The Effects of Going to Bed with Wet Hair

Taking a shower at night can be soothing and a nice way to cleanse oneself after a long day. However, can this habit pose a risk to the health of your hair?

Cleansing hair at night ideally requires it to dry out thoroughly before hitting the bed. Nonetheless, this isn't always feasible. Using a hairdryer might disturb others in the house, while waiting for hair to dry naturally eats into valuable sleep hours. As a consequence, many individuals may find themselves sleeping with wet hair.

Though this seems more practical, dermatologists concur that sleeping with wet hair isn't advisable, as it could increase the hair damage risk and introduce potential scalp problems like infections or exacerbation of skin disorders.

Discover from experts the health hazards of sleeping with wet hair and other methods to safeguard your hair during the night.

There's a likelihood of hair breakage if a person goes to bed without completely drying their hair.

Wet hair is more elastic and stretchable, according to Ife J. Rodney, MD, dermatologist and founding director of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics.

"This is why we normally remove tangles from hair when it's wet and not when it's dry," she explained.

However, hair is also more fragile when wet, added Cindy Wassef, MD, an assistant professor in the department of dermatology at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Wet, delicate hair combined with the "friction and tension" from nightly sleep can lead to hair breakage, Rodney mentioned.

"Hence, I'd advise allowing your hair to dry out before going to bed," she suggested.

Sleeping on wet hair can cause damage, but it's vital to note that this habit doesn't typically result in extreme hair health problems or hair loss.

Unless there is significant head movement or lots of tossing and turning, the chance of substantial hair damage is unlikely, said Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Apart from the potential for hair breakage, sleeping with undried hair can lead to possible skin problems as well.

"Sleeping with wet hair can foster a moist and warm environment on the scalp, which can leave you prone to bacterial and yeast infections," Wassef explained.

Issues like bacterial or fungal folliculitis, characterized by small bumps or pustules on the scalp, may occur. Zeichner added that yeast can accumulate on the scalp, leading to infections. An itchy, flaky rash called seborrheic dermatitis can arise due to Malassezia yeast on the scalp, while Candida yeast can cause symptoms such as scalp itchiness or blisters. Wet hair at night may also exacerbate existing dandruff problems.

In addition, sleeping with wet hair could lead to respiratory problem due to damp pillows and bedding that facilitate mold growth, leading to airway irritation, says Wassef.

However, sleeping with wet hair should not cause other respiratory diseases like a cold, according to Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo.

"Wet or dry hair before bedtime has no effect on it." Russo debunked. "This is a myth."

It's best to dry hair before sleep, but don't stress if you occasionally sleep with wet hair.

"While sleeping with dry hair is preferable, going to bed with wet hair won't result in major harm," Zeichner reassured.

If someone wants to enhance their hair health, there are other steps they can take to reduce friction and hair breakage, apart from sleeping with dry hair.

People with longer hair, for instance, can use a loose scrunchie or hair tie to collect hair before sleeping, according to Wassef. It's crucial not to tie it too tightly, as it could cause more damage, Rodney advised.

Increases friction on your hair while you sleep can be reduced by sleeping on a silk pillowcase, suggested Wassef.

"Whilst they haven't been scientifically proven to reduce breakage, they certainly won't harm your hair," she noted.

Similarly, sleeping with a satin head wrap can also safeguard hair and minimize friction, Rodney mentioned.

Other ways to help maintain hair health include focusing shampoo on the scalp and conditioner on the hair ends, using hair products specially designed for your hair type, and protecting your hair while swimming.