You shouldn't sleep with wet hair
This seemingly innocent habit could be doing more harm than good.
We’ve all been there – you’ve had a late workout or just wanted to wash your hair before bed. Before you know it, you’re under the covers with wet hair.
While it might seem harmless, this common habit could have more serious consequences. According to professionals, here’s why you shouldn’t sleep with wet hair.
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Wet = more breakage
Your hair is most fragile when wet. Tossing and turning on a pillow with damp hair increases the risk of breakage.
Skin infections are a risk
Sleeping with wet hair puts your scalp at risk of developing skin infections.
Certain bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and so will proliferate on scalp skin if it stays damp for hours. Most commonly, a type of yeast called Malassezia can accumulate on the scalp and cause flaking, which can be mistaken for dandruff.
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Itchy, painful bumps
This habit could cause acne-like bumps on your scalp. These small, inflamed sores (or pustules) can be painful and itchy, and they may turn into bacterial or fungal folliculitis, an infection of the follicles.
If the symptoms don't go away, it's a good idea to see a dermatologist.
It's not just about your hair
The problems from sleeping with wet hair can spread beyond your scalp. Fungal acne can develop on your face, often appearing as small red bumps. In some cases, this can spread to your upper body.
I've diagnosed patients with this and traced the cause to their sleeping with their face on a damp pillow caused by going to bed with wet hair.
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You can infect others
If you get an infection from going to bed with wet hair, it could be contagious.
Dermatologist Jennifer Linder warns that bacteria-related skin issues can spread to other parts of the body, but it has to happen through direct contact.
Watch out for red, oozing, itchy sores.
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that can occur anywhere on the body, including the face and scalp. It can be spread from person to person through contact with the infected sores or by sharing personal items, such as towels or bedding.
If you want to wash your hair before bed but avoid all these nasty-sounding issues, make sure your hair is dry before it hits the pillow. Give it enough time to air dry or use a blow-dryer if you’re in a hurry. Dry hair means a much lower risk of breakage, skin issues, and infections.
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