Can Going to Bed with Wet Hair Cause a Cold?

*Modified: Dec. 4th, 2025

You probably have heard the saying: “go to bed with wet hair and you’ll wake up with a cold.” Is that true? Between work, fun, and taking care of the family, there are days when you are simply too tired to dry your hair thoroughly before going to sleep (especially if you’ve spent a long day at the beach or pool!). Is it possible to develop a seasonal cold or cough because you nodded off with damp hair?

The theory originated in the early 20th century during World War I when scientists believed that soldiers who slept in cold, wet trenches were more likely to get colds than soldiers who slept in dry barracks. Another source claims the theory dates back to Celsus in the 1st century when he wrote that the winter season causes headaches, coughs and all other infections that attack the chest and lungs.

Let’s learn more about what researchers now say regarding any potential relationship between wet hair and getting a seasonal cold or cough.

How Are Colds Caused?

Colds are due to an infection of the upper respiratory tract, and viruses are the culprit. In fact, the common cold can be caused by any one of more than 200 different viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common. A person can pick up a rhinovirus that can produce cold symptoms in a variety of ways. Typically, an infected person will rub or scratch their nose, transferring the virus to their hands. From there, it may spread directly through a handshake or indirectly by contaminating a surface such as a doorknob or phone. When you touch that surface and then your own nose, the virus can enter your system and cause infection.  Frequent hand-washing can help reduce the chance of transferring the virus from surfaces to your hands, nose or eyes.

So, what about that wet hair? The truth is that going to bed with a wet head will not cause a cold. In order to get an infection, you must first be exposed to an infectious agent — wet hair alone can’t make you sick.

But What about Cold Temperatures?

The rhinovirus is a hearty organism and cannot only survive but thrive in very low temperatures. People are a different story. In the extreme cold, a person can develop hypothermia and have a reduced immune system response. In extremely cold conditions, wet hair may contribute to hypothermia, which is a separate health concern altogether. However, at the temperatures most people sleep in, the risk is minimal or non-existent.  However, this type of extreme cold is not generally experienced as most people sleep in heated homes during the coldest parts of the year.

Bottom line? Don’t worry too much about it. Currently, no medical evidence supports the idea that any relationship exists between going to bed with wet hair and developing a cold or cough the following day. You can go to sleep with wet hair, or even walk outside with wet hair in cooler temperatures without it causing a cold or cough. A cold is likely to develop when you come into contact with the rhinovirus on surfaces or if are around others who have a cold and have not taken precautions with their hygiene. A strong immune system will help your body fight off infection and incoming viruses as well as shorten the duration of an illness and lessen the severity of symptoms.

Common Cold Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

Typical symptoms of the common cold include a sore throat, cough, congestion, and a runny or stuffy nose. You may also have a low-grade fever and a general feeling of malaise. During your cold, nasal mucus may start clear and thin, then become thicker and yellow or green — which is normal and doesn’t necessarily indicate a bacterial infection.

Most colds resolve on their own with rest and fluids. However, seek medical attention if you experience:

• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• A fever higher than 101.3 °F
• A fever that lasts more than five days or returns after you’ve been fever-free
• A severe sore throat paired with a headache or sinus pain

These can signal complications requiring medical care.

Is It a Cold, or Something More?

A seasonal infection is a common occurrence (even those with the strongest immune systems get a cold once in awhile). However, sometimes cold-like symptoms can mean something else. Symptoms can help you distinguish between Covid, colds, and the flu.  Some populations are more vulnerable to serious illnesses that begin with symptoms that look like a regular cold. Individuals who should seek medical attention for a lingering cold include those with:

• An autoimmune disease
• HIV
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Severe allergies & asthma

In addition, children under six years old, those over 65, and pregnant women may be affected differently by the common cold because they are more vulnerable to illness. For these patients, if symptoms last for a week or longer you need to seek medical attention as it may be signs of mononucleosis or the flu.

Take Care of Seasonal Cold Cough

Cold symptoms such as sniffling, a scratchy throat, coughing, watery eyes, nasal congestion or a runny nose will resolve on their own in approximately four days. If you’re infected, plenty of rest and hydration will generally help you feel better in a short amount of time. However, symptoms that continue or worsen may indicate other health issues.

If your cold or cough lingers or you suspect complications, visit CareSpot Urgent Care for a treatment plan that will help you recover and, if necessary, connect you with a specialist for follow-up care.