Does your hair look worse even though you haven’t changed your routine? The reason may be that you leave them dissolved during the night. While this method isn’t harmful in itself, various factors can be the culprits, including whether your hair is dry or wet, how much it tangles, and what material you’re lying on. These effects can lead to breakage, frizz and knotting.
- The biggest damage is caused by sleeping with wet hair.
- Wet hair during the night promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin.
- People with long, fine or bleached hair are particularly prone to damage.
Proponents of sleeping with loose hair claim that the strands can rest naturally without pressure. Natural oils can be distributed evenly, which contributes to their shine. However, according to experts, loose hair is more prone to friction, which increases its brittleness and causes split ends..
The damage is usually not caused by letting your hair down, but by getting it wet before bed. This can lead to more mechanical damage including breakage and entanglement. Researchers from the University of Utah Health warn that sleeping with wet hair also increases the risk of scalp irritation.
You should dry your hair before going to bed. (illustrative photo)
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Moisture on the scalp creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi. These can cause dandruff, itching or fungal infections and over time weaken the hair follicles, which leads to increased hair loss. In addition, sleeping with wet hair disrupts the natural pH of the scalp, which further encourages the growth of microbes.
If you wash your hair in the evening, it is best to dry it before going to bed. During the night, they rub against the sheet, bend and move along with body movements. Although this is negligible for most people, those with long, fine or bleached hair may experience problems.
In addition, you should avoid tying your hair too tightly. The goal is to reduce friction without creating tension, as tight hairstyles can also damage the hair, especially if worn in the same place every day. For people who suffer from sensitive scalp, pain from tight hairstyles or hair breakage in the place where the braid usually resides, sleeping with loose hair can be more comfortable – provided they are not wet or too tangled.
Shorter hair, which is less tangled and frizzy, usually does best when it’s down while you sleep.. This method can even be beneficial as it gives your scalp a break from the rubber bands and clips. Curly hair requires special care. Experts recommend gently pulling the curls at night without using strong rubber bands.
If you want to sleep with your hair down, you need to follow a few rules. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
What you sleep on is just as important. Smooth satin or silk sheets create less drag than cotton, reducing hair snagging and allowing it to glide more easily. If it is not possible to change the sheets, a satin cap will also provide you with similar benefits.
Before going to bed, it helps to apply protective products, such as smoothing serums or leave-in conditioners, which keep the hair healthy. A light oil for the ends will provide the necessary hydration and a protective barrier. Choose soft, flexible rubber bands made from delicate materials such as silk to avoid damage.
Loose hair touches not only the pillow, but also the cheeks, forehead or chin. Residues from styling products, oils or dirt can irritate the skin and make breakouts worse, especially if you have oily skin. This does not mean that hair directly causes acne, but increased contact with oil, sweat and hair products can complicate the condition of the scalp.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
