The friction caused by your hair rubbing against the pillow can cause it to break or develop split ends more easily. “In general, wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage than dry hair,” says Timothy Schmidt, MD, a dermatologist at University of Utah Health.
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.
Wet hair is far weaker than dry hair, being more susceptible to breakage and damage from just about anything – heat and pulling on the hair strands are more likely to damage wet hair than dry. Hair is made up largely of a number of proteins called keratins.
Regular trims: Trimming your hair regularly helps prevent split ends from worsening. Even a slight trim can keep your hair healthy and more resilient. Less frequent heat styling: The frequent use of hot tools can weaken hair. Try to minimize their use and always apply a heat protectant when you do style with heat.
According to Dr. Stephens, sleeping with wet strands can result in a few primary concerns for your hair: Fungal infections and scalp irritation: A moist scalp environment can promote fungal growth, leading to conditions like dandruff or dermatitis (skin or scalp rash or irritation).
Drinking an adequate amount of water keeps your hair hydrated and can prevent many scalp and hair issues such as itchiness, dandruff, and dry or brittle hair. In addition, when you drink enough water, your scalp remains hydrated and healthy, helping you avoid thinning hair and hair loss conditions.
To help prevent an unmanageable mane come morning, blot your hair dry, then apply a leave-in conditioner spray, anti-frizz cream, or serum—whichever you prefer.
But here's a surprising fact: Air drying can cause more damage to your hair than blow drying it, depending on your technique. “It may seem counterintuitive since we're all aware of heat damage,” hairdresser Dejan Garz explains.
While daily wetting may have its advantages, there are also potential drawbacks to consider: Moisture Loss: Excessive water exposure can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage, especially for those with dry or damaged hair.
The inside of a warm, damp mattress is the ideal breeding ground for a whole load of nasty things. Bacteria, fungal growth, dust mites, and even bed bugs all thrive in this environment.
The human body produces the hormone melatonin. This hormone has been confirmed by researchers to regulate the sleep cycle and increase hair growth. While sleep has a direct impact on the human body's natural hormones, it means that poor sleep reduces the amount of melatonin, potentially causing hair loss.
Kiwi Juice: A Vitamin C Powerhouse
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and tissue health. Since hair follicles consist mostly of collagen proteins, vitamin C plays a vital role in promoting healthy hair growth and shine. The nutrient protects follicles against damage while stimulating new strand production.
Dry hair is hair that's lacking in moisture – it can't retain hydration, and it's not getting enough on a day-to-day basis. Dehydrated hair often looks frizzy and dull – when you touch it, it may feel brittle and straw-like, and flyaways and split ends may become noticeable when you look in the mirror.
But is sleeping with wet hair truly harmful? While it's not “bad” for your health in the sense of causing disease or permanent damage, the hair's increased fragility when wet can potentially lead to mechanical damage over time, especially if you toss and turn a lot during sleep.
On standard pillows in most bedrooms, your hair can get tangled all the time. However, wrapping your head in a hair towel before bed can remove all post-shower knots. The towel will gently twist your hair behind and away from your face to prevent strands from tangling throughout the night.
Styling drenched hair will only drag out your dry time, and all that wetness makes hair prone to damage and frizz. For fast air drying, soak up excess water with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. Remember the rule of thumb: try to get hair at least 30 percent dry before applying styling products.
The low bun is an absolute classic hairstyle for healthy hair. With that bun sitting nicely on the nape of your neck, gravity won't be tugging on your hair follicles anytime soon. If you've done a low bun before, you might like to create a ponytail before twisting your hair around itself.
The Case for an Updo Before Bed
It's more about protecting your hair to reduce friction so you don't risk breakage or waking up with a tangled mess. If you have long hair, you can pull your hair back or put it up. If you choose to sleep with hair up, avoid metal or rubber hair ties, which can lead to breakage.
Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.