How Bad Is It Really to Sleep With Wet Hair?

It can be tempting to lie in bed and fall asleep right after showering, especially if you've had a long day. Sleeping with wet hair isn't a crime, of course — but there could be some long-term consequences.

Wet hair can be a breeding ground for all kinds of creepy organisms, including bacteria and fungi. And the growth of these tiny microorganisms can lead to infections on your scalp.

We chatted with two doctors to discover the effects of sleeping with wet or damp hair and got their best practices to avoid it.

When you sleep on wet hair, the heat from your head and the water creates moisture. Unfortunately, this can serve as a breeding ground for microorganisms and "can lead to an environment that favors bacterial and fungal growth on pillows," says Boston-based physician Po-Chang Hsu, MD.

This also applies to damp hair, which can bring moisture to the pillow, "creating the same environment as wet hair," he adds.

Sleeping with wet hair can also increase the risk of fungal infections on your scalp, says Dr. Hsu. One type of fungi that can grow is Malassezia, which can lead to dandruff or dermatitis.

Wet hair is more fragile, making it more susceptible to split ends. Tossing and turning while you zzz can also create friction, making your wet hairs more prone to breakages, Dr. Hsu says.

If you don't have time to add between rinsing and sleeping, Nilong Vyas, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and medical review expert at the Sleep Foundation, recommends using an absorbent towel to soak up as much water as possible.

"Wrap the wet hair in a towel until close to bedtime and then run a hairdryer through to eliminate the remaining dampness," she says.

To prevent hair breakage, you can use a leave-in hair moisturizer or conditioner. The leave-in coats your strands with protective layers of oils and prevents your hair from tangling or breaking.

Tossing and turning can create unnecessary friction between your hair and the pillowcase. The good news is that you can swap your pillowcase. Instead of cotton, which can cause friction between your hair and pillow, opt for a silk one. Silk pillowcases tend to be smoother and will decrease the friction against your hair and skin.

While wet hair is unlikely to make you sick, we'd recommend sleeping with dry hair to prevent bacteria or fungus from growing.

To prevent sleeping on wet hair, use absorbent towels, time your hair wash strategically and swap your pillowcase for a silk one to decrease friction. You can also use a blow dryer to quicken the process.