"I can't go outside! I'll catch a cold. I just showered, and my hair is wet!"

It’s a scenario we’re all familiar with—racing to get ready for work or a night out, you step out of the shower with damp hair (unless you're like me and rock the shiny dome), only to hear the warning echo from the past:

"You’ll catch a cold if you don’t dry your hair!"

But is there any truth to this common saying? Can you really catch a cold just from wet hair?

Can I get sick from going out in the cold with wet hair?

Wet Hair Equals Cold?

The idea that walking around with wet hair can lead to a cold is so ingrained in our culture that most of us have heard it at some point. Parents, friends, and even doctors have often warned us against the dangers of being outside with wet hair, especially in the colder months.

The reasoning behind this advice is that the body’s temperature drops when it’s exposed to the cold, which might weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to illness.

But here’s the catch: a cold is not caused by being cold or wet—it’s caused by viruses.

The common cold is caused by viral infections, most often rhinoviruses, that invade your nose and throat. These viruses spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contaminated surfaces. You don’t need to be exposed to cold weather or wet hair for these viruses to take hold—they can spread in any environment, as long as the conditions are right.

While being in a cold environment can contribute to conditions that may lower your immune defences (like causing your nasal passages to dry out), simply walking around with wet hair doesn’t make you more likely to catch a cold. The real culprit is exposure to the virus itself.

Because Science.

The Science Behind the Myth

So why does the myth persist? There’s actually a bit of truth hidden in the misunderstanding. Cold weather and sudden temperature changes can affect your immune system, making it harder for your body to fend off infections. When you’re exposed to cold temperatures for a prolonged period, your body may not function as efficiently. This is especially true if you’re outdoors in freezing temperatures without adequate protection. The cold can constrict the blood vessels in your nasal passages, limiting the flow of immune cells and making it easier for viruses to invade.

So, Does Wet Hair Really Matter?

The key factor in catching a cold is exposure to a virus, not whether your hair is wet. While it might feel uncomfortable to be out in the cold with damp hair, the moisture itself isn’t a major factor in lowering your immunity. However, being cold and wet could make you feel run down, which could make your body less prepared to fight off a virus if you happen to come into contact with one.

It’s also worth noting that cold weather can sometimes force people to congregate in poorly ventilated spaces, where viruses are more likely to spread.

Practical Tips for Staying Healthy

While wet hair itself doesn’t cause a cold, there are still a few good practices that can help keep you healthy, especially during cold and flu season:

Dry your hair, you'll be more comfortable.

1. Dry your hair before going out: Even though it’s not necessary for avoiding a cold, drying your hair is more comfortable and might reduce the risk of other ailments like a sore throat or earache.

2. Dress warmly: Cold temperatures, especially if you’re out for an extended period, can weaken your body’s defences. Layering up with appropriate clothing helps your immune system stay in top shape.

3. Wash your hands frequently: Viruses are spread by touch and close contact. By washing your hands often, you reduce the chance of spreading germs to your nose and mouth.

4. Avoid close contact with sick individuals: This is one of the best ways to prevent illness—simply stay away from people who are already infected.

5. Boost your immune system: Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, and get plenty of rest. A well-maintained immune system is less likely to succumb to colds.

Conclusion: No, Wet Hair Doesn’t Cause a Cold

Dress for the weather

Despite the well-meaning warnings, walking around with wet hair doesn’t directly cause you to catch a cold. The common cold is caused by viruses, not by temperature or moisture.

The next time someone tells you to dry your hair to avoid a cold, feel free to reassure

them with the facts. Wet hair may not be ideal for comfort, but it’s not the reason you might come down with the sniffles. The real culprit is the virus, and that’s something we all need to keep in mind.

Stay Curious!

Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

This article was created in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by Quiet Copywriting.

Do you have an idea to explore for The Curious Toad? Click here to submit it, and let’s go down a bunny trail!