Here’s the Truth About Sleeping on Wet Hair, According to Experts (2024)

Not everyone's a morning person—and that's okay! While some prefer to rise with the sun and enjoy a leisurely shower and breakfast before tackling the day, others milk those extra moments of sleep until the last minute. After all, there's always the nighttime to catch up on your beauty maintenance routine. But if you've ever waited til the darker hours of the day to give your silky strands a scrub, you've probably wondered if it's okay to go for a snooze straightaway.

So, how bad is it really to sleep on wet hair? Should you postpone your sleepy-time tea for a session with your hair dryer or skip the evening shower altogether? According to the experts, doing so could put the health of your hair at risk—in more ways than one. If you're ready to revamp your evening hair care routine, read on to find out the effects of sleeping on wet hair and alternatives to sleeping on wet hair so you can maintain your luscious locks in the long run.

Should you sleep on wet hair?

The short answer? No, you shouldn't. "It is always better to dry your hair prior to going to bed to protect it and keep it healthy," says Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified NYC cosmetic dermatologist.

Not all hair is created equal, and that's even more so true when your hair is wet. In fact, the moisture content of your hair determines how susceptible it is to deterioration. "Wet hair strands, in their fragile state, are significantly more prone to damage than dry hair strands," Green explains.

Hair Breakage

The most glaring effect of sleeping on wet hair is hair breakage. "If you have fragile hair, going to bed with it wet may put unnecessary stress on the hair shaft and can cause breakage," says Penny James, a board-certified Trichologist and founder of Penny James Trichology Center.

If you've ever gone to bed with a wet head of hair and woken up to a frizzy nest, you might already be familiar with this ramification. But for a closer look as to why this breakage occurs, Green says, "Wet hair's increased elasticity and weakened protein structure make it more susceptible to breakage." The weakened hair follicle compounded by friction from your pillowcases or sheets is a recipe for broken strands.

Microbiome Disruptions

The pillow you rest your head on at night can also be a perpetrator of damage to your hair. According to James, a damp pillow can lead to the growth of fungus, which in turn addles the microbiome and health of your scalp. The combination of dampness, sweat, and sebum on a wet pillow creates an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast, which leads to a host of hairy outcomes.

Dandruff and Dermatitis

Yes, that buildup of bacteria and yeast is just as bad as it sounds. "Bacteria and yeast production can exacerbate scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, psoriasis, and folliculitis," Green says. "These conditions cause inflammation of the scalp, which can cause itchiness, redness, and even hair loss." You read that right: not only does sleeping with wet hair lead to breakage and bacteria, but thinning!

What are some tips for sleeping with wet hair?

Sometimes, the most effective tips are the simplest! It may seem obvious, but drying your hair as much as possible can greatly reduce the potential for damage.

Air Dry Hair

"If you are prone to an itchy, sensitive scalp, you will notice a huge difference when you dry your hair off before sleeping," says James. While it's preferable to air dry your hair, Green states that it's okay to use a blow dryer as long as you take a few precautions. Not only should you always use a heat protectant before you begin your blowout, but you should "use the blow dryer on a low heat setting, keeping it at least six inches away from the hair," she says.

Stick to Silk

On the other hand, if you just can't bring yourself to wait til your hair is completely dry, there are other products that can help protect your hair while sleeping. Whether your hair is wet or dry, silk can serve as a protective force against damage along the hair shaft. This silky savior comes in many forms, including satin or silk bonnets and silk pillowcases, the latter of which Alex Drummond calls "life-changing."

And there's science to back that claim up: "Silk has a low friction rate, which prevents the hair from catching and breaking apart," says Green. "Wearing a silk bonnet will keep the hair protected within the bonnet, decreasing breakage from friction and knots from tangled hair."

Tie It Up

Speaking of protective hairstyles, Green also recommends wearing braids or ponytails rather than letting your hair hang loose while sleeping. Again, binding the hair with a braid or silk scrunchie will lessen friction on the hair, reducing the possibility of damage.

While silk pillowcases and plaits can certainly help to preserve the state of your hair, Green emphasizes the importance of avoiding sleeping on soaking wet hair. "The hair should be dried with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt, which minimally damages the fragile hair strands."