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Table of Contents
- Disadvantages of Sleeping with Wet Hair
- Tips for Sleeping with Wet Hair
Taking a hot bath or shower before bed can be a great way to relax after a stressful day. In fact, several studies have shown that a hot bath or shower before bed can improve sleep quality and help you fall asleep faster.
For some people, evening baths include washing hair, which may stay wet when they go to bed. There is a common belief that sleeping with wet hair is bad, increasing the risk of catching a cold or leading to tangled and damaged hair.
Despite these widely held beliefs, there is not much scientific evidence that sleeping with wet hair will cause problems for everyone. Depending on the circumstances, individuals should consider the potential risks of sleeping with wet hair and how to care for their hair during sleep.
The Effects of Sleeping with Wet Hair
As wet hair dries overnight, some of the water evaporates into the air, while some is absorbed by pillows and other bedding. Sleeping on a warm damp surface can create a environment surrounding the face and scalp that may cause issues. People who regularly fall asleep with wet hair should pay attention to changes in their skin or hair condition before deciding to continue this practice before bed.
While scientific studies have not fully explored the potential side effects of sleeping with wet hair, some people still caution against this habit, believing that sleeping with dry hair may help prevent certain health issues.
“Sleeping with wet hair may pose certain challenges, such as increasing the amount of bacteria on your pillow due to excess moisture. However, the connection between wet hair and illnesses is more of an urban legend than a scientific fact.”
Possible Consequences of Sleeping with Wet Hair
Sleeping with wet hair does not always cause harm but may increase the likelihood of waking up with tangled or damaged strands. Each hair strand consists of a complex network of proteins and cells that determine its strength and elasticity, or how much it can stretch to its original state. Wet unprocessed hair can stretch up to 30% of its original length without serious damage or breakage.
However, chemically processed hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. Each hair strand is naturally protected by a layer of delicate scale-like cells called the cuticle. The cuticle contains specific types of fatty acids that make it hydrophobic or less prone to water absorption in humidity.
“Some hair styling products strip the cuticle of fatty acids, allowing for more water absorption. This can lead to frizzy and tangled hair as it dries. Additional friction from sleeping on a wet pillow can exacerbate the situation, stretching some strands further than their elasticity allows, leading to breakage.”
“There is no direct evidence that sleeping with wet hair will cause a person to develop pimples. However, some people caution against sleeping on a damp pillow, believing it to be an ideal environment for certain types of bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of skin issues such as acne.”
“Acne can occur when pores become clogged with natural skin oils and dead skin cells. In most cases, acne is related to genetics or changes in hormone levels that can increase the production of natural oil in the body and affect how well the skin sheds oil and dead skin cells.”
“A pillow left damp or contaminated with hair product residues can worsen acne by creating a moist or oily environment, leading to pore blockages and inflammation. For these reasons, some experts recommend sleeping with clean and dry hair, kept away from the face.”
“Regularly changing pillowcases and sheets every 1-2 weeks can help reduce acne risk, plus sleeping on clean, fresh bedding is a great way to improve comfort and sleep quality.”
Possible Infections from Sleeping with Wet Hair
There are many types of fungi present on our bodies and in the environment that pose no threat to our health. Both pillows and hair follicles can be home to some types of fungi. However, in suitable conditions, some may cause infections and conditions affecting the scalp and other areas of the body.
- Tinea Capitis: Fungal species thrive in damp areas and can cause a scalp condition called tinea capitis. This can lead to itching and hair breakage, manifesting as bald patches with black dots and redness, swelling, and scaling on the scalp.
- Malassezia: Malassezia can reside in hair follicles and is associated with a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. This type of dermatitis can cause dandruff on the scalp and greasy, yellowish patches on the face and head.
- Aspergillus fumigatus: Aspergillus fumigatus is a type of fungus found in pillows. It can cause aspergillosis, an infection that can lead to serious respiratory issues in some people.
Most fungal infections are more likely to develop in people with weakened immune systems. Those concerned about the risk of fungal infection should consult their doctor regarding their bedding and whether sleeping with wet hair could pose a threat to their health.
Many people believe that sleeping with wet hair can increase the risk of developing a cold. However, there is no scientific evidence that wet hair directly causes illness. Similarly, exposure to cold temperatures has been thought to cause the common cold, but there is little evidence to support that theory.
Tips for Sleeping with Wet Hair
Some people may sleep with damp hair for various reasons, such as for certain hairstyles or as part of their bedtime routine. Regardless, there are steps you can take to improve the experience of sleeping with wet hair.
- Use a silk pillowcase: Silk pillowcases reduce friction, potentially preventing hair breakage.
- Apply oil: Coconut or argan oil may help protect and moisturize the hair.
- Wear a hair cap: A cap or scarf can protect hair from damage while sleeping.
- Use conditioner: Conditioners help detangle hair and reduce friction, potentially decreasing damage during sleep.
- Alter your bedtime routine: Start your routine earlier to allow time for your hair to dry naturally or with a hair dryer.
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Sleeping with wet hair may lead to damage, breakage, dandruff, and fungal growth. To learn more, we consulted dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, and hairstylists Abby Haliti, Creighton Bowman, and Jenn Velez.
Discover why sleeping with wet hair might not be ideal and how to mitigate potential damage.
Meet the Experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and professor at Cornell.
- Abby Haliti, renowned hair stylist and founder of Abby Haliti Color Studio.
- Creighton Bowman, celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles, CA.
- Jenn Velez, hair colorist at LRN Beauty.
Why It’s Bad to Sleep on Wet Hair
Sleeping on wet hair can weaken hair strength and scalp health. Wet hair is fragile and prone to breakage, so sleeping on it may lead to damage and scalp issues like dandruff or fungal growth.
While it may not always be harmful, sleeping with wet hair can have a negative impact on the long-term health of your hair, particularly if it is curly or fine.
It’s important to note that sleeping on wet hair can also lead to an itchy scalp, as the dampness can create a breeding ground for bacteria. This can result in dandruff and other scalp issues if left untreated.
Additionally, wet hair is more prone to damage and breakage when it rubs against rough surfaces like a pillowcase. Over time, this can lead to split ends and overall weaker, less healthy hair.
To avoid these negative side effects, it’s best to allow your hair to air dry or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting before going to bed. You can also try using a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent hair breakage while you sleep.
Tips for Sleeping on Wet Hair
- Avoid Sleeping with Soaking Wet Hair: Dry your hair partially before bed to minimize frizz and breakage.
- Use a Microfiber Hair Towel: Remove excess moisture to prevent breakage and frizz.
- Sleep with a Loose Braid or Bun: Prevent tangling and breakage while sleeping.
- Opt for a Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Reduce frizz and breakage with a smoother surface.
- Consider Using a Bonnet: Protect your hair and prevent breakage while sleeping.
- Apply Leave-In Conditioner or Hair Oil: Nourish and shield your hair from dryness and damage.
The Takeaway
Allow your hair to fully dry before going to bed, as sleeping with wet hair can be detrimental to both your hair and scalp health. Continuous sleeping with wet hair may lead to brittleness, unruliness, split ends, dryness, dandruff, and various scalp issues. To minimize potential hair damage, consider sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase, wearing a loose braid or bun, or applying conditioner or oil to your hair before bed.
Sleeping with wet hair is not advisable. Our experts suggest, regardless, that you should never go to bed with soaked hair and recommend fully drying your hair before sleep.
If you must sleep with wet hair, it may result in hair damage, breakage, and compromised scalp health. Sleeping on wet hair can also increase the risk of dandruff and fungal infections.
If you find yourself having to sleep with wet hair, you can take several measures to reduce the damage: sleep on a silk pillowcase, partially dry your roots with a hairdryer before bed, remove excess moisture with a towel, and so on.
Our experts have devised a strategy on how to go to sleep with damp hair and wake up to envy-inducing locks. “The most common question we get is how wet the hair should be before bedtime. It should be slightly damp, definitely not dripping wet. Sleeping with completely wet hair damages the follicle and leads to breakage, so you should dry hair to 70% or let it air dry to the moistest state,” says Sabanayagam. She also recommends changing your bed linen if you plan to sleep with wet hair. “Ideal to rest your head on a silk pillowcase, as conventional cotton options are harsh on your hair and can cause tangling and breakage. The silk surface allows hair fibers to remain separate, reducing tangling and knots,” she explains.
A myth that Sabanayagam and Merchant would like to debunk is the supposed relationship between wet hair and catching a cold. “Colds are caused by viruses, so sleeping with wet hair will not give you a cold. However, it can lead to a fungal infection if your pillowcase is contaminated with fungi, so make sure to change pillowcases at least once a week,” recommends Sabanayagam.
How to sleep with wet hair if you have a straight mane
“Once you’ve sufficiently dampened your hair, it’s wise to take some preemptive measures. Apply a generous amount of hair serum, such as L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Liss Ultime, from the mid-lengths to ends of your hair to prevent tangling,” says Merchant. It’s also worth considering the hairstyle you want to wake up with the next day. “If you want to wake up with curls, make sure you’ve twisted your hair well and secured it with a knot so your hair fibers can dry into those curls. However, if you want to keep your hair straight, gather all your hair in one direction and let it air dry naturally. This will also ensure you don’t get random waves or bends from your head resting on the pillowcase,” she adds.
How to sleep with wet hair if you have curls
“After quickly drying your hair, use a curling cream like Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Curl Honey Cream before bed. This will help maintain your curls, eliminate mechanical stress, and unwanted frizz. Remember to divide your hair, untangle any braids, and separate them with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush. Tilt your head from side to side to lay your hair, and then style it as desired,” advises Merchant.
How to sleep with wet hair if you’re already dealing with frizz
“If your hair tends to be frizzy, establish a good relationship with a leave-in conditioner,” says Sabanayagam. She also suggests using silk fabrics for any items that come into close contact with your hair, whether it’s a hair tie or pillowcase. “Silk can help combat frizz,” she explains. “Tie your hair up in a high bun or braid it for the night. Use a silk scarf or fabric to tie it as a headband so your hair doesn’t touch the pillowcase. Flip your head down, carefully arrange your hair, and flip it back up. Resist the temptation to brush your hair, as it causes more friction and frizz,” Sabanayagam recommends.