You probably know that going to bed with wet hair isn’t the best idea—doing so can leave your strands frizzy, tangled, and unmanageable come morning. But sometimes, it’s unavoidable, like after a late-night workout class. In those cases, knowing how to sleep with wet hair—and, more importantly, how to protect your damp tresses while you sleep—is the key to waking up without facing a seriously bad hair day. If you’re wondering how to sleep on wet hair safely (read: sans damage), we’ve got you covered. We chatted with Nick Stenson, beauty expert and brand ambassador for Matrix, and Nunzio Saviano, expert stylist and salon owner. Here, they share their tips on the best way to sleep with wet hair in a pinch and offer tips on how to protect your strands while you sleep. Is It Bad to Sleep With Wet Hair? As a general rule, it’s best to avoid sleeping with wet hair when possible. “Going to sleep with wet hair is not often recommended because it limits your styling options in the morning in most cases,” shares Stenson.But sometimes, life happens, and you find yourself fresh out of the shower at midnight. If blow-drying your hair is out of the question, Saviano recommends at least waiting until your hair is damp before hitting the sheets. “Your hair shouldn’t be so wet that your pillow gets damp,” he says. That moisture can get trapped within your pillow, potentially leading to mold and mildew. If you’re unsure whether your hair is too damp, Stenson suggests throwing down a microfiber towel to help absorb moisture and protect your pillow while you snooze. What Happens If You Sleep With Wet Hair? Aside from the potential for a moldy pillow, sleeping on wet hair can lead to some undesirable effects that aren’t so great for your hair and scalp. Among the biggest concerns are hair damage and breakage. Hair is more fragile when it’s wet, and the friction between your hair and the pillow while you sleep can lead to split ends, breakage, or frizz. Tangles are another downside to sleeping with wet hair. Waking up with a head full of knots can turn your morning routine into a frustrating battle with your locks—and potentially lead to more damage, if you’re not careful when detangling. And if you have curly strands, going to bed with wet hair may disrupt your natural curl pattern (temporarily). If you have curly hair, you may find that sleeping with a wet mane disrupts your curl pattern, too. Sleeping while hair is wet can also affect your scalp. The damp environment created by wet hair is the perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria and could potentially disrupt your scalp microbiome. If you've noticed increased itchiness or dandruff, it might be time to reconsider your nighttime hair-washing routine. (Or, at least, drying your hair before bed).
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