Sleeping with wet hair can cause scalp problems, expert warns

Making a habit of sleeping with wet hair can trigger a host of unwelcome issues for your scalp, warns dermatology specialist Dr. Sowmya Nachukuri. While a nighttime wash might feel refreshing after a long day, going to bed before your hair is fully dry is a practice best avoided.

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Sleeping with wet hair should not be made a routine. Because it can trigger various scalp problems.

Dr. Nachukuri explains that prolonged dampness on the scalp creates a fertile breeding ground for fungi and other microbes. When this moist environment persists, these microorganisms can proliferate, leading to common scalp problems such as persistent itching and dryness. Ironically, the dampness can also contribute to the scalp feeling more oily, a frequent complaint among her patients.

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Besides causing discomfort, sleeping with wet hair makes the scalp damp for a long time. That condition becomes an ideal medium for the growth of fungi and various microbes.

Beyond scalp health, the practice also impacts the hair strands themselves. According to Dr. Nachukuri, hair in a wet state is more fragile and susceptible to damage. The moisture causes the hair shaft to swell, making it weaker than when dry. This vulnerability is further exacerbated by unconscious movements during sleep, increasing the risk of breakage and damage to the hair.

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However, if the damp condition persists, these microorganisms can grow more, eventually causing various scalp problems, such as itching and dry scalp.