It’s a common belief: if you go outside with wet hair in the cold, you’ll catch a cold. But is there any truth to this idea? Let’s break down the science and find out if wet hair really increases your chances of getting sick.
What Actually Causes Illness?
The main culprits behind colds and flu are viruses, not the temperature or wet hair. The cold weather itself doesn’t make you sick, but it can make your body more vulnerable to viruses. Colds and the flu are caused by exposure to viruses, often spread through direct contact or airborne droplets.
Does Wet Hair Play a Role?
Going outside with wet hair doesn’t directly cause illness. However, it can contribute to a few conditions that make you more susceptible to getting sick. When you’re cold, your body’s immune response may weaken slightly, which can make it easier for a virus to take hold. Additionally, wet hair can make you feel chilled faster, which could cause your body temperature to drop and strain your immune system.
The Cold and Wet Combo
While wet hair on its own isn’t likely to cause illness, staying cold and wet for extended periods can be uncomfortable and weaken your immune defenses. Cold air, combined with wet clothing or hair, can lower your body temperature and potentially make you more susceptible to infections, especially if you’re already exposed to a virus.
Myth vs. Reality
The belief that wet hair makes you sick is more about correlation than causation. People tend to get sick more in the winter months because viruses spread more easily in colder, closed environments. Wet hair might just be one of the many things that can make you feel uncomfortable or colder, but it’s not the direct cause of illness.
Conclusion
So, while it’s not ideal to stay outside in cold weather with wet hair, it’s not likely to cause a cold by itself. The real cause of getting sick is exposure to viruses, so the best way to stay healthy is by washing your hands, avoiding close contact with sick people, and taking care of your immune system. If you do find yourself with wet hair, it’s a good idea to dry off as soon as possible to stay comfortable and avoid getting too cold.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-it-bad-to-sleep-with-wet-hair#6-reasons-not-to-sleep-with-wet-hair Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board