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.
Scalp irritation and fungal infections
While this likely won't develop immediately, repeatedly going to bed with wet hair could cause some problems for your scalp, including: Malassezia: This is a fungus that can lead to conditions like dandruff or dermatitis.
The long-term effects of frequent wet hair can include hair breakage, split ends, dryness, frizziness, and scalp irritation. Wet hair is more prone to damage than dry hair, so it is important to take extra care when styling wet hair.
Sleeping with wet hair risks a fungal or bacterial infection on your scalp. The moisture remains trapped around your follicles and gives bacteria the perfect breeding ground. The warm, wet environment allows microbes to swarm! In addition, fungus and bacteria can contaminate your bedding and your sheets.
Yes, but it's best if you blot out as much excess moisture as possible. There is quite a difference between soaking wet hair and damp hair. Allowing hair to air dry is an excellent way to prevent heat or other styling damage. Just make sure that the roots are allowed to dry as much as possible before sleeping.
Twist your hair into a top knot and wrap it into a bun while going to bed. Use a silk scarf and tie it into a headband to make sure your hair doesn't touch the pillowcase. In the morning take your hair down and flip it upside down and side to side. Resist the urge to brush as it causes more friction and frizz.
The best way to dry your hair is to let it air dry under the fan as much as possible. However, some experts believe combining air and blow-drying is healthier than just air drying. It is good to let your hair air-dry seventy percent of the way and then blow-dry till they become dry ultimately.
A fungal infection of the scalp by mold-like fungi is called tinea capitis. Tinea capitis (also called ringworm of the scalp) is a skin disorder that affects children almost exclusively. It can be persistent and very contagious. Symptoms may consist of itching, scaly, inflammed balding areas on the scalp.
When hair is wet, it absorbs water and swells. This causes the hair shaft to become more porous, which makes it easier for water to penetrate the hair and cause damage. Wet hair is also more prone to stretching, which can cause the hair to break or split.
“Keeping your hair wet for long periods of time (for example, overnight or air drying on a regular basis) can cause hygral fatigue, which is damage to the hair from excessive swelling,” explains trichologist Stephanie Sey on behalf of Nizoral.
Believe it or not, the simple act of repeatedly wetting your hair alone can be bad for your hair. "Wetting the hair repeatedly (and then using heat to dry it) can weaken the cortex and cuticle layers of the hair," Longsworth says. "And if the hair stays wet for extended periods of time, hygral fatigue can be an issue."
Your hair is fragile when it's wet, which causes it to break. This also causes you to lose your hair completely. Hair will fall out due to it being wet and fragile while you sleep, but the conditions you put your scalp in can also cause hair to fall out.
“The water weakens the hair's protein structure, making it more elastic and easier to stretch and snap. This is why you may have noticed more hair in your brush or on your pillow after sleeping with wet hair.” Another factor to consider is the potential for scalp issues.
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.
Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal shampoo, foam or ointment. You can buy many antifungal medications over-the-counter. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger antifungal option if needed. It's important to keep your scalp clean and dry as part of your yeast infection treatment.
Long Story Short. Sleeping with wet hair isn't advised because it can be damaging to the hair and increases the risk of scalp infections. Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, and that's exactly what you create when you sleep with wet hair.
Is it OK to wear my bra to sleep? There's nothing wrong with wearing a bra while you sleep if that's what you're comfortable with. Sleeping in a bra will not make your breasts perkier or prevent them from getting saggy. And it will not stop breasts from growing or cause breast cancer.
Sleeping with your phone beside your bed may stimulate your brain while trying to sleep, especially if you get late-night notifications. Although your phone emits low levels of non-ionizing radiation, you may want to avoid sleeping with your phone next to your bed to decrease your exposure to RF energy.
Longsworth said those with damaged, color-treated, or high porosity hair would benefit from air-drying. Air-drying is also better for color-treated hair, as heat can strip the vibrancy if you aren't using color-safe hair care. If you choose to air-dry your hair, use protective hair care to keep your hair safe.
"If you really want to reduce your exposure to harsh ingredients the safest way, color-depositing conditioners and masks are best," Patton said. These dyes don't require a developer, so they're relatively gentle.