Is It Bad To Sleep With Wet Hair? Risks You Need To Know 2024

Many people have debated whether or not it’s okay to sleep with wet hair. Some say it can cause health problems, while others claim it is a harmless old wives’ tale. The truth is, going to bed with damp locks doesn’t necessarily lead to illness or damage, but it can weaken your hair over time. 

So is it bad to sleep with wet hair? It can be. It makes your strands weaker and more prone to breakage, and the moisture can also cause your scalp to become itchy or irritated. To avoid these adverse effects, let your hair dry completely before heading to bed or use a coconut oil hair mask. It may take some extra time, but your hair will thank you in the long run.

Risks Of Sleeping With Wet Hair

While falling asleep right after your evening shower isn’t going to cause you to come down with a cold, fever, or another kind of viral infection, it does come with its own set of risks, as well as discomfort due to having a damp pillow. 

Weaker Hair Strands

Sleeping with damp hair can cause weathering of the hair strands^[1] because when the hair is wet, it is in a more fragile state and more prone to breakage. This can be exacerbated by tossing and turning during sleep and friction from bedding such as pillows and blankets, leading to weakened hair cuticles and hair follicles, ultimately leading to hair breakage and hair loss. It is bad to sleep with wet hair wrapped in a towel for the same reasons.

Higher Risk Of Bacterial And Fungal Infections

Sleeping with wet hair can exacerbate bacterial and fungal infections^[2] through direct scalp contact with dampness and moisture. This can create a humid environment, which allows bacteria and fungi to thrive, leading to infection.

Bacterial infections can be caused by the spread of bacteria from unclean surfaces or towels on wet hair while sleeping. Fungal infections are also common in moist, damp environments and may include tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) or seborrheic dermatitis^[3] (scaly patches on the scalp).

Increased Risk Of Scalp Irritation

Sleeping with damp hair can cause scalp irritation and an itchy scalp by creating a moist environment that encourages fungal or bacterial growth. This can lead to itching, flaking, redness, and even infection.

If the weather is cold, it can cause a chill on the scalp^[4] that interferes with blood circulation in the area. This can further aggravate existing scalp issues and potentially lead to new ones. It can also reduce your body temperature, making for an uncomfortable night of sleep.

Increased Risk Of Bedhead

If you have an important meeting in the morning, it is best to shower just before you go, as sleeping with damp hair can cause bedhead! When the scalp and hair are wet, they become softer and more easily manipulated. This means that when a person tosses and turns in their sleep, the shape of their hair can change, and bed head can form. 

Furthermore, when the hair is wet, the hair cuticle stays in whatever shape it is molded into until it dries, leading to a more pronounced bedhead!

When hair gets wet, hydrogen bonds break, and keratin configuration may be altered. When hair dries, the hydrogen bonds form in new positions,^[5] which is the physiological explanation for bedhead!

Precautions To Take

The best precautions to avoid hair breakage and loss overall include eating a balanced diet with enough nutrients to benefit your hair and scalp, avoiding heat styling tools on wet hair^[6] to prevent bubble hair deformity (air-filled cavities within the hair shaft caused by heat damage), and washing your hair every day or two. However, overwashing can reduce the hair’s natural oils, leading to dry strands that are more prone to frizziness, further increasing the risk of breakage. 

A good bedtime routine is important. Be sure to air dry your hair before bed; if there isn’t enough time to do so, a cool blow dry is the next best alternative. Scheduling your hair wash may also help, so you are not doing it before bed, and if showering before bed is necessary, use a shower cap. 

Try to avoid frequent heat styling and blow drying or frequently undergoing damaging hair procedures, such as perms or hair extensions. These procedures can damage the hair shaft, leading to breakage and split ends. 

It is also important to use a good quality shampoo and conditioner with beneficial ingredients l for your hair type. A dermatologist or hair specialist may be able to assist with recommending the best products for healthy hair.

Things To Do If You Must Sleep With Wet Hair

If you absolutely can’t go to bed with dry hair, then there are some precautions you can take to ensure you are minimizing the amount of damage you could be doing when you go to bed with wet hair. 

One way to do this is by using a silk pillowcase, hair wrap, or a satin cap. These materials help to reduce the amount of friction that occurs between your hair and the pillow, which can cause breakage. 

Avoid tying your hair back, as tight hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia. If possible, try sleeping in a loose braid or a loose bun, as this will help to reduce the amount of friction on your hair strands. 

Detangle the hair with a wide-toothed comb before bedtime to avoid tangles in the morning, or use a hair mask. Hair masks or oil-based products can prevent damage and improve hair health while you sleep by providing extra nourishment and hydration.

The Bottom Line

So why is it bad to sleep with wet hair?

Sleeping with wet hair will not make you catch a cold like your grandparents might have told you. However, there is merit to the warnings, as sleeping with wet hair can damage your strands, lead to breakage, and reduce the overall health of your hair. 

By taking the necessary steps and precautions before bedtime, such as using a satin cap or pillowcase, avoiding tight hairstyles, and using oil-based products, you can ensure that your hair stays healthy and strong while you sleep.

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