Sleeping with wet hair is one of those cardinal beauty rules many are guilty of breaking. Some more than others (myself included). If it means showering at night to get in a few extra snoozes in the morning, then why not right? After all, it all points to the greater good of your beauty sleep. Well, not really. According to many experts, what sleeping with makeup on is to skin, sleeping with wet hair is to hair. But is it that bad for your mane and all its woes? Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics weighs in on why this habit can be rather damaging for your hair and whether there are any exceptions to the rule, in case you can’t stop with the night showers.
The wet truth
“Sleeping with wet hair can cause damage to it in a few different ways. Firstly, when hair is wet it is more prone to breakage as it is in a weakened state. Secondly, when hair is wet for a prolonged period of time, it causes the hair cuticles to lift. This makes the hair more susceptible to damage from friction and other environmental factors,” explains Dr Sonavane.
Other than the obviously glaring damage this bad habit does to your mane, it is also rather unhygienic. Sopping wet hair and your pillow make for a rather potent breeding ground for bacteria. This doesn’t just cause scalp irritation, but can also mess with your face and other parts of the body that come into contact with the pillow. Remember, fungi and bacteria thrive in warm and moist conditions, and your wet pillow will definitely play host to them—this can result in flakiness of the scalp, acne bumps, and even folliculitis.
The exceptions to the rule
Thankfully, unlike makeup removal before bed, sleeping with wet hair can be negotiable at times—provided it’s done in the correct manner. According to Dr Sonavane, in order to minimise damage one should towel dry their hair as much as possible before going to bed. This helps remove excess moisture and reduces the amount of time your hair spends wet. Additionally, consider using a microfiber towel or t-shirt to dry your hair, instead of using a regular towel, as the materials are more gentle on the hair. Lastly, if you don’t want to air dry and are strapped for time, then consider using a hair dryer on a low heat setting to dry your hair before sleeping.
Obviously, if you’re on-the-go or have professional constraints, sometimes a night shower is the only option you have. For times like these Dr Sonavane recommends opting for a hair care routine that is suited for your hair type, especially if you’re going to shower at night.
After washing your hair, use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair gently. Avoid using a brush, as this can cause breakage. Blow dry your hair on a low heat setting, using a round brush to add volume if desired. Smooth a few drops of Argan oil over the mid-length and focus on the ends.
Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner to your hair after washing to define your waves. Scrunch your hair gently to encourage curl formation, then allow it to air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to dry your hair on a low heat setting.
Apply a leave-in conditioner and a curl cream to your hair after washing to define your curls. Use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to dry your hair on a low heat setting, scrunching your hair gently as you dry to encourage curl formation.
Apply a leave-in conditioner, curl cream and hard-hold gel to your hair after washing to moisturise and define your curls. Use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to dry your hair on a low heat setting, being careful not to over-dry your hair. Consider wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf before going to bed to protect your curls and minimise frizz. Scrunch in the morning with a few drops of light, non-greasy oil like jojoba or hemp.
Also read:
Yes, there is actually a right way to sleep with wet hair
Why you need a haircare routine that’s as sophisticated as your skincare
Experts reveal the trick to drying hair naturally, minus the frizz
