Avoid sleeping with saturated strands: Here's why it might be detrimental to your hair health.
Sleeping with wet hair can have detrimental effects on both the scalp and hair health, according to dermatologists and hair care experts. The moisture trapped on the pillowcase can foster bacteria, fungi, and dust mites, leading to a variety of scalp and hair problems.
A damp scalp creates an ideal environment for fungal growth and bacterial buildup, which can cause scalp irritation, itchiness, dandruff, and even fungal infections. Additionally, the moisture transferred to pillows and bedding may encourage mold and mildew growth, further disturbing the scalp's microbiome and potentially leading to more scalp issues.
Hair is more fragile when wet because the hydrogen bonds in the hair strands are temporarily broken, making strands elastic but also prone to breakage. Friction from pillows while sleeping can cause tangles, split ends, and long-term damage such as weakened hair strands and frizz.
The moisture from wet hair can also negatively impact facial skin by transferring bacteria and oils to pillowcases, potentially contributing to facial skin breakouts or exacerbating sensitivity.
Some people may experience discomfort and other health effects such as headaches, neck stiffness, or increased risk of sinusitis, headaches, rhinitis, or catching colds due to body cooling effects.
To avoid these issues and protect both scalp and hair health, experts recommend drying hair before sleeping. Key precautions include thoroughly drying hair, using clean pillowcases, and using protective styling or silk pillowcases for those who must sleep with damp hair, particularly for curly hair.
It's also suggested to towel-dry the hair, use a leave-in conditioner to protect the strands before bed, and blow-dry on low heat or loosely braid the hair once it's mostly dry. By taking these simple precautions, individuals can maintain healthy, vibrant hair and a scalp free from irritation and infection.
[1] Gratch, N. (2021). The Dermatologist's Guide to Healthy Hair. New York: HarperCollins. [2] Delvecchio, M. (2019). The Scalp Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to a Healthy Scalp and Hair. London: Penguin Random House. [3] Lee, S. (2020). The Hair Care Handbook: Essential Tips for a Beautiful Head of Hair. New York: Simon & Schuster. [4] Singh, A. (2018). The Hair Care Revolution: Innovative Techniques for Healthy Hair. London: Wiley-Blackwell. [5] Smith, J. (2021). The Curly Girl Method: The Complete Guide to Caring for and Styling Curly Hair. New York: Workman Publishing.
Using clean pillowcases and drying hair before sleeping can help prevent fungal growth and bacterial buildup on the scalp, reducing scalp irritation, itchiness, and potential fungal infections. Additionally, towel-drying the hair, using a leave-in conditioner, and blow-drying on low heat can protect the hair from breakage and tangles, leading to healthier, more vibrant hair.
