If you shower before bed, you’ve probably wondered whether sleeping with damp hair is a problem. Maybe you’ve heard it could make you sick, or that it can damage your hair or skin. What’s the truth?
Let’s address the “it can make you sick” myth first.
“This idea seems to fit into the old bit of folklore that getting yourself chilled and wet will cause you to come down with a cold,” says Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
While this idea persists, Schaffner says it was long ago disproved. It’s true that you’re much more likely to catch a common cold during the winter months. But this has to do with the ways respiratory viruses proliferate and spread, he says. “You cannot catch a cold from being cold,” he adds.
Another wet-hair rumor is the idea that harmful bacteria will colonize your pillow. Illness-causing bacteria and viruses don’t appear spontaneously, and so you’re not going to make yourself ill by getting your pillow a little damp at night, Schaffner says.
But there is a possible exception. Some research has shown that pillows—especially those made with synthetic materials—can harbor asthma- or allergy-triggering molds and fungus. These microorganisms tend to do well in damp environments, and so do dust mites, says Dr. Payel Gupta, a board-certified allergist and spokesperson for the American Lung Association.
Gupta says there’s no evidence that people who sleep with wet hair experience more allergy or asthma symptoms, so any concerns about wet hair are theoretical. But if you wake up with a stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, breathing problems or other allergy or asthma symptoms—or even if you don’t—you should wash your pillow cases and sheets in hot water at least once a week to reduce your exposure to any potential irritants.
When it comes to the health of your hair and skin, there may be a few other legitimate reasons to worry about water-logged locks.
“Generally, it’s thought not to be good for hair to sleep with it wet,” says Dr. George Cotsarelis, a professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Over time—anywhere from a few days to weeks or months—water can degrade a hair follicle’s protective outer layer, which is called the cuticle, he explains. Once that cuticle breaks down, water can penetrate it and rupture the follicle’s inner cortex. The resulting damage can lead to breakages, he says, as well as a loss of shine and elasticity.
But it’s worth noting that almost anything you do to your hair—from brushing and blow-drying it to coloring it or exposing it to the sun—can damage it. While sleeping with wet hair may not be optimal, using conditioner can help restore and repair it, says Dr. Adam Friedman, professor and interim chair of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Friedman says the same is true of any potential skin issues that could arise from sleeping with wet hair. If you’re a side or stomach sleeper, pinning wet hair between your pillow and the skin of your face could cause some irritation, he says. Also, as the water in your hair evaporates, this could promote dryness on your face or scalp, he adds.
But a lot of people sleep with wet hair and don’t seem to have any problems, he says. And in some cases, wet hair may actually be a helpful sleep aid. Research has shown that cooling your head at night helps calm the brain’s metabolic activity in ways that promote sleep onset and restorative ZZZs.
There may be some mild risks associated with going to bed with wet hair. But of all the health concerns you could worry about, this one shouldn’t keep you up at night.
FAQs
Though this is certainly more convenient, people should avoid sleeping on wet hair if possible, dermatologists agreed—it can raise your risk of hair damage, as well as open the door to possible scalp issues like infections or worsening skin conditions.
Is it OK to leave hair wet overnight? ›
“If you don't experience breakage or frizz from sleeping with wet hair, and it doesn't impact your comfort, then it's likely OK for you,” Dr. Penzi says. The key is to avoid letting it become a nightly habit, especially if you notice changes to your hair, scalp, or skin.
Does going to bed with wet hair cause fungus? ›
Breakage isn't the only issue associated with going to bed with wet hair. “Apart from potential breakage and split ends, going to bed with wet hair can also contribute to the development of fungal infections on your scalp,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
Is it okay to sleep with wet hair in a towel? ›
"Going to bed with wet or damp hair will most likely lead to more friction on the strands, ultimately leading to potential damage." That's why she says it's something that she advises against.
Is it bad to sleep with wet hair in a bun? ›
As we explored above, your hair is at its most vulnerable when it is wet. A tight french braid or a knotted, messy bun can potentially lead to hair loss and breakage. If you're not comfortable sleeping with it down, a very loose braid or a loose twisted bun is best. Try to use a silk or satin scrunchie to secure it.
Is it damaging to leave your hair wet? ›
Hair is made up largely of a number of proteins called keratins. These are safely ensconced in cuticles, a protective covering a bit like flexible armor. When hair is wet, proteins form weaker bonds (hydrogen bonds), than when the hair is dry (protein-protein bonds). This makes the hair easier to damage.
Is it bad to let your hair air dry? ›
When the cell membrane complex layer swells, it can weaken the hair over time. While excessive heat can cause damage to the surface layer of the hair, air-drying can cause trauma to that inner lipid layer, which will make your strands weaker as a result.
Can I get sick if I sleep with wet hair? ›
Sorry, mom, but the short answer is no. Wet hair in a cold environment can make you feel cold and uncomfortable. But it will not give you a cold. Viruses transmitted through bodily fluids cause colds, influenza and COVID-19.
Why is it bad to sleep with socks on? ›
“The wrong socks may overheat your legs and cause discomfort,” Dr. Singh says. “It may also cause sweating in between your toes and promote cutaneous fungal infections and irritation.” Lightweight and breathable materials are your best bet if you want to experiment with wearing socks to bed.
Does wet hair cause hair loss? ›
Wet hair doesn't cause hair loss in both males and females, but certain behaviours or conditions can contribute to hair problems or worsen existing issues. Here are some factors to consider about wet hair loss in men: Hair fragility: When hair is damp, it becomes more brittle and vulnerable to damage.
Is it good to cover your hair while sleeping? Yes, covering your hair while sleeping can be beneficial, especially if you use a satin or silk pillowcase or a hair wrap. These materials can reduce friction between your hair and the pillowcase, minimizing hair breakage, frizz, and tangles.
How to sleep with hair so it looks good in the morning? ›
Here's what to do: Split your hair into small sections and twist each in circles toward the back of your head to create small mini buns. Secure the knots with hair elastics. Use a stocking or silk scarf to protect your hair while you sleep. In the morning, carefully untwist the knots.
Why is my hair curly when I sleep with it wet? ›
"When your hair is wet and still air drying, it's setting that curl," she explained. "Depending on how much you move around in your sleep, this friction could cause frizz and separation of clumped curls.
What to do with wet hair when you go to bed? ›
Minimizing Damage: To sleep with wet hair while minimizing damage, consider using silk or satin pillowcases, which absorb less moisture and reduce friction on your hair. Avoid tight hairstyles and opt for loose braids or twists if you prefer to secure your hair while sleeping.
Is it bad to sleep in wet braids? ›
According to Branda, sleeping with wet braided hair is an absolute “no.” “You're giving bacteria a place to grow hiding in the weave of the wet braid,” she explains. Plus, she points out that wet hair is more elastic when wet than when it's dry, so all the pulling while braiding can result in breakage.
Which side is the healthiest to sleep on? ›
And sleeping on the left side is best because it keeps pressure off internal organs and promotes healthy blood flow. "When you are in that third trimester of pregnancy and when you sleep on your back, the uterus is compressing your inferior vena cava. It's compressing the arterial system," says Dr. Somers.
Should I let my hair stay wet? ›
Don't let your hair stay wet for too long. Here's why: your hair is made up of protein bonds called keratin, which are protected by your hair's cuticle. When your hair is wet, the cuticles open, causing the proteins to form weaker-than-usual hydrogen bonds.
What hairstyles should you sleep in with wet hair? ›
Check out three wet hairstyles you can sleep in to protect your hair and make sure it looks good upon waking.
- Braids. If you need to sleep on wet hair, at least do so with a few braids. ...
- Space Buns. If you prefer big curls to loose waves, catch up on beauty sleep in some space buns. ...
- Hair Scarf or Bonnet.
Going to bed with wet hair can make your hair look greasy when you wake up in the morning. This is because your hair produces an oil called sebum that coats your strands. If you don't have time to dry your hair properly before bed, this sebum will stay on your strands and make them look greasy.
