Though sleeping with wet hair won't give you a cold, Dr. Shah says that it does increase your risk of developing a fungal infection of the scalp. Fungi, such as Malassezia, can lead to conditions like dandruff or dermatitis, according to Shah, who recommends going to sleep with dry hair when possible.
Many people believe that sleeping with wet hair can increase the risk of developing a cold. However, there is no scientific evidence that wet hair directly causes any type of illness, including the common cold.
It should only be slightly damp, and definitely not completely wet. Sleeping with completely wet hair damages the follicle and causes breakage, so you'll want to blast it with the hairdryer to dry out 70 per cent of your hair, or let it naturally dry till it's just a little damp,” says Sabanayagam.
"Simply put, hair is at its most vulnerable when wet. Sleeping with wet hair can lead to a host of problems for the scalp: unwanted bacteria, fungal infections, skin irritation, itchiness, dryness, redness, and dandruff," says hairstylist Miko Branch, co-founder of hair care brand Miss Jessie's Original.
Make sure it's not sopping wet.
Let's be clear: Your hair shouldn't be so wet that it leaves your pillow damp, Dr. Stevenson says. Do your best to let your hair air dry at least a bit before going to bed to reduce your risk for damage and dandruff.
The bottom line. Air-drying your hair can be a great way to give your locks a much-needed break from heat-styling. However, if your hair is on the thicker and coarser side, it may be best to start with a protective product and use a blow-dryer to keep your hair from absorbing too much moisture and causing breakage.
After washing your hair, most people rub their hair dry to remove excess water, or wrap a towel around the top of their head. This is not the best practice. Instead, gently pat your wet hair with a towel and loosely wrap the towel around your hair keeping it on for several minutes to remove excess water.
Braid your hair before going to sleep. This old trick works every time and is one of the best ways to wear your hair when sleeping. It not only protects your hair – stopping it from tangling and breaking – but also gives you gorgeous beachy waves the next day and cuts down on frizz.
By not drying hair at all after a shower, the water droplets stay in your hair, which makes your hair swell up. This swelling causes damage to the proteins that make up the structure of your hair. When these proteins are impacted, your hair looks and feels rough (cue frizz). Does air drying your hair make it frizzy?
When you blow dry your hair every day post hair wash, the heat robs your hair of moisture making your hair dry and brittle. Plus, you should know that wet hair is already sensitive and has higher chances of breakage. So make sure you steer clear of blow drying, especially after a hair wash.
First, let your hair dry naturally, about 70-80% of the way dry. Then, with your dryer on the coolest setting (don't touch that hot setting!), blow your hair dry, keeping the dryer about 6-inches away from hair at all times and moving it around continuously. Voilà: gorgeous, healthy hair, without the heat.
When hair is wet, proteins form weaker bonds (hydrogen bonds), than when the hair is dry (protein-protein bonds). This makes the hair easier to damage. That's because when damp hair is combed, it stretches. Unfortunately, when hair is stretched, it doesn't snap back into shape like a rubber band can.
So while direct, excessive heat can cause damage to the surface part of the hair strands, air-drying can cause trauma to that inner layer. When the cell membrane complex layer swells, it can weaken the hair over time, explains Dr. Longsworth. It can also cause something called hygral fatigue.
Wrapping a silk scarf around your head or wearing a silk sleeping cap can prevent your straightened hair from becoming frizzy and wavy after a night of constant friction caused by sleeping on cotton pillows. You can also use a silk/satin pillowcase if you don't like the idea of wearing a cap or scarf to bed.
How to do it: "The easiest way for most women to make their hair look pretty the next day is to put it in a ponytail and wrap it into a twist," says Licari. Then, wrap the hair as close to the top of the head as possible. In the morning, when you remove the hair elastic, you'll have a nice wave and lots of lift.
Pick a Braid, any Braid
Braid your hair before going to sleep. This old trick works every time and is one of the best ways to wear your hair when sleeping. It not only protects your hair – stopping it from tangling and breaking – but also gives you gorgeous beachy waves the next day and cuts down on frizz.
What is a pineapple? The pineapple is a loose, high ponytail on top of your head, that prevents the frizz, knots and flattened curls that come with lying on a pillow. Only the back and sides of your hair will be subject to your tossing and turning.
You can protect your hair while you sleep by using a satin or cotton scrunchie (not a hair elastic) to tie your hair up at the crown of your head. Simply gather your hair at the top of your head and tie the scrunchie around it one time, being careful not to pull too hard or make the pineapple too tight.
Well, washing your hair in the evening means getting into bed and lying down to sleep on your freshly washed hair. Some experts state that it is better for your hair if you wash it in the morning as going to bed whilst it is still wet or damp will only cause damage.
Shampooing at night
Washing your hair at night gives it more time to dry naturally, which is great for the health of your scalp and hair. Exposing your hair to the highest heat setting of your hairdryer when you're in a hurry can cause severe damage.
Washing your hair in the evening can save a lot of time the next morning, so it's great if you'd rather catch 15minutes more sleep than spend your morning caring for your hair. There's also the fact you've got more time to let it dry.