Will Washing My Hair Make My Cold Worse?

When you have a cold, even basic self-care tasks like washing your hair can feel like monumental chores. You may wonder if you should skip washing your hair when you’re sick to conserve energy. Or you may have heard that washing hair can actually make a cold worse.

This common belief has been passed down over generations. But is there any truth to the idea that washing hair aggravates a cold? Or is it just an old wives’ tale?

Read on to find out if washing hair really does make a cold worse, along with tips for hair care when you’re under the weather.

Can Washing Hair Worsen a Cold?

Colds are caused by viruses, not by having wet hair or getting chilled. So no, washing your hair cannot directly make a cold worse or prolong how long you stay sick.

However, there are a few reasons why washing hair when you have a cold may seem to exacerbate symptoms temporarily:

• Fatigue – When you’re sick, even basic activities like showering can wipe you out. The exertion may make cold symptoms seem worse.

• Steam inhalation – Breathing in steam from a hot shower can ease congestion temporarily. But when you get out, sinus congestion may return and feel more noticeable.

• Chills – Wet hair on an already taxed body can make you feel chilled. This may accentuate achy muscles and general malaise.

• Disrupted routine – Altering your regular hair washing schedule may seem to throw your body off balance.

So while washing hair doesn’t directly worsen a cold, it can strain your resources and temporarily amplify symptoms when you’re under the weather. But skipping hair washing altogether has disadvantages too.

Risks of Not Washing Hair When You Have a Cold

Going too long without washing your hair when you’re sick has some drawbacks:

• Germ buildup – Dirt, sweat, and oils accumulate, allowing virus particles to thrive. This further exposes you to the cold virus.

• Greasy, limp hair – Sebum and skin cell buildup makes hair look and feel unclean. This can weigh hair down.

• Itchiness – Accumulated germs, dead skin cells, and oils irritate the scalp. This causes itchiness when you need rest.

• Matted, tangled hair – Lack of brushing and washing causes knots and tangles to form. These are painful to comb out when you’re already tender.

• Headache – Unwashed hair falling around your face can trigger headaches or worsen sinus pressure.

• Reduced circulation – Buildup and unclean hair can clog follicles and scalp pores, restricting blood flow to the head.

• Worsening cold – Poor scalp hygiene allows viruses, bacteria, and fungi to thrive, potentially worsening illness.

So both washing and not washing hair have pros and cons when you have a cold. Finding the right balance is key.

How Often to Wash Hair When You Have a Cold

When deciding how often to wash your hair when you’re sick, consider these factors:

• Hair type – Oily hair may need washing every 2-3 days while dry hair can go 4-5 days.

• Illness severity – The worse you feel, the more you can space out hair washing.

• Activity level – If you’re active, sweat and oils build up faster, needing more frequent washing.

• Medications – Cough syrups and nasal sprays can leave residue on hair and skin, needing more regular washing.

• Existing schedule – Try not to deviate more than a day from your usual hair washing routine.

• Hygiene – Wash at least once a week to prevent germ buildup on the scalp.

As a general rule of thumb, those with colds can likely skip a day or two between hair washing without issue. But don’t go more than 2-3 days without washing, especially if you have an oily scalp.

Tips for Washing Hair When You Have a Cold

If you do have the energy and ability, washing your hair when sick has benefits. Here are some tips to make hair washing easier when you have a cold:

✔️ Use lukewarm water

Hot showers can be draining. Lukewarm water is gentler on the body. It also won’t dry out your stuffy nasal passages as much.

✔️ Limit hair washing to 1-2 times a week

Wash only as often as you need to avoid fatigue. This also prevents over-washing hair.

✔️ Pick a soothing shampoo

Citrus, mint, and menthol shampoos can worsen cold symptoms. Choose an ultra-gentle formula instead.

✔️ Use dry shampoo between washes

Dry shampoo absorbs grease to refresh hair on no-wash days. Just don’t overdo it, as product buildup can develop.

✔️ Detangle gently

Use a wide-toothed comb and work in small sections to prevent painful tangles.

✔️ Air dry instead of blow drying

Let hair air dry to conserve energy. Or loosely tie up hair while wet to air dry overnight.

✔️ Adjust schedule if washing worsens chills

If bathing leaves you feeling chilled, wash your hair in the evening so you can crawl straight into bed after. Or have the heat turned up temporarily to stay cozy post-shower.

✔️ Wear a shower cap

If you don’t have the energy to wash hair, wearing a shower cap while bathing keeps it dry and clean.

✔️ Oil hair overnight

Apply oil to the lengths of your hair overnight before shampooing. This gives an intensive treatment without much effort.

The goal is to avoid both over-washing and under-washing hair when sick. Find a sustainable routine that keeps your scalp and strands fresh without zapping all your energy reserves.

How to Wash Hair When You Have a Severe Cold

If your cold is severe with fever, body aches, and fatigue, even a quick wash may be challenging. On those days, focus on doing what you can manage:

• Use dry shampoo: Spray dry shampoo at the roots to refresh hair. It’s not a deep cleanse but helps absorb oil.

• Rinse with water: If you can’t stand long enough for a full shower, simply lean over the tub and rinse hair with water.

• Spot clean: Use a face cloth or wet wipes to spot clean sweaty, oily areas like your scalp line, neck, and hairline.

• Bath wipes: Use cleansing bath wipes to wipe down your body for a sponge bath effect when showers are impossible.

• Ponytails: Pull hair back into a low ponytail or bun so it stays out of your face and appears neater.

• Wet brushing: Brush through wet hair with conditioner or mask to distribute oils and freshen up.

Don’t force yourself to wash hair if it’s too difficult when you have a severe cold. Just doing a little spot cleaning, dry shampoo, or wet brushing can tide you over for a day or two.

Things to Avoid for Hair When You Have a Cold

When caring for hair during a cold, steer clear of:

• Hot showers – These can aggravate nasal congestion and dry out nasal passages.

• Strong scented products – These can worsen sinus pressure and headaches when sick.

• Too-frequent washing – Over-washing strips away protective oils that help strengthen the hair shaft and keep the scalp healthy.

• Wet hair + chilled environments – Going outside with wet hair when you have a could can amplify body aches.

• Strenuous exercise – Vigorous exercise can prolong viral illnesses. Avoid working out until your cold improves.

• Harsh handling – Don’t brush hair aggressively. It is also best not to wear tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.

• Heat styling – Air dry hair instead of blow drying or using hot tools to avoid weakening strands.

When to Call a Doctor

In most cases, mild to moderate colds don’t require a doctor visit. But if any of the below occur, contact your healthcare provider:

• High fever over 102°F lasting more than 3 days
• Severe body aches, sore throat, fatigue or weakness lasting over 5 days
• Symptoms improve then worsen again
• Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain with breathing
• Severe sinus pain or purulent nasal discharge

Seek emergency care for:

• Difficulty breathing
• Lips or face turning blue
• Confusion or inability to wake up
• Persistent vomiting

While washing hair itself won