You've heard the warning before: "Don’t go outside with wet hair, or you’ll catch a cold!" But how much truth is there to this advice? Is stepping out into the cold with damp hair actually dangerous, or is it just a harmless myth? The truth is a bit more nuanced. While going outside with wet hair doesn’t directly cause illness, there are still some risks and discomforts that come with it, particularly in harsh or cold weather. Whether you have long hair, medium-length hair, or you're rocking a short hairstyle, it's important to consider the potential impacts on your health and your hair. Let’s take a closer look!
Does going outside with wet hair make you sick?
First, it's important to debunk one common myth. As Caleb Backe, health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics, notes: “Catching the flu is not directly related to temperature, and it is actually a virus that is responsible for causing the flu.” While wet hair won’t directly cause you to catch a cold or the flu, it can make you feel colder, which can put a strain on your body. According to Backe, "Wet hair can cause you to be more cold than usual, and this weakens your immune system.” This means that while you’re not catching the flu from wet hair alone, your body’s ability to fight off infections can be compromised, making you more susceptible to illness.
Can cold weather damage your hair and scalp if it’s wet?
While the flu might not be a concern, cold weather can definitely affect your hair. If the temperature drops significantly, “cold, harsh weather is closely linked with dryness and a lack of moisture,” says Backe, which can have a damaging effect on your hair and scalp. When wet hair is exposed to freezing temperatures, it can cause the water to freeze in your strands, making them more brittle and prone to breakage. This freezing effect leaves your hair dry and fragile, and it can also harm your scalp. The skin on your scalp can become excessively dry, leading to flakiness and even irritation.
So, while your hair might not "catch a cold," it can certainly suffer the consequences of going outside with wet hair in freezing weather.
Can going outside with wet hair lead to hypothermia?
Another potential danger of going outside with wet hair in cold weather is the risk of hypothermia. "Prolonged exposure to the cold with wet hair can increase your chances of hypothermia," says Backe. However, it’s important to note that wet hair alone is unlikely to cause hypothermia. This risk usually arises when you’re exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods. Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, which can happen in frigid temperatures when you’re wet. So, while wet hair isn’t the main cause of hypothermia, it can increase your vulnerability if you’re exposed to extreme cold for too long.
How can you protect yourself if you need to go outside with wet hair?
If you do find yourself needing to go outside with wet hair in colder weather, there are ways to protect yourself and minimize risks. First, try to dry your hair as much as possible before stepping outside. A microfiber towel is a great option as it helps absorb moisture faster than regular cotton towels. "Wearing a beanie or protective hat can also help to keep the heat in and reduce cold exposure when stepping outside with wet hair," Backe adds. Or, you can try wrapping your hair in a protective hairstyle, such as a tight bun or braids, to help prevent your hair from being directly exposed to the cold.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
