There are two types of people in this world: Those who love taking some “me” time to dry their hair and those who, well, don’t. If you find yourself in the second camp, you’re not alone. There are plenty of us who face the task of blow drying with less than excitement. And on busy days, we sometimes hit the sheets immediately after a steamy shower. But that raises a question: Is it bad to sleep with wet hair?
To find out, we consulted some of the top hairstylists and dermatologists in the industry for their input. Spoiler alert: There are some mixed opinions. Below, these hair pros will fill you in on the reality of what could occur, the best methods for sleeping with wet hair, and the products that can help you wake up with a downright dreamy mane.
Is It Bad To Sleep With Wet Hair?
While there isn’t a 100% definitive answer, the general consensus on sleeping with wet hair is that it’s often not the best idea. The reason why, however, might be different than you’d think. You may have heard that sleeping with wet hair can make you sick, but a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) dispels this as a myth. In actuality, the main reason experts recommend against going to bed with soaked strands is tied to hair damage.
Joshua Zeichner, MD and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, explains, “Sleeping with wet hair is not ideal. When the hair is wet, it’s actually weaker than when it’s dry, meaning that it’s more likely to develop breakage from friction that occurs while you sleep.”
Some experts believe the answer is more nuanced—sleeping on wet hair may work for some people, but not everyone. Texas-based hairstylist Pepper Pastor shares, “For clients with medium textured hair ranging from straight to wavy, I recommend it as an option for taking a break from blow drying.” However, she notes that it may not be a great solution for those with extremely curly to coily hair.
“Curly-haired ladies could wake up with some frizzy, uncontrolled curls,” the stylist says. As such, she suggests using a curly hair product and wrapping the hair to control how well-defined it dries. And for our fine-haired friends, she does not recommend sleeping with a wet head because, as Zeichner explained, “laying on hair and turning on it through the night can cause breakage.”
Aside from damage, Dr. Zeichner points out some other less-than-pleasant situations that can arise from hitting the hay with wet hair. First, when your hair is wet and comes in contact with your face, it can result in skin irritation or acne. Needless to say, that’s likely not what you have in mind when you think of beauty sleep.
Second, the doctor explains, "Wet hair can wet your pillowcase, creating an environment that may encourage colonization of some microorganisms like mold or yeast.” This resulting mold, yeast, or other bacteria can cause major problems on your scalp. According to the Cleveland Clinic, fungal-related infections, such as ringworm and aspergillosis, can arise from exposure to damp pillows. Malassezia folliculitis is another infection to watch out for. It typically presents as an itchy, acne-like condition that can be worsened by sweat and eventually lead to dandruff or scalp dermatitis.
How Can You Sleep With Wet Hair Without Damaging It?
Pastor says she personally loves going to bed with wet hair, explaining, “I have medium textured hair, so I enjoy waking up to a head of dry, fluffy hair. Sleeping with wet hair allows me to lay off the blow drying.” You may have the same sentiments, and Pastor has some tips for waking up with a similarly voluminous effect. Surprisingly, she claims that applying heat protection is a must.
“It doesn’t matter that you are going to let it air dry; heat protection has memory and will guard your hair from what you do the next day,” the stylist explains. “I recommend Kérastase. They have a variety of thermal lotions suited for every hair type.” She says to choose a formula based on the results you want the following day or the hair concerns you’re looking to target. Here’s a quick cheat sheet on each formula:
- For damaged or weakened hair: Kérastase Résistance Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Heat Protectant
- For frizzy hair: Kérastase Discipline Keratine Thermique Anti-Frizz Hair Milk
- For thick, dry, or unmanageable hair: Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Blow Dry Heat Protectant
- For length retention: Kérastase Résistance Extentioniste Thermique Blow Dry Primer
If your heart is set on heading to sleep before blow-drying your mane, there are also some measures you can take to make it a “better” option. Ashley Branda, master stylist and owner of Two 01 salon in Hoboken, New Jersey, says that if she had to sleep on wet hair, she would first dry most of her scalp and mid-shaft before hitting the pillow. Then, she would apply a deep conditioning treatment through her lengths and ends to make use of the time.
Zeichner also recommends prepping your hair. “Apply a leave-in conditioner to help protect the hair, and consider sleeping with a [microfiber] towel around your head,” he says. “There are some towels on the market that are designed for use on hair after showering and will stay on the head while you sleep.” Wrap your hair in one as soon as you step out of the shower to help soak up as much water as possible. Conversely, you can also plop your hair with a soft cotton T-shirt. Read more about the technique in our article, How to Plop Hair in 7 Easy Steps.
Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta.
Is It Bad to Braid Hair While It’s Wet?
Many turn to overnight braids to achieve killer heatless waves, but not all braids are created equal. Braiding wet or damp hair and then letting it dry overnight is also a bit controversial. Here’s what you need to know…
Zeichner says that it is generally “ok” to braid your hair when wet but to remember it is in a fragile state. “If you are braiding wet hair, make sure not to pull the hair too much or to braid the hair too tightly as it can lead to breakage,” he says. Prolonged tension on your scalp from tight styles can also lead to a patchy form of hair loss known as traction alopecia, per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). In this case, the looser the wet braid, the better, especially around your hairline.
For Branda, on the other hand, sleeping with wet braided hair is a big no-no. “You’re giving bacteria a place to grow hiding in the weave of the wet braid,” she explains. Plus, she points out that wet hair is more elastic when wet than when it’s dry, so all the pulling while braiding can result in breakage. Wet hair that has not been chemically treated has the ability to be stretched by up to 30% of its original length without causing serious damage or breaking. However, other factors like coloring or styling products can strip fatty acids from the cuticle and reduce that percentage.
The key takeaways? Braiding when wet: proceed with caution. Sleeping with a wet braid: better not to.
More Editor-Approved Tips For Sleeping With Wet Hair
Understanding the potential risks of sleeping on wet hair can help you make an informed decision for your haircare routine. If you do decide to slip under the sheets after a good scrubbing, here are a few more ways to make those eight hours gentler on your strands.
Opt for a silk pillowcase
First and foremost, you’re going to want to minimize friction while you toss and turn; this can help keep breakage at bay. As such, we recommend switching to a silk pillowcase. Unlike thicker cotton or flannel materials, silk has a smoother surface that allows your strands to glide easily over it. This way, your hair is less likely to bend or snap off. Satin pillowcases are also a gentle option, and satin tends to come at a lower price point.
Wrap your hair
If you don’t want to mess with your bedding aesthetic, you can wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf or cover it with a bonnet. The natural hair community has long touted the benefits of hair wrapping, but any hair type (especially those prone to dryness or frizz) can benefit from the protection it offers.
An easy way to try a hair wrap is to repurpose an old or unused scarf. So, scour your closet and pull up our guide, How To Do a Hair Wrap, for a step-by-step breakdown of the method.
Choose gentler hair ties
Picking the right hair tie is key if you plan to rock a wet ponytail or braid. It’s best to reach for spiral hair bands and thicker scrunchies instead of thin hair ties or rubbery elastics. The former can better distribute the weight of your hair, minimizing tension and breakage. Bonus points if your scrunchie is made of silk or satin.
Try an overnight hair serum
As the name indicates, overnight hair serums are designed for use while you sleep with the goal of giving locks deeper repair and nourishment. This type of liquid-based formula can help target specific scalp or hair concerns, and some are even meant to be applied to damp hair—perfect if you’re devoted to your PM shower sesh. One example of such a serum is Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Ultimate Reset Overnight Hair Serum. In just one use, this overnight treatment can help fight up to one year of visible surface damage, leaving hair soft, supple, shiny, and with added strength. If you have fine to medium hair, work 2-4 pumps from the mid-lengths to ends of damp hair before bed. For those with thick, coarse hair, 4-6 pumps should do the trick.
Or, to ward off dreaded dandruff, pick up the Kérastase Symbiose Serum Nuit Antipelliculaire Antidandruff Night Serum. This night serum, which is formulated with salicylic acid, helps eliminate the symptoms of dandruff while soothing and hydrating the scalp. Check out our Kérastase Symbiose review to learn more about using the serum as part of the full Symbiose system.
Is It Bad To Sleep With Wet Hair: The Bottom Line
Occasionally sleeping with wet hair is not the worst thing you can do to your hair (we’d give at-home bleaching that top spot!). And while still possible, major infections from snoozing with wet strands are generally uncommon. We highly recommend seeking the advice of your personal, professional stylist who knows your hair best.
If you think sleeping on wet strands is damaging your hair and want to make a change, try adjusting your nighttime routine so you get ready for bed earlier and can give your hair the proper time to dry. It may take some getting used to, but the reward of waking up with beautiful, healthy-looking hair will outweigh any inconvenience.
Next Up: 17 Ways To Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Header photo credits (left to right): @Kérastase, @biolage
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