Wet hair in a cold environment can make you feel cold and uncomfortable. But it will not give you a cold. Viruses transmitted through bodily fluids cause colds, influenza and COVID-19. You need to come into contact with the fluids to be infected by the viruses.
Going outside or to bed with wet hair does not increase the risk of becoming sick. However, warm and damp environments, such as going to bed with wet hair, may lead to bacterial, or fungal infections on the scalp or face.
You cannot get sick from simply going outside with wet hair. “Hair being wet is not the cause for catching a cold,” Dr. Goldman says. “A microorganism, such as a virus, has to be involved to cause a cold.”
Getting Sick
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. Common colds can occur around two to three times per year in most adults.
He said that when hair is wet it swells, which means water puts pressure on the cuticles which could cause them to break and create split ends. 'The hair is made up of a cortex, which is the area that pulls the shape of your hair and then cuticles around the side, which are a bit like roof tiles, Dr Moore told.
The Truth about Going to Bed with Wet Hair
The truth is that, going to bed with a wet head will not cause a cold. Researchers have concluded that in order for you to get an infection, you need to be exposed to an infectious agent first.
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 people with allergies or polyps in their nose or those with allergy-induced nasal gums go out with wet hair, the risk of developing sinusitis increases because the person's nasal mucosa swells allergic during the hot-cold exchange and the sinuses' holes are easily closed.
Being constantly on-the-go puts your immune system into a state of stress. Chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep make you less able to fend off infection. If you're not making time for R and R, you're probably going to keep getting sick. Your immune system can't take care of you if you don't take care of it.
On top of breakage, air-drying can also increase frizz, build-up, and mildew, especially for afro-textured and curly hair. "Hair that stays wet or damp for a long period can attract bacteria and fungus, especially if you have very dense hair," explains Jennie Roberts, a celebrity hairstylist and texture hair educator.
The water on your scalp may be soaking into your skin causing water weight and an uncomfortable feeling of blocked sinuses which may lead to piercing headaches. It might be worth trying to change the habit and seeing if it helps lessen the number of times you wake up with or develop a pounding head.
It's a common misconception that getting wet in the rain can make you catch a cold. The rain itself can't actually make you sick. However, staying wet and cold for prolonged periods may lower your body temperature enough to affect your immune system—putting you at an increased risk of catching a cold or flu virus.
If you get a migraine after washing your hair, then take your medication on time. Do not press the head too hard while washing. Opt for a cold compress to relieve your migraine. Try to drink enough water to avoid headaches.
Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair follicles are the structures in skin that form hair. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and face.
Many permanent and some semi-permanent hair dyes contain a chemical called paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is a known irritant and allergen. Darker coloured dyes contain higher level of PPD. PPD is the cause of most reactions to hair dye.
Use a silk scarf or cloth and tie it like a hairband to make sure your hair does not touch the pillowcase. Once you wake up, flip your hair upside down, gently separate the hair and flip it back up. Resist the urge to brush your hair, as it causes more friction and frizz,” recommends Sabanayagam.
A lack of sleep, poor diet, anxiety, or stress can often cause a person to feel sick. These factors can make a person more susceptible to infection and illness. However, always feeling sick can also signify pregnancy or chronic illness. When sick, a person may experience stomach discomfort and vomiting.
Smolensky says that this immune system activity and the inflammation it produces is not constant, but instead is “highly circadian rhythmic.” As a result, “you tend to experience symptoms as most severe when your immune system kicks into highest gear, which is normally at night during sleep.”
Gupta says there's no evidence that people who sleep with wet hair experience more allergy or asthma symptoms, so any concerns about wet hair are theoretical.
So, if you want to promote healthy hair, take 10 minutes to ensure your hair is dry before going outside.
Cilia also help filter out harmful pathogens, dirt, dust, and other irritants. But when the air becomes extremely humid, your cilia stop working efficiently (I mean, let's be honest, don't we all). And repeated sinus infections can be the outcome.
The best way to dry your hair is to let it air dry under the fan as much as possible. However, some experts believe combining air and blow-drying is healthier than just air drying. It is good to let your hair air-dry seventy percent of the way and then blow-dry till they become dry ultimately.
"The average individual can typically go 2 to 3 days without shampooing their hair. However, if your hair is visibly oily, you may not want to wait that long," she says. "Usually, you can go longer without washing your hair when your hair is styled up, but no one should ever go more than 14 days."