Latest news with #wetHair
Fox News
05-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
The gross reason experts say you should never go to bed with wet hair
Sleeping with wet hair could lead to unexpected problems. Skin and hair experts agree that going to bed before drying your hair can lead to troublesome scalp issues — and even hidden bacteria in your bedsheets. Briana Delvecchio, a hairstylist at Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge in New York, shared in an interview with Fox News Digital that she always advises her clients against sleeping with wet hair for several reasons. When hair is wet, the hydrogen bonds in the strands are temporarily broken, making it more elastic, fragile and prone to breakage, she cautioned. "Combine that with friction from your pillowcase, and it's a recipe for split ends, tangles and long-term damage," Delvecchio said. The scalp "also takes a hit," she added, as a damp scalp trapped against a pillow overnight creates a warm, humid environment that's ideal for fungal growth and bacterial buildup. "This can trigger scalp irritation or dandruff, or even make your roots feel greasy by morning," the hairstylist warned. Sleeping with wet hair can also impact facial skin. "That moisture transfers to your pillowcase, which can harbor bacteria and oil that contribute to breakouts or flare-ups in sensitive skin," Delvecchio noted. Dr. Noah Gratch, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York, told Fox News Digital in a separate interview that he also recommends against sleeping with wet hair. "While it's not dangerous, there are dermatologic and hair health concerns associated with the habit," he said. Friction against the pillow can exacerbate damage of fragile wet hair, leading to breakage and shedding over time, the dermatologist warned. The damp environment can also contribute to scalp and skin issues, he agreed. "A constantly damp scalp creates a warm, moist environment that can promote the overgrowth of Malassezia, a yeast that naturally lives on the scalp but can proliferate under these conditions," Gratch said. "This may contribute to scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis (a chronic inflammatory skin condition) or dandruff." Sleeping with wet hair also increases the risk of developing folliculitis – a skin condition that causes irritation, inflammation and bumps – or fungal infections in people with "already compromised skin barriers or oily scalps," Gratch said. The dermatologist reiterated that moisture trapped on the pillowcase can harbor bacteria, fungi and dust mites. "Prolonged skin contact with this moisture may contribute to acne flare-ups, particularly fungal acne, or exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema," he warned. For more Health articles, visit To avoid these complications, Delvecchio recommends towel-drying the hair and using a leave-in conditioner to protect the strands before bed, in addition to blow-drying on low heat or loosely braiding the hair once it's mostly dry. "A simple routine swap goes a long way toward keeping your hair, scalp and skin healthy," she added.
Fox News
01-06-2025
- General
- Fox News
This daily beauty routine could be ruining your hair, experts warn
For those with a hair care routine, a brush is an essential tool for daily upkeep — but brushing hair while it's wet could cause more harm than good. The common habit could permanently weaken hair at a "molecular level," according to Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, co-founder and hair transplant surgeon at Smile Hair Clinic in Istanbul. This could lead to increased breakage and thinning over time. A 2022 study from the University of Manchester reflected this, finding that moisture can change hair's response to stress. "When hair gets wet, it undergoes significant physical changes that can affect its ability to handle stress from brushing," Erdogan said in comments shared with Fox News Digital. "The water causes the hair shaft to swell, stretches the cuticle and makes it more susceptible to breakage." Although research has shown that wet hair stretches more than dry hair before breaking, Erdogan clarified that this doesn't mean the hair is more flexible and resilient. "The opposite is true – this stretching damages the internal protein structure, leading to weaker hair over time," he warned. "Wet hair is more fragile, and rough brushing can cause breakage." "The brush pulls on swollen, weakened strands, causing them to stretch beyond their capacity. As they dry, they don't return to their original state and remain damaged at a structural level." Ashley DiMatteo, owner of Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge in Westchester, New York, told Fox News Digital in an interview that the salon has "definitely seen" damage from brushing wet hair. "Wet hair is more fragile, and rough brushing can cause breakage," she said. "But it's rarely just one issue – hair loss or damage often comes from a combination of factors like stress, hormones, heat styling or chemical treatments." Brianna Delvecchio, a color specialist and hairdresser at DiMatteo's salon, agreed that brushing wet hair can cause breakage, especially while doing so roughly or with the wrong tool. Factors like stress, diet, hormones and overprocessing can also play a role in hair damage, she confirmed. Those who have fine and chemically treated hair – whether colored, permed or relaxed – are "especially susceptible" to wet brushing damage, since their protein structure is "already altered," Erdogan noted. The risks don't mean people should skip brushing altogether, Delvecchio said, as not brushing wet hair can sometimes result in a "knotted, matted mess." "Brushing is necessary — just do it gently and in the right way," she advised. With her salon clients, DiMatteo recommends taking a "gentle approach" to hair, protecting it from heat, avoiding rough brushing and limiting chemical services. "We also take time to talk about scalp health, nutrition and lifestyle, because those all play a role," she told Fox News Digital. "And most importantly, don't ever feel embarrassed or shy to speak to your stylist or local salon. We're here to help." To lower the risk of hair damage, experts recommend using a wide-tooth comb or flexible detangling brush. "The flexible bristles are great for detangling without too much tension," Delvecchio said. "It's a solid option for all hair types, as long as you're still gentle and patient." The salon owner also suggested using a leave-in product to help soften and hydrate the hair, making it "much easier for the comb to glide through." "Technique matters, too – always start from the bottom and gently work your way up," DiMatteo advised. Adding heat to wet hair can "multiply the damage," Erdogan warned. For those with straight hair, it's best to allow it to partially air-dry before combing, according to the hair transplant surgeon. The American Academy of Dermatology Association also recommends this approach. Delvecchio advised going "easy on your hair" overall, especially when it's wet. For more Health articles, visit "Use heat protectant, lower the heat on your tools, avoid overlapping bleach and keep up with trims," she suggested. "Also, brush regularly (wet or dry) to prevent tangles and breakage," she went on. "Hair is delicate, but with the right habits, it can stay strong and healthy."
