If you're someone who likes to take a shower at night, you may have found yourself wondering whether it's okay to go to bed with wet hair. While some people swear by this habit, others warn against it. In this blog, we'll explore the dos and don'ts of sleeping with wet hair to help you decide whether it's right for you. 

We firmly believe in the power of sound sleep, even if sleeping happens with wet hair. Although many might usually opt for the added comfort of dry locks when they climb between the sheets, for others, and especially those who live busy schedules, the nighttime is the only time when the hair can be washed and cared for properly.  

But while a nocturnal shampoo and condition might offer convenience, you’ll be far more likely to awaken to the nightmare of bedhead in the morning if sleeping with wet hair.

Of course, here at SMUG, we never say never, and believe in pioneering ground-breaking solutions to all of life’s problems, whether they’re big or small, wet or dry. So in a continuation of our championing perfect hair health, here we’re going to be detangling the truth about sleeping with wet hair, why it’s best avoided and what to do if you ultimately do decide to seek sleep straight after a good night’s shower.

Should you sleep with wet hair? 

Sleeping with wet hair usually isn’t a choice of preference for those who do, as typically a nighttime wash might be the only chance they get during a busy day to do so. The reasons for doing this are usually that it’s the only time to have time to properly wash the hair and apply all your favourite products. 

However, there is a much chillier side to nighttime hair washes, and it could come as a detriment to not only your hair but your health too.  

The hair is, by nature, a lot stronger when it’s dry. And although it’s good to have a head full of hydrated, healthy hair, the hair strands are at their weakest when they’re wet. Pair this with the friction the experience of having your head on a pillow for eight hours, and you’ve got a one-way ticket to a bad hair day, which in itself is almost counterproductive to the benefits of a nighttime wash in the first place.  

Wet hair generates cold, and can easily lower the body’s core temperature, bringing the immune system down with it. Venturing outside on a cold day straight after a shower will be enough to prove our point here.

But like a double-edged sword, applying heat in an effort to dry it can also cause massive breakages, and style can be difficult to reclaim after a night’s deep sleep. 

Above all, we’re not suggesting that you don’t go to bed with wet hair, but we’re also not advising that you do. If it really is your only chance to get a proper wash in, here’s what you should do.  

The dos of sleeping with wet hair 

Try to dry your hair as much as possible before sleeping: Before you hit the pillow, try to towel dry your hair beforehand. By doing this, you’ll reduce how much moisture is trapped in your hair, making it less susceptible to breakages or to the damaging friction experienced by contact with the pillow.  

Use a microfiber towel: Microfiber towels split good hair from great hair, and while being gentle on the locks, they’re also extremely useful for removing as much of that dreaded wetness as possible. Our collection stars a Sleep & Sleek Reversible Quick Dry Hair Turban that’s just perfect for this, complete with this wonderful microfiber technology. 

Sleep on satin: You can level up your hair game by sleeping on a Satin Pillowcase. These are a little-known secret that are less absorbent of water and moisture in general, and work wonders at protecting the natural oils in the hair while helping to avoid tangles and frizz.

Braid it back: If you have long wet hair and plan to sleep with it, consider putting it in a loose braid as the best way to protect it from damage and unwanted tangles. It also reduces the surface area occupied by the hair, resulting in fewer chances of friction between the hair and the surrounding materials of the bed. 

The don’ts of sleeping with wet hair 

Don’t sleep with sopping wet hair: There’s wet hair, then there’s really wet hair, which aside from being totally susceptible to damage, will do a great job at drenching your surrounding bedding; especially if you toss and turn during the night.  

Avoid tight hairstyles: Although the likes of hair buns and high ponytails might seem like the most manageable option for sleeping with wet hair, they’re also the most damaging and create the most amount of tension. Instead, try to give the hair as much room to breathe as possible, perhaps opting for the aforementioned loose braid that we mentioned before.  

Don’t use cotton pillowcases: Cotton is one of the most porous types of material out there, which means that not only is it super absorbent of both water and the natural oils that help to keep the hair healthy, but it’s also full of friction. When wet hair meets the terrible texture of cotton, it can only result in fried, tangled and worn-out hair. Always opt for the satin alternative instead! 

Don’t forget to protect your hair: If you’re sleeping with wet hair on the regular, be sure to do everything you can to reinforce good protective measures. This might include applying additional hair oils or indulging in a leave-in conditioner. Above all, remember that when wet, your hair is at its most vulnerable, and needs all the support it can get! 

Wrapping up

Looking after your locks doesn’t need to be a long and arduous process, and it’s products, tips and innovations like ours that are going to elevate the health of your hair to new heights. SMUG pioneers solutions that are accessible, easy and stylish for all, and we encourage all areas of the body, including the hair, to enjoy the benefits of a great night’s sleep; wet hair or otherwise! 

For more great tips on how to look after yourself and live your best life, visit our full collection here.  

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