For most people, there is no medical need to shampoo at all, as rinsing with water can remove dirt and dandruff. However, some health conditions can benefit from regular shampooing. People with parasitic infections of the scalp, particularly lice, may need to use special shampoos to get rid of the bugs.
It's generally fine to wet your hair without shampooing it every day. In fact, some people with certain hair types or conditions may benefit from wetting their hair daily to add moisture. However, excessive wetting without proper drying and conditioning can potentially lead to dryness or damage over time (1).
Yes, you can wash your hair with just water if it is already clean. In fact, many people choose to ``co-wash'' their hair, which involves using conditioner instead of shampoo, to avoid over-drying their hair and scalp.
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.
It should only be slightly damp, and definitely not completely wet. Sleeping with completely wet hair damages the follicle and causes breakage, so you'll want to blast it with the hairdryer to dry out 70 per cent of your hair or let it naturally dry till it's just a little damp,” says Sabanayagam.
Researchers found the hair's cell membrane (the material that 'glues' hair cells together) was only damaged in the naturally dried group due to staying in contact with water for longer. They also found that using the proper technique when blow drying is better for the health of your hair.
The Frizz Fright: As you toss and turn, wet hair is more elastic and prone to breakage, leading to a frizzy fright come morning. Moldy Misadventures: A damp scalp is a haven for fungus and bacteria, potentially leading to scalp issues or even a mildew adventure on your pillows.
For most people, there is no medical need to shampoo at all, as rinsing with water can remove dirt and dandruff. However, some health conditions can benefit from regular shampooing. People with parasitic infections of the scalp, particularly lice, may need to use special shampoos to get rid of the bugs.
Leaving hair to dry naturally can be more damaging than intense heat. Hair can absorb up to 30 per cent of its own weight in water. The longer it stays wet, the worse things get, as it continues to swell.
The Verdict: Wet hair does not make you sick directly! However, it's best to dry your hair year-round before leaving the house to avoid creating optimal conditions for cold and flu viruses to spread.
But before you give it a try, some warnings: Although it didn't happen to me, forgoing cleansing can cause some side effects like dandruff, an overly-sensitive scalp, and even hair loss (things that are reversible and often related to the hair's need to regain balance after giving up shampoo).
You might think it won't hurt, but washing your hair regularly is incredibly important for the health of your hair and scalp. "Shampooing removes sebum or oil that normally coats the hair shaft," says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
Just Water Method
By wetting your hair you're still technically washing it, but you're avoiding exposure to potentially dehydrating ingredients like sulfates. A good time to use the “just water” method is when it's the end of the day and your hair is looking like a bit of a mess.
The no-poo (or “no shampoo”) method is a hair-cleansing technique that removes shampoo from the equation, says Yadav. Instead of using shampoo, followers of the practice use alternatives such as apple cider vinegar, a cleansing conditioner, or just plain water.
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.
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.
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 scalp naturally has a pH level around 4.5-5.5, which is slightly acidic. Conventional bar soaps tend to be more alkaline with a pH level around 9-10. Using an alkaline soap on your hair can disrupt its natural pH balance, leading to dryness and irritation.
Potential Drawbacks of Daily Hair Wetting
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.
When your hair dries naturally, it may remain damp for longer periods compared to when using a hair dryer, which can put the fibers under stress. Over time, this can lead to a weakened hair structure, increased breakage, and reduced elasticity.
💫Additionally, wet towels left on the bed can lead to hygiene issues, as they provide a breeding ground for bacteria. 💫This can pose health risks and compromise the cleanliness of the sleeping area.