Jerusalem Post

ByWALLA! HEALTH

It's not just about waking up with messy hair—turns out there are several skin and hair issues that can occur when going to bed with wet hair.

Many of us avoid going to sleep with wet hair simply out of concern for how it will look in the morning, but dermatologists and hair experts agree: Sleeping with wet hair can lead to scalp problems—and may even encourage the growth of hidden bacteria in your bedding.
Brianna Delvecchio, a New York-based hairstylist who works at the Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge, told Fox News Digital in an interview that she always recommends her clients avoid sleeping with wet hair, for several reasons.
According to her, when hair is wet, its hydrogen bonds are temporarily broken—making it more flexible, fragile, and prone to damage. “When you combine that with the friction from the pillowcase, it's a recipe for split ends, tangles, and long-term damage,” said Delvecchio.

The scalp also suffers, she added, since a damp scalp trapped against the pillow throughout the night creates a warm, humid environment—ideal conditions for the growth of fungi and bacteria. “It can lead to scalp irritation, dandruff, and even a greasy feeling at the roots in the morning,” she warned.

The skin may also be affected
The effects of sleeping with wet hair don’t stop at the scalp—they can also affect the facial skin. “Moisture transferred from the wet hair to the pillowcase may carry bacteria and oils, which can worsen acne or trigger flare-ups in sensitive skin,” noted Delvecchio.
Dr. Noah Gratch, a board-certified dermatologist from New York, agreed in a separate interview: “While it’s not necessarily dangerous, there are dermatological and health consequences for the hair and scalp that should be considered.” He explained that the friction with the pillow worsens the damage to the vulnerable, wet hair, leading to breakage and even hair loss over time.
He also emphasized that the damp environment can encourage scalp and skin problems: “A consistently moist scalp creates conditions that promote the overgrowth of Malassezia—a naturally occurring yeast on the skin, which may grow excessively in such conditions.” The result? Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis (a chronic inflammatory skin condition) or dandruff.

Additional risks
Another risk of sleeping with wet hair is the development of folliculitis—inflammation of the hair follicles that manifests as irritation, inflammation, and bumps on the skin, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or oily scalps. Fungal skin infections may also develop in such situations, according to Gratch.
 
 
 
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In addition, the moisture left on the pillowcase may harbor bacteria, fungi, and even dust mites, and he warns: “Prolonged contact of the skin with this moisture can worsen acne—especially fungal acne—or exacerbate existing conditions such as eczema.”

What is recommended? To avoid these issues, Delvecchio recommends gently towel-drying the hair, using a leave-in conditioner, and drying with a blow dryer on a low heat setting—or loosely braiding the hair when it’s almost dry. “A small change to your nighttime routine can make a big difference in the health of your hair, scalp, and skin,” she concluded.