Can having wet hair make you ill? 

• Can colds be caused by wet hair? 

• Can stepping outside in the cold with wet hair give you a cold? 

• Why you shouldn't go to bed with wet hair 

• Measures to take 

• Takeaway 

Wet hair does not enhance the risk of getting sick while going outside or to bed. On the other hand, warm and moist conditions, such as sleeping with wet hair, can cause bacterial or fungal infections on the scalp or face.  

The following roles are filled by a hair:  

• mechanical defence against the environment for the skin 
• enhancing the skin's sensory capacity 
• helping to control body temperature 

Although having wet hair may not directly cause illness, it does cause the hair shaft to expand due to water absorption. 

The pillow will become wet from the hair's dampness as well. Given that yeast prefers warm, moist environments, sleeping with damp hair might raise the chance of developing a fungal or yeast infection on the scalp. 

Continue reading to learn about damp hair's effects, the dangers of sleeping with it, safety measures, and prevention advice. 

Wet hair effects People may believe urban legends passed down from generation to generation that having wet hair might make one sick if they go to bed or walk outside. 

The two frequently asked questions about wet hair and the common cold are listed below.  

Can colds be caused by wet hair? 

According to research, people are not necessarily ill just because they have wet hair. 

Adults in India typically experience two to three colds per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Colds are exclusively brought on by viruses, and contracting one is the only way to get one. 

There is no evidence to indicate a connection between having wet hair and the common cold. A cold can only be contracted after being exposed to a cold virus. 

Can stepping outside in the cold with wet hair give you a cold? 

According to the 2019 survey, some parents and caregivers allegedly employ folkloric cold-prevention methods. 

It has not been demonstrated that spending more time indoors or outdoors or refraining from going outside with wet hair actually reduces the likelihood of getting a cold. 

Nevertheless, a 2016 study discovered that drops in temperature and humidity over several days may raise people's risks of contracting the cold-causing rhinovirus.  

There is no evidence to support the idea that having wet hair increases your chance of getting a cold. 

Why you shouldn't go to bed with wet hair 

There are several reasons why someone might want to dry their hair before bed. These things can happen because of wet hair: 

Wet hair can be stretched by about 30% of its original length without suffering any damage. However, when hair expands by between 30 and 70 per cent, irreversible alterations take place. The hair may expand past acceptable lengths if it is slept on. 

Feeling chilly: According to a 2015 study, when exposed to chilly weather, people's heads lose more heat. In comparison to 15°C or 20°C, there was a noticeably larger heat loss at 10°C. This suggests that sleeping with wet hair can be less comfortable. 

Fungus development: In 2021, scientists discovered a Malassezia fungus species in hair follicles. Seborrheic dermatitis and other skin problems are brought on by this fungus. Long-term hair moisture, like that experienced overnight, may raise the likelihood that these diseases will manifest. 

Dandruff: According to a 2019 study, the cold and damp weather during the winter months may make dandruff worse. A balance of bacteria and fungi may also contribute to the disease, according to the same study. Dandruff may get worse because wet hair might cause the heat loss and sometimes stop hair growth.  

Hair loss: Genetic and hormonal changes are important contributors to hair loss, according to a 2017 study. However, factors such as stepping outside with wet hair and overgrooming could also be at play. Additionally, sleeping with wet hair can harm follicles and result in hair loss. 

Acne is a skin disorder caused by under-the-skin hair follicles blocked with oil or sebum. Wet hair can affect the growth of bacteria in the pores because it houses bacteria. Long-term hair moisture, like that experienced overnight, may raise the likelihood that these diseases will manifest. 

Measures to take 

People can take precautions to prevent putting wet hair on their beds. By doing this, you can help avoid problems caused by leaving your hair damp. 

The simplest approach is to completely dry your hair before going to bed. 

Additionally, people can make sure that the temperature in their bedrooms is cosy. The ideal temperature range is 60-67°F (15.6-19.4°C), according to experts. 

Hair can also have time to naturally dry by taking a shower or bath one to two hours before bed. 

In order to prevent hair damage, research advises people to: 

• every time they wash their hair, condition it 
• Use a wide-toothed comb to gently comb wet hair. 
• Instead of stroking their hair with a towel to absorb water, gently wrap it in a towel. 
• Hair should ideally be air dried. 
• Avoid using a band to hold hair back firmly since relaxed styles are best for hair. 

Takeaway 

A person cannot get a cold from sleeping or leaving the house with wet hair. However, doing so could have certain drawbacks, such as increased hair breakage and yeast and fungal infestation. People could decide to change their routine to give additional time for hair drying. 

People might want to refrain from using tight bands, heat-based style products, and combs with small teeth, among other habits that might harm their hair. 

Speaking with a doctor or dermatologist may help them identify the greatest hair care products on the market.