Sleeping with wet hair after showering is a common mistake that many women and even men make. However, the risk is greater for women due to the length of their hair and the fact that it remains wet overnight.
American physician Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard University graduate with over 1.1 million Instagram followers, warned against a seemingly harmless habit that can cause serious damage to the health of your hair and scalp: sleeping with wet hair.
The Dangers of Wet Hair While Sleeping
In a video clip he posted on TikTok, which has garnered over 150,000 views, Sethi explained that sleeping with wet hair provides an ideal environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria, which can lead to seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, as well as a foul odor resembling mold in some cases.
Hair Health at Risk
The doctor pointed out that wet hair is more fragile, and when it rubs against the pillow during sleep, it is susceptible to breakage and loss, and may even thin over time.
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He also warned that this habit can also have negative effects on the skin, especially when using pillowcases containing hair product residue, which can lead to clogged pores and acne, according to the Sleep Foundation.
Life Experiences on the Dangers of Wet Hair
A number of followers responded to Sethi's warning. One woman recounted her experience, saying, "I slept with a wet ponytail, and my hair started smelling like mold!"
Another woman commented, recounting her experience, saying, "I always tell my son not to sleep with wet hair, but he doesn't believe me... Maybe now he'll change his mind about the dangers of this."
Dry your hair before bed.
The doctor reiterated his warning, emphasizing the importance of drying your hair before bed, even if only using a hair dryer for a few minutes. He said, "Even a quick blow-dry can make a big difference in the health of your hair and skin. Don't underestimate this daily habit."
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American physician Saurabh Sethi emphasized that this simple advice may be the key to protecting your hair and scalp from problems that can easily be avoided if you avoid sleeping with wet hair.