Is sleeping with wet hair harmful?

Some of the habits that we carry out daily can be detrimental to our hair health. Sleeping with wet hair is something common, especially in the summer season where temperatures are high, what is normally unknown are the effects that this can cause on the hair.

What are the consequences of sleeping with wet hair? Is it really bad? From Hospital Capilar, hair clinic in Spain, we tell you to what extent sleeping with wet hair can be a problem for hair health.

Is it bad to sleep with wet hair?

Sleeping with wet hair in a timely manner is not a problem for the hair. However, when it becomes a habit, we can notice a noticeable loss of hair quality and even be the origin of fungal infections on the scalp.

In no case is it advisable to sleep with wet hair, it is advisable to take the shower earlier so that when we go to bed the hair has already dried in the air or, if this is not possible, remove the excess moisture with a towel and proceed to the usual drying.

Disadvantages of sleeping with wet hair

When we go to bed with wet hair, when we wake up we can find certain inconveniences that, in any case, it is better to avoid. Below we will tell you the reasons why it is not advisable to sleep with wet hair.

Dandruff

The moisture accumulated in the scalp alters the activity of the fungus called Malassezia, which is naturally present on the head. This fungus feeds on the fat of the hair follicles, thus activating cell renewal. The dandruff It appears when this process occurs more quickly, which causes an accumulation of dead cells on the scalp. This is what generates the appearance of whitish scales.                    

Scalp inflammation

Sleeping with wet hair accumulates moisture on the scalp for prolonged periods of time. This may be the origin of an inflammation of the scalp that accompanies symptoms such as itching or stinging.

Increased hair sensitivity

When there is moisture on the scalp on a recurring basis, the hair becomes more sensitive as the cuticle opens. When this happens, the hair increases in size, being more exposed to external agents that can damage it.

more brittle hair

Sleeping with wet hair increases the porosity of the hair, making it much more fragile and brittle. The hair will begin to break more easily and become weaker. In addition, untangling the hair will be a more complicated task since knots and tangles will form more easily.

Headache

Not only sleeping with wet hair is detrimental to hair health, but also to general health. It can be the origin of migraines and intense headaches, as well as being able to catch a cold.

Development of infections

Fungi proliferate more actively in humid environments, so sleeping with wet hair favors the appearance of fungal infections.

Increased sebum production

Another of the consequences of going to bed with wet hair is that it increases the production of fat on the scalp. When grease accumulates, not only will the hair look dirty, but it can cause other types of scalp diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis.

Does sleeping with wet hair favor hair loss?

Sleeping with wet hair itself will not make your hair fall more intensely. However, possible conditions that can find their origin in humidity, such as a fungal infection, can favor hair loss.

In any case, it is important to go to a hair clinic to receive a medical diagnosis in case of intense hair loss.

Tips for proper hair care

To show off healthy hair it is important to follow a good hair care routine. Depending on the needs of each hair type it is advisable to adapt this routine, but in general it is enough to take into account the following.

Use specific hair products

Using effective hair products that match our hair type or particular need is key to having quality hair. In addition, it is important to wash your hair when it is dirty or excessively oily and apply masks or serums from the mid-lengths to the ends to hydrate and nourish the hair fiber.

Take care of the food

Following a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is key to having healthy hair. Such is the importance of it that the diet can cause hair loss in cases of nutritional deficiencies.

Towel dry hair

As we have previously commented, it is preferable to remove excess moisture with a towel and let it air dry. However, before sleeping with wet hair it is more advisable to always use heat sources after applying a thermal protector.