8 reasons why you should not sleep with wet hair
Even on hot days or when time is short, drying hair before bed is an attitude fundamental to our well-being. Although it usually seems like a helpless habit, the simple act of applying wet or damp locks greatly affects the hair structure, damaging the strands and weakening the appearance of the hair.
In addition, sleeping with wet hair can harm the scalp and even other aspects of health. So, here are the most important problems that can arise when maintaining this habit in your daily life:
1. Increases split ends
According to dermatologist and trichologist Joanna Dark Denise, sleeping with wet hair can amplify split ends. The specialist explains that the friction of the wet strands with the pillow intensifies and contributes to the breakage of the hair shaft.
“Hair that has already been exposed to the chemicals suffers the most, due to the weakening of the cuticle, medulla and cortex due to the products,” the doctor adds. It should be noted that fine or curly hair is also more susceptible to friction damage due to the wire structure.
2. Exacerbation of respiratory diseases
Those with allergic rhinitis or sinusitis are more sensitive to temperature changes. In this way, staying with wet hair for a long time can facilitate the symptoms of these diseases. This tends to be more frequent when temperatures are low and the air humidity level is high.
3. Stimulates the reproduction of fungi and bacteria
“Sleeping with wet hair causes the growth of fungi and bacteria, which protect the scalp in normal amounts, in abnormal amounts, especially in a humid and warm environment,” says hair hygienist Joanna Dark Denise.
In light of this, it is possible to develop a framework for tinea of the scalp (also called tinea capitis), which can cause severe itching, dandruff and even hair loss.
4. It makes the wires more brittle
Another disadvantage of sleeping with wet hair is that strands can become more brittle and brittle – especially when the habit is repeated. According to trichologist Joanna Dark-Denez, these wire breaks can occur at different times and may also cause falls, especially in people who already have a penchant.
Anyone with dermatitis should not sleep with wet hair. “People who suffer from hair conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, the problem is usually exacerbated when adopting this habit, because it accelerates the production of sebum due to flaking of the scalp,” the specialist points out.
6. More dandruff
Dandruff is a change in the scalp caused by a bacterial imbalance that accelerates cell renewal, which leads to flaking. Thus, sleeping with wet locks can intensify the exfoliation process, thereby increasing the presence of dandruff on the head.
7. It takes longer to dry
Did you know that it takes about 12 hours for the scalp to dry completely? In addition, during sleep, the metabolism slows down, which makes the wires take longer to dry. That is, wet hair feels firmer (and can be uncomfortable).
8. “Bad Hair Day”
In addition to all the above disadvantages, the appearance of the strands is also affected when sleeping with wet hair. “Generally, this causes the dreaded bad daytime effect, where damp strands spend the night in contact with the pillow,” says hair expert Joanna Dark.
Hair drying tips
After checking out this list, if you choose to dry your hair before bed, you can follow some valuable tips that will further help in maintaining the health and appearance of your hair. see below:
1. Avoid washing your hair at night or having a hair dryer handy
If time is short, try not to wash your hair at night. And if it is absolutely necessary to wash it at night, use a dryer to avoid water retention in the scalp. This is it: dry your hair completely before bedtime.
2. Beware the towel
The function of the towel is only to remove excess water. Do not wrap it in your hair, as this may cause strands to break. Another important point: be nice. Sudden movements can also damage the locks.
Also, make sure the towel is always well sterilized, as it can be a source of contamination with unwanted fungi.
3. Do not pinch the wires while they are wet.
“Another very important care is not to tie wet hair and go to sleep, because this only increases the damage,” says Joanna Dark-Denez. Not to mention that this procedure also makes the drying process difficult and favors the reproduction of fungi and bacteria.
4. Did you get wet? washed!
Finally, specialist Joanna Dark Denise leaves an important tip: “Never wet hair without shampoo. The rule is simple: get wet, wash. Accumulation of water, pollution and oils only aggravate the condition of the scalp and, accordingly, of wires.”
