For generations, protective mothers have warned against going to bed with
wet hair. “Dry your hair before you catch a cold!” Well, sorry mom, but there is no evidence that sleeping with wet hair can lead to a cold.”
However, the practice may have some other negative effects, however minimal. Read on to get the low down on hitting the hay with wet hair.
Can’t Catch a Cold
There is no scientific proof that going to sleep with wet hair will lead to a case of the sniffles. Neither will be going outside during cold weather. Catching a cold has nothing to do with being cold, but with being infected by one of the many cold-causing viruses. So why the old wives’ tale? Likely because colds are more common during the cold weather months when kids head back to school and people spend more time indoors
where it’s easier to infect and become infected. Viruses are spread through droplets in the air from sneezing, coughing, or sneezing. These droplets enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes from hand-to-hand contact or touching contaminated surfaces.
A Fungus Among Us
While catching some Zs with wet hair won’t lead to a cold, it can increase your chances of developing a fungal infection on the scalp. This has more to do with sleeping on a pillow than with wet hair by itself. You see, fungi, which thrive in warm, damp environments, is naturally present in your scalp. Wet hair causes the pillowcase and pillow to become wet, providing an ideal breeding ground. Fungi can lead to scalp conditions such as dermatitis and dandruff. Dry your hair thoroughly before hitting the sack whenever possible.
Bed Head
Hair is at its weakest when wet, becoming increasingly susceptible to breakage. And if you’re one who put your hair in braids or a tight ponytail before hitting the hay, you’re only adding to the damage. If you must sleep with wet hair, the best thing you can do to prevent damage is to leave it down.
But If You Must…
On those nights when drying your freshly washed hair before bed is not an option, try these tips:
- Apply coconut oil to your hair to protect it from damage. It reduces the amount of water hair absorbs, which reduce swelling making it less prone to breakage.
- Use a conditioner specially formulated for your hair type to help seal the cuticles, reduce friction, and make it easier to brush or comb your hair while wet.
- Even if you don’t’ have time to let it dry fully, every little bit helps.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase. The milder surface helps reduce friction, with reduces damage.
Here’s a wild, but if you’re balding at too raid a pace to suit you, you probably with you even had the option of going to bed with a headful of wet hear. But fear now, because the hair transplant medical team at DiStefano Hair Restoration Center can help make that dream come true. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss the variety of ways we can cover your scalp again – and keep it that way.
