Why is it bad to go to bed or put hair up when it's still wet?

Recently a question I have been hearing more often is why is it bad to sleep with wet hair or put it up wet. When your hair is wet, the bonds are weaker and the hair is in a more fragile state. So when you are putting your hair up or sleeping on it wet you are causing more damage by stretching and manipulating it. Think of your hair like a t-shirt you are washing. When the shirt is in the washer it gets caught on something. Since the t-shirt was wet and in a more fragile state it then gets stretched and mis shaped. The same applies to your hair. It is in a more vulnerable state when wet so you should be more gentle with it. If you are doing a protective style such as braids that is ok to do when damp just make sure the hair has time to dry before sleeping on it. You should avoid pulling your hair up into a ponytail or bun when wet though to avoid breakage. Sleeping with wet hair also causes damage for the same reason. It is being pulled and roughed up against the pillow when wet while in a more vulnerable state, and it can cause more damage.

Another reason it is good to avoid putting hair up wet or sleeping on it wet is that you are also putting your hair and scalp at risk for a fungal or bacteria infection. Think back to that wet t-shirt again. When laundry sits in the washer over night you have to re wash it usually because it gets a mildew smell to it. If things are left in tight space while wet with less airflow, it can cause mold to grow. You are doing the same thing to your hair when you are putting it up or sleeping on it wet. It is not getting airflow and is condensed to a tighter space so therefor can't dry properly. The moisture can become trapped in your hair and scalp which can cause a fungal or bacterial infection. You would't constantly leave clothes wet in the washer for long periods or put the clothes away wet. So you should treat your hair the same way and allow it dry before putting it up and/or sleeping on it.

While I know everyone does it on , it truly is best to avoid putting your hair up wet or sleeping on it wet. I hope explaining it this way helps make more sense. I always air dry my hair before putting it up or going to sleep. You can always blow dry it beforehand also.