Can going out or sleeping with wet hair make you ill?

The belief that going outside or going to sleep with wet hair can make you sick is a long-standing myth. In reality, illnesses like the common cold are caused by viruses, and have nothing to do with having wet hair.

Similarly, sleeping with wet hair will generally not cause you to become ill, though it may cause some minor issues.

Our AXA Health Mythbusters campaign revealed 1 in 10 UK adults believe that having wet hair can give you a cold.

Is it bad to sleep with wet hair?

While wet hair won’t give you a cold, going to bed with wet hair may have implications for your hair and scalp health. Here’s what to consider:

  1. Hair breakage: Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair. Sleeping with wet hair can increase friction between your hair and pillow, leading to breakage. Hair is at its weakest when wet, making it more prone to split ends and damage.1
  2. Scalp issues: A damp scalp creates an environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive. This could lead to conditions like dandruff, irritation, or even dermatitis.1
  3. Bedding hygiene: Wet hair can transfer moisture to your pillow, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and dust mites. Over time, this can negatively impact both your skin and scalp health.2

Hair texture: Sleeping with wet hair can result in unmanageable tangles or odd waves in the morning, making styling more challenging.



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How do you sleep with wet hair safely?

If you find yourself needing to go to bed with wet hair, here are some tips to minimise the potential risks:

  • Dry it partially: Use a towel to gently blot your hair and remove excess moisture before bedtime. This reduces the dampness and decreases the risk of damage or scalp issues.

  • Consider a silk pillowcase: Silk or satin pillowcases may reduce friction and are gentler on wet hair, helping to prevent breakage.

  • Use protective products: Apply a leave-in conditioner or overnight hair treatment to protect your strands and keep your hair hydrated.

  • Keep your pillow clean: Change pillowcases frequently to prevent the buildup of bacteria and moisture-related issues.

Can wet hair really make you sick?

While going outside with wet hair won't cause you to catch a cold, sleeping with wet hair can have implications for your hair and scalp health. To maintain the integrity of your hair and prevent potential scalp issues, it's best to ensure your hair is dry before heading to bed.

Explore more health myths with our AXA Health Mythbusters campaign.

    AXA Health Mythbusters campaign

    Reviewed by Dr John Burke

    Dr John Burke is our Chief Medical Officer for AXA Health, with over 25 years of experience as a GP. He was educated at Cambridge and Oxford Universities, where he pursued an interest in neuroscience. In his role he steers AXA Health's policy in areas such as evidence-based medicine, value-based commissioning, overdiagnosis and low-value care, service design, supply chain management and regulatory oversight.

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