp environment that can cause bacteria and yeast to grow, leading to skin irritation, itchiness, redness, and dandruff. This can result in an uncomfortable night's sleep, with frequent awakenings due to the moisture and potential skin irritation.
Additionally, wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage, especially when braided or in a tight updo, which adds tension to the hair shaft. This means that tossing and turning during sleep can cause hair damage and further interrupt your sleep. The risk of hair breakage is also higher if you sleep on a cotton pillowcase, as cotton creates friction, leading to pulling, tangling, and breakage.
The damp environment caused by sleeping with wet hair can also contribute to the development of fungal infections on your scalp and pillow. Aspergillus fumigatus, for example, is a type of fungus that can be present in pillows and lead to aspergillosis, a serious respiratory disorder. While this is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems, it is still a potential risk factor to consider.
To minimise the impact of sleeping with wet hair on your sleep, it is recommended to use a silk or satin pillowcase, as silk prevents friction and allows your hair and scalp to breathe. You can also blot your hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt before bed to remove excess moisture and reduce the dampness of your sleeping environment.
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Use a silk pillowcase to prevent friction and breakage
While there is no direct evidence that sleeping with wet hair will cause harm to your health, it can increase the risk of fungal infections on your scalp and pillow. This is due to the moist environment that encourages bacteria and yeast growth, which can lead to skin irritation, itchiness, redness, and dandruff. Wet hair is also more fragile and prone to breakage, especially if it is braided or in a tight updo, adding more tension to the hair shaft.
One way to prevent hair breakage and friction is to use a silk pillowcase. Silk allows your hair to slide as you toss and turn in your sleep, reducing friction that can lead to pulling, tugging, tangling, and ultimately, breakage. Cotton pillowcases, on the other hand, are extremely rough on your hair, so it is best to avoid them if possible.
Silk is also beneficial for your skin as it is less drying and provides a frictionless surface, which can help prevent clogged pores and acne. Additionally, using silk allows your scalp to breathe, which is important for the health of your hair.
If you have highly textured hair, you can also try wrapping your hair with a silk scarf loosely before bed. This will allow your hair and scalp to breathe, and in the morning, you can remove the scarf to reveal natural curls.
Overall, while sleeping with wet hair may not be ideal, using a silk pillowcase can help mitigate some of the potential issues by reducing friction and breakage, promoting healthy hair and skin.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is a lack of strong scientific evidence, sleeping with wet hair can lead to hair breakage and weaken the hair shaft. It can also cause skin problems like acne and fungal infections.
If you can't avoid sleeping with wet hair, you can use a silk or satin pillowcase to minimise friction and hair damage. You can also try blotting your hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt before sleeping.
Some hairstylists suggest sleeping with conditioned damp hair to enhance certain hairstyles. For people with curly hair, sleeping with wet hair can help prevent damage.
There is no evidence that sleeping with wet hair will make you sick. However, it can cause scalp issues like dandruff and dermatitis due to the growth of bacteria and fungi.
To prevent hair damage, you can loosely braid your hair or tie it in a loose bun. You can also apply hair oil to your scalp or strands to reduce friction and minimise breakage.
