The Wet Hair Dilemma: To Dry or Not to Dry Post-Shower?
The refreshing coolness of water trickling down your scalp after a delightful shower can be quite exhilarating. Yet, the lingering question, " Is it good to leave your hair wet after a shower?" often finds its way into our minds.
The answer isn't a simple yes or no, as various factors come into play. Let's dive into this aquatic puzzle as it navigates through different seasons and scenarios.
Facing the Seasons: Wet Hair in Winter vs. Summer
Imagine stepping out into the cold, crisp air of Vancouver in winter or the warm, inviting sunshine of summer. The feel of your hair, wet from a recent wash, reacts differently to each scenario.
Winter Wonders and Worries
Outdoor Odyssey: Venturing outside with wet hair in winter can feel like a cold shock to your system. The chilly winds meet your wet locks, potentially freezing them and making them prone to breakage.
Indoor Intricacies: While staying indoors with wet hair isn't as daunting, the heated indoor air can suck the moisture out, leaving your hair dry and frizzy.
Summer Soak and Sun
Sunshine Stroll: A summer day beckons you outside with wet hair, offering a cooling relief. However, as the sun's rays intensify, they can dry and damage your hair, stripping away essential oils.
Indoor Air: Indoors, the atmosphere is gentler, and letting your hair air-dry naturally can be a good option, although blotting out excess water to prevent drips is advisable.
Night-time Narratives: Sleeping with Wet Hair
You've had a long day, and the thought of diving into bed right after a soothing shower is tempting. However, the wet locks you carry to bed can have their own tale to tell.
The Frizz Fright: As you toss and turn, wet hair is more elastic and prone to breakage, leading to a frizzy fright come morning.
Moldy Misadventures: A damp scalp is a haven for fungus and bacteria, potentially leading to scalp issues or even a mildew adventure on your pillows.
The Verdict
The journey of your wet hair post-shower has numerous turns based on the seasons and situations.
The essence is to know your hair, its temperament, and how it vibes with moisture and the environment.
A professional touch could be the key to unlocking the best practices for your hair. Booking an appointment at the salon can offer personalized advice to ensure your tresses remain terrific, regardless of the weather or time of day.
So why allow the wet hair dilemma to dampen your spirits? Seek professional insight and step into each day with confidence, flaunting a fabulous mane, come rain, shine, or snow!
6 Reasons Not to Sleep with Wet Hair
There are compelling reasons why individuals might want to dry their hair before hitting the sack. Wet hair can lead to the following scenarios:
Hair Stretching: When wet, hair can stretch to about 30% of its original length without incurring damage. However, the game changes when it stretches between 30-70%, as irreversible alterations can occur. This stretching can be exacerbated when sleeping on it, as the tossing and turning might stretch it beyond tolerable lengths (1).
Feeling Cold: A study in 2015 illustrated that individuals experienced more heat loss from their heads when exposed to cooler temperatures. The heat loss was notably higher at 10°C compared to 15°C or 20°C, implying that wet hair can contribute to a less comfortable sleep due to increased heat loss.
Fungus Growth: A recent study in 2021 identified a type of Malassezia fungus residing in hair follicles. This particular fungus can trigger skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Keeping the hair wet for extended periods, such as overnight, might escalate the risk of these conditions.
Dandruff: Research in 2019 indicated that the cold and wet conditions of winter can worsen dandruff. This study also hinted at a balance of bacteria and fungi playing a role in dandruff development. Wet hair can lead to heat loss, which in turn may exacerbate dandruff.
Hair Breakage: A 2017 study noted that genetic and hormonal shifts are significant players in hair loss. Nonetheless, environmental factors and excessive grooming, like going outdoors with wet hair or sleeping with wet hair, can also contribute to hair breakage (1).
Skin Conditions: When hair follicles beneath the skin get clogged up with sebum or oil, acne can develop. Wet hair can harbour bacteria, impacting the bacterial growth in the pores. Keeping hair wet for long durations, such as overnight, may heighten the risk of these conditions (2).
These points illustrate why drying your hair before bedtime or before stepping outside, especially in winter, could be beneficial for both your scalp and hair health. While the research links provided do not specifically pertain to Canadian studies, they offer a general understanding of the potential impacts of wet hair in different scenarios.
Filomena Salon Coquitlam is an award-winning hair salon located on Schoolhouse Street in Coquitlam. We are specialists in hair extensions, hair colour and other professional hair services. If you are considering a new colour or style for your hair, contact us, and we’ll talk you through all the options to ensure your choice of colour reflects your personality and complexion.
Call today for a free consultation with one of our stylists. We have the best hairdressers and the best hair colourists in Vancouver. Call now at 604-777-9300 or email us at info@filomenasalonspa.com.