Is your bedtime routine secretly ruining your hair? Find out why!
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Most of us have been told at some point not to go to bed with wet hair, but is there any truth to it?
A recent video from a Singapore-based GP is sparking a conversation about why this seemingly harmless habit could actually be doing more harm than good.
Here’s what you need to know about your hair, scalp, and health.
If you’re a fan of late-night showers, or simply too lazy to dry your hair before bed, you might be doing more harm than good.
Dr Samuel, a Singapore-based GP with a strong following on social media, recently shared why going to bed with damp hair could cause damage to your strands and scalp.
His video, which gained massive traction with over 400,000 views, outlined the risks of leaving hair wet overnight.
‘When hair is wet, hydrogen bonds break making the hair more elastic, more prone to breakage,’ he explained.
He added that constantly wet hair can cause it to swell, which increases the risk of breakage, especially when combing or even just lying on it.
But it’s not just about hair breakage.
Dr Samuel also warned that sleeping with wet hair could create an ideal environment for fungi to grow.
‘What most people may not realise is that sleeping with wet hair creates a very good environment for fungus to grow,’ he said.
This could result in a severe itch and a flaky scalp, and if left untreated, may even lead to permanent hair loss due to scarring.
Dermatologist Dr Noelle Sherber also weighed in, explaining that bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions, meaning these microbes could multiply on your scalp and transfer to your pillow and bed.
‘Certain bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and so will proliferate on scalp skin if it stays damp for hours,’ Dr Sherber shared.
She went on to say that Malassezia, a type of yeast, is the most common culprit, causing scalp flaking that can be mistaken for dandruff.
Malassezia can also cause itchy pimples to form on the scalp, face, and upper body.
However, before you panic and swear off night-time showers, Dr Samuel reassured viewers that the problem can be easily avoided.
‘This can be easily preventable through simple measures,’ he said.
He recommended using a microfibre cloth to gently wrap your hair and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb moisture.
He also suggested using a hairdryer on a low-heat setting to fully dry the hair afterward.
Avoiding harsh rubbing with a towel is crucial, especially when in a hurry, as this can lead to further damage.
Dr Samuel also dispelled the myth that going to bed with wet hair can make you sick.
‘The only good news in all of this is that wet hair does not increase your risk of falling sick,’ he said.
So while you won’t catch a cold, you could still risk hair damage, and that’s reason enough to rethink your bedtime routine.
‘Never knew that what my elders used to tell me would be true. They also said that I shouldn't sleep with wet hair because I might go bald,’ one social media follower commented.
‘Literally I was about to go to bed with wet hair. Never again!’ another follower added.
In a previous story, we shared some expert advice on maintaining healthy hair.
If you're looking for more ways to keep your strands in top condition, check out the tips from a royal hairdresser.
Trust us, these seven hair care secrets are truly ‘to dye for’!
Do you usually go to bed with wet hair, or will you be rethinking your routine after learning this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
A recent video from a Singapore-based GP is sparking a conversation about why this seemingly harmless habit could actually be doing more harm than good.
Here’s what you need to know about your hair, scalp, and health.
If you’re a fan of late-night showers, or simply too lazy to dry your hair before bed, you might be doing more harm than good.
Dr Samuel, a Singapore-based GP with a strong following on social media, recently shared why going to bed with damp hair could cause damage to your strands and scalp.
His video, which gained massive traction with over 400,000 views, outlined the risks of leaving hair wet overnight.
‘When hair is wet, hydrogen bonds break making the hair more elastic, more prone to breakage,’ he explained.
He added that constantly wet hair can cause it to swell, which increases the risk of breakage, especially when combing or even just lying on it.
But it’s not just about hair breakage.
Dr Samuel also warned that sleeping with wet hair could create an ideal environment for fungi to grow.
‘What most people may not realise is that sleeping with wet hair creates a very good environment for fungus to grow,’ he said.
This could result in a severe itch and a flaky scalp, and if left untreated, may even lead to permanent hair loss due to scarring.
Dermatologist Dr Noelle Sherber also weighed in, explaining that bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions, meaning these microbes could multiply on your scalp and transfer to your pillow and bed.
‘Certain bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and so will proliferate on scalp skin if it stays damp for hours,’ Dr Sherber shared.
She went on to say that Malassezia, a type of yeast, is the most common culprit, causing scalp flaking that can be mistaken for dandruff.
Malassezia can also cause itchy pimples to form on the scalp, face, and upper body.
However, before you panic and swear off night-time showers, Dr Samuel reassured viewers that the problem can be easily avoided.
‘This can be easily preventable through simple measures,’ he said.
He recommended using a microfibre cloth to gently wrap your hair and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb moisture.
He also suggested using a hairdryer on a low-heat setting to fully dry the hair afterward.
Avoiding harsh rubbing with a towel is crucial, especially when in a hurry, as this can lead to further damage.
Dr Samuel also dispelled the myth that going to bed with wet hair can make you sick.
‘The only good news in all of this is that wet hair does not increase your risk of falling sick,’ he said.
So while you won’t catch a cold, you could still risk hair damage, and that’s reason enough to rethink your bedtime routine.
‘Never knew that what my elders used to tell me would be true. They also said that I shouldn't sleep with wet hair because I might go bald,’ one social media follower commented.
‘Literally I was about to go to bed with wet hair. Never again!’ another follower added.
In a previous story, we shared some expert advice on maintaining healthy hair.
If you're looking for more ways to keep your strands in top condition, check out the tips from a royal hairdresser.
Trust us, these seven hair care secrets are truly ‘to dye for’!
Do you usually go to bed with wet hair, or will you be rethinking your routine after learning this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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