Why you should not sleep with wet hair: 3 arguments from doctors

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After an evening shower, many people are tempted to go straight to bed and fall asleep with wet hair. But this bad habit can have long-term consequences, such as the development of fungal infections of the scalp. Doctors Po-Chang Hsu and Nilong Vyas gave three reasons why you should not sleep with wet hair, and told how to reduce the risk of dangerous consequences if drying your hair in the evening is troublesome, writes Livestrong.

Wet hair provokes the growth of bacteria on pillows

“When you sleep with wet hair, the warmth of the head and moisture create a favorable environment for the reproduction of microorganisms. This can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi on pillows,” says Boston-based physician Po-Chang Hsu. The same mechanism works even if the hair is just wet. To understand the danger of such a result of events, it is enough to imagine that during sleep a person's face can often come into contact with the pillow.

Sleeping with wet hair increases the risk of fungal infections

Constantly falling asleep with wet hair can lead to fungal infections of the scalp. One type of fungus that can occur is Malassezia. It contributes to the emergence of dandruff or dermatitis.

Hair becomes brittle

The least dangerous, but also unpleasant consequence of sleeping with wet hair. Wet curls are more fragile, so the tips begin to split faster. Rubbing wet hair against the pillow makes it brittle.

How to reduce the risk of consequences

• Use good absorbent towels. They will remove more moisture, thanks to which the hair will dry faster.
• To prevent hair breakage, do not forget about a leave-in moisturizing lotion. It will cover strands with a protective layer, prevent breakage and tangling.
• Buy a silk pillowcase. Cotton increases the friction of the hair against the pillow, due to which the strands are more injured. Silk products are smoother and reduce friction.