Should You Go to Bed With Wet Hair?

Considering going to sleep with wet hair? Here’s why it’s a habit you should avoid, plus tips to keep your hair healthy when drying it before bed isn’t an option.

Even if you’re not an evening shower person, there are times when a late workout, a stressful day, or simply a change to your schedule calls for a pm session. When it does, the last thing you want to do is spend 20 minutes blow-drying your hair or wait an eternity for it to dry naturally. You have a wind-down routine to get to and beauty sleep to catch after all.

But if you decide to hit the hay with wet hair, how bad is it, really?

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

The Downsides of Going to Bed With Wet Hair

Sleeping with wet hair ranks high on the list of self-care faux pas and for good reason. Here are some of the negative consequences.

Damaged Hair and Breakage. The protein keratin gives hair its strength and flexibility. But when strands become wet, the hydrogen bonds that link those proteins are temporarily disrupted, causing them to become weaker and more elastic. As you sleep, the movement of your head stretches those strands, creating tension that can tear, break, and further weaken hair fibers.

Scalp Conditions. Have you ever gone to bed with wet hair only to wake up with areas that are still damp? That’s because the sections caught between your head and the pillow aren’t getting airflow. And a damp pillow and hair create the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow, which could cause dandruff, dermatitis, and other issues like an itchy, swollen, or red scalp. If you already deal with one of these conditions, there’s a good chance they’ll get worse.

Disruption of the Microbiome. A balanced microbiome is key to a healthy scalp and strong, silky hair. But wet tresses can invite a buildup of yeast and increase the amount of sweat that sits on your scalp while you doze, which can throw that microbiome out of order. If that happens, it can impact hair follicle function and interfere with healthy growth.

Face and Scalp Acne. Sleeping with wet hair doesn’t just cause an accumulation of bacteria, mold, sweat, and yeast on your scalp (and pillow), it traps them there for hours on end. So that acne-causing residue has ample time to seep into, and clog, the pores on your face and scalp, making you more prone to breakouts.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Tips to Prevent Damage If You Sleep With Wet Hair

Sleeping with wet hair isn’t a good idea, but when it can’t be avoided, here are some best practices to minimize damage, bacteria buildup, and scalp issues.

Dry Your Roots. If nothing else, take a few minutes to blow dry your roots. Even if the rest of your hair is damp, this will help keep excess bacteria, sweat, and yeast at bay so your scalp and hair follicle health remain in check.

Invest in a Silk Pillowcase. The lustrous, stainy fabric of a silk pillowcase reduces friction, so your strands easily glide over the surface throughout the night, making them less susceptible to breakage, tangling, and creasing. But don’t be fooled by polyester dupes. Avocado’s silk pillowcase is made from 100 percent pure 22-Momme Mulberry silk, one of the finest silks in the world. It also comes in a mini version that’s perfect for traveling.

Change Your Pillowcase Often. Generally, you should change and wash sheets and bedding every two weeks. But go to bed with damp locks and you’ll need to swap out your pillowcase more often. Fungus and mold thrive in damp environments, meaning the pillowcase your wet hair sat on all night is a breeding ground, especially if it’s made of synthetic materials. So, in addition to keeping your pillowcase fresh, be sure it’s made of natural fibers like organic cotton and organic linen.

Avoid Ponytail and Bun Styles. It may feel like second nature to throw your hair in a ponytail or a bun to get it out of the way while you sleep, but that’s actually the worst thing you can do for your luscious locks. The tension and pressure created by the hair tie can cause unnecessary damage and create baby hairs around your face, which is a major indicator of breakage.

Use Nourishing Products. Before you slip under the covers, spritz your hair with leave-in conditioner, a bond serum, or repair oil to give it the extra support and strength it needs to stay damage-free until morning.

Woman Lying on Pink Avocado Silk Pillow Case

Photo courtesy of Avocado.

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Meredith is a freelance writer specializing in wellness, sustainability, and the outdoors. When she's not writing or brainstorming new content, you can find her barefoot in her backyard, cooking up a new recipe, and spending time with her husband, her beagle, and her cat.