Sleeping With Wet Hair: Is It Really That Bad?
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However, by following the right techniques like using silk materials, applying leave-in conditioner, or braiding your hair, you can minimize damage and wake up with healthier, more manageable locks. Ultimately, it’s essential to find a bedtime routine that works best for your hair type and needs to ensure you have a good hair day, whether you’ve slept with wet hair or not. Overall, experts agree that going to bed with soaking-wet or even damp hair is not healthy or safe for your hair and overall physical well-being. But if evening showering is your preference, alter your routine a bit to reduce your risk of potential infections and hair damage. Even if you don’t go to bed with wet hair, bacteria, sweat and dead skin cells all build up on your bedding. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should wash your bedding twice a week, but many experts suggest at least once a week to prevent skin breakouts and to avoid exacerbating conditions, such as allergies and asthma.
Can wet hair cause a cold?
When hair is wet it is generally more prone to breakage, Dr. Cheng says. That’s because, when wet, the hair cuticle (the outer protective layer of the hair shaft) opens and makes the hair stretchier and more brittle. “When the hair cuticle is open it can stretch more, so it can stretch in ways that can make the hair break more easily,” she says. That might happen if you’re brushing your hair while it’s still wet or, yes, if you’re naturally moving around while you sleep. “This is one of those religious areas [in dermatology],” Mary L. Stevenson, M.D., assistant professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone Health, tells SELF. Some find that going to bed with wet hair is damaging to hair and, maybe, they think it’s just plain gross.
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"I think something like this is case by case," says hairstylist Marcus Frances, an ambassador for hair care brand Better Natured. Even if you wash your face every night (and know what happens if you don’t wash your face), you won’t be in the clear if your pillowcase has previous bacteria buildup. As you toss and turn throughout the night, bacteria found on pillowcases can cause skin irritation and acne as well. (This is also why you should wash your bras more often.) “Any skin contact, such as sleeping on your side with your cheek against a contaminated pillowcase, can potentially cause fungal acne breakouts,” Dr. Engelman notes. A person may wish to try starting their bedtime routine earlier, including washing their hair earlier. This can help reduce the risk of it being damp and creating an environment for fungus to grow.
Lay A Towel Over Your Pillow
You may be familiar with your mother or grandmother telling you not to go outside with wet hair for fear of catching a cold, but what about sleeping with wet hair? According to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the belief that the common cold can be caused by wet hair is, in fact, nothing but a myth. Sleeping with wet hair can have a greater effect on different hair types. Check out the precautions for sleeping with wet hair for straight, curly, frizzy and wavy hair.
Despite the daunting name, though, folliculitis is a relatively common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed. She says that while mild cases may be amenable to treatment with over the counter antimicrobial products, more severe cases may require topical and/or oral medication. One such over the counter option would be Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray which contains hypochlorous acid, she says.
The resulting damage can lead to breakages, he says, as well as a loss of shine and elasticity. While wet hair is unlikely to make you sick, we'd recommend sleeping with dry hair to prevent bacteria or fungus from growing. We chatted with two doctors to discover the effects of sleeping with wet or damp hair and got their best practices to avoid it. “Sleeping with wet hair can also contribute to a moist and warm environment on the scalp, which can predispose you to bacterial and yeast infections,” Wassef told Health. Beyond the possibility of hair breakage, going to bed without drying your hair can also lead to potential skin issues.
Making sure your hair is at least partially dry before sleeping can minimize risks. But if you have no choice but to sleep with wet hair, consider loosely tying it up or using a silky pillowcase that can reduce friction and minimize potential hair damage. As wet hair dries overnight, some water evaporates into the air and some becomes absorbed by pillows and other bedding. Sleeping on a warm damp surfacecan create an environment near the face and scalp that might cause problems.
You’ve washed your hair with the best shampoo, exfoliated your body, completed your skin-care regimen and even washed your bedding. It’s very tempting to cut corners here so you can get on with your night, but there are some very good reasons you should reconsider hitting the hay with a wet head. While you might not catch a cold if you go to bed with wet hair, you could be opening the door to hair damage and a number of potential scalp infections. If you’re experiencing any scalp symptoms, make sure to see your doctor. “The most common question we’re asked is how wet can hair be while going to bed.
Sleep experts reveal why you should 'never' go to bed with wet hair - Daily Record
Sleep experts reveal why you should 'never' go to bed with wet hair.
Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
THIS OIL COULD HELP
Using measures such as conditioning and using a silk or satin pillowcase or hair cap may help prevent this if going to bed with damp hair is necessary. Another common belief is that sleeping with wet hair can result in headaches. The NCBI reveals that there is some research that suggests wet hair in cold weather can be a shaping factor for sinus headaches.
"I always brush my hair before the shower, when it's dry, to get the knots out," says stylist and colorist Siobhán Quinlan. Post-shower, you should comb your wet strands with a wide-tooth comb, or use a wet hair brush when hair is damp. Once you have thoroughly dried your hair, Ahram recommends sleeping on a silk pillowcase.
Viruses cause colds, and the only way to develop a cold is to come into contact with a cold-causing virus. Your daily habits and environment can significantly impact the quality of your sleep. Dustin Cotliar holds a medical degree from the State University of NY (SUNY) Downstate College of Medicine, and a master’s in public health from Columbia University, where he focused on healthcare policy and management.
Wet hair is more fragile and prone to damage, such as breakage and split ends. The thickness and length of your hair and the humidity levels in your environment play a significant role in how fast your hair can dry. Going to bed with very wet hair or using heavy hair products can further slow the drying process. We suggest using towels to absorb excess moisture before going to bed to avoid overly damp hair. Look for products with natural ingredients formulated for your specific hair type, and be prepared to experiment to find the best routine for you.
When wet hair is pressed and piled up on a pillowcase, it’s unable to breathe, she says. That means you might end up with overactive sebaceous glands, which can cause seborrheic dermatitis; symptoms include dandruff, irritation, itchiness and inflamed patches. When bacteria accumulates on your scalp, it can easily transfer to your bedding.
Bring out the best in your mattress with our soft and breathable bedding. Sets the record straight on all the habits and behaviors you’ve heard might be unhealthy. For some, these trade-offs might be worth it, especially if makes your morning routine easier or is essential for helping you wind down at the end of the day. They may also want to find the best products available to look after their hair by speaking with a doctor or dermatologist. In the United States, colds are more likely during colder months because of the start of the school year and people spending more time indoors, in close quarters with others. Catching a cold appears to be the most common concern thanks to folklore and protective mothers and grandmothers.
“Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage, so tossing and turning during sleep can cause damage to the hair strands,” Haliti explains. So, while it’s not always bad to sleep with wet hair there are several long-term risks that could lead to decreased hair health. Sleeping with wet hair could be especially damaging for people with curly hair and very fine straight hair.
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