Forget mould in your home, your lazy bedtime routine could leave you with mouldy hair

IT’S that time of year when mould and condensation can be a nightmare around your home.

But it’s not just your walls and windows that can be at risk of bacteria if they’re damp.

Hair experts have warned that sleeping with wet hair can result in mould growing in your hair and on your scalp.  

It’s a lazy bedtime routine that many people are guilty of, and some may think it’s better for their locks since they’re not blasting it with a hot hairdryer.

But leaving your hair damp while you sleep can lead to bacteria on your scalp and pillow.

Absolute Collagen has spotted that searches for “hair mould” have increased by a staggering 175% compared to last year, while “can I go to bed with wet hair?” is also up by 75%. 

Eva Proudman, Trichologist at Absolute Collagen has now revealed that sleeping with wet hair is not the only mistake you could be making.

She said: “The quality of your sleep is vital to healthy hair. Our hair follicles are the second fastest-dividing cells in the body.

“Like all fast-dividing cells, hair follicles use the time you are asleep to regenerate new follicles and replenish existing ones.

“Tossing and turning at night causes friction and heat between your hair and pillow, which can damage the hair and lead to breakage.”

She added: “Contrary to what some may believe, the best way to protect your hair from friction and damage is to tie it back rather than up.

“Tying your hair back can indeed cause pulling, but when done correctly, can minimise any friction during the night.

“To do so, ensure you are tying your hair in a very loose ponytail or braid with a fabric scrunchie – there should be no pulling on the scalp at all.”

To help improve hair health, she has shared five ways you can protect your locks while you sleep.

Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase

Eva says: “For restless sleepers, a silk or satin pillowcase is a must.

“These cases are also a great option for those more typically prone to breakage.

“This is because the smooth material allows the hair to glide freely, minimising tangles, friction and frizz as you toss and turn.

“What’s more, unlike regular cotton or polyester cases, silk pillowcases don’t absorb any oils, so your hair won’t be stripped of natural oils, and you can wake up with hydrated locks.”

Make sure your hair is completely dry

“Your hair is at its most delicate when it’s wet”, Eva revealed.

“So the friction and heat from moving around in your sleep can increase matting and even breakage.

“The best evening routine for your hair is to wash it with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner a few hours before bed, then let the hair air dry.

“Or for a quicker option, thoroughly blow dry your hair on a gentle heat using heat protectant spray.”

Consider wrapping your hair

If you often wake up with dry or frizzy hair, Eva suggests you should consider sleeping in a silk or satin head scarf or wrap.

She added: “You can even use this method if you have had a fresh blow-dry or hairstyle that you want to last for longer.

“Similar to the pillowcase benefits, a silk or satin scarf can reduce friction, lock in the hair’s natural moisture and even reduce the likelihood of split ends.

“If you don’t have a scarf or a wrap, putting your hair in loose plaits or braids is also a great way of wrapping your hair for sleep.

“There are many ways to wrap hair, so play around and find a way that is most comfortable for you to sleep in and wake up with freshly styled hair!”

Swap bobbles for scrunchies

Eva says: “If wrapping isn’t for you, but you still want to protect your hair by tying it up and away from your face when you sleep, invest in some soft, silk, or satin scrunchies.

“Normal fabric hair bobbles, not elastic ties, are fine to use during the day, but while you sleep the best option is a loose scrunchie that doesn’t cause friction and pull on your delicate hair.”

Try a leave-in conditioner or hair oil

Last but certainly not least, for those who are either blessed with curly hair or prone to tangling or struggle with dry hair, then a leave-in conditioner or hair oil should be your best friend.

Eva suggests: “When finding an oil or conditioner, find one that works best on dry hair.

“Then, identify your hair issue – if you have dry hair, try to find a nourishing oil that contains hyaluronic acid, coconut oil or castor oil.

“For fine hair, try and look for one that has argan oil or grapeseed oil in it.

“This is a great way to lock in moisture and revitalise your curls overnight.”