Why you should never sleep with Olaplex in your hair

EXPERTS have revealed why you should never go to sleep with Olaplex in your hair.

The popular product can cause a gross danger to the skin if left on wet locks overnight.

Olaplex went viral on social media as a nourishing and protective treatment for frizzy tresses.

While leaving it on for prolonged periods might leave your hair silky smooth, it won't do your skin any favours.

Your soaked pillow will turn into a nest for bacteria that can damage your complexion.

You'll breathe these germs in and smear them all over your face over the eight or so hours you spend in bed.

A spokesperson for Happy Beds told Metro: "The more moisture sinks into your pillowcase, the more your pillow becomes an ideal environment for bacteria due to the heat and humidity.

"Pillowcases are made of materials that, if they get damp and retain moisture, could lead to breakouts and clogged pores due to the dead skin and other bacteria that can live in those spots."

Our bodies can shed over 15million skin cells and lose around a litre of sweat in just one night.

This, and the water from wet hair, can cause microbes to multiply and become infectious to the skin.

The experts added: "Moisture can sink through the pillow covers into your pillow and duvet, meaning your bedding will need to be washed much more often.

"This is because the moisture transferred onto your bedspread could cause skin irritation if you do your routine repeatedly before bed, as well as a growth in bacteria."

To prevent yeast infections and other skin conditions, it is advised to dry your hair before going to bed.

It is also recommended to sleep using a silk pillowcase as they can protect you from transferring bacteria to your skin.

To avoid hair friction, you can also wrap your hair in a silky scarf.

Doctors advise regularly washing your pillow - at least once a week - as the fabric can store harmful bacteria and mould spores.

This is particularly important if you share your bed with someone else.

Dermatologist Jennifer Linder told Allure: "Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that can occur anywhere on the body, including the face and scalp.

"It can be spread from person to person through contact with the infected sores or by sharing personal items, such as towels or bedding."

And you should try not to add too many products to your locks as these too will end up on your face and scalp.

This can cause acne as products are often heavily scented and contain pore-clogging oils, the American Academy of Dermatology says.

If that wasn't enough, studies show other fungi can grow if hair is kept wet for too long.

In 2021, researchers studying hair follicles found a species of Malassezia fungus, which can cause seborrheic dermatitis - a condition that causes a red, flaky and itchy rash on your skin.

Prolonged dampness was a key risk factor.

Ringworm, a fungus which thrives in moist areas, and aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus commonly found in pillows, can also develop, according to the Sleep Foundation.

Two other studies revealed dandruff and breakage were also common when sleeping with wet hair - so all in all, it's not a great idea.

Robbie Rushton, clinical trichologist at The Rushton Clinic and expert for Goldster, told The Sun: "Sleeping with conditioner on wet hair is not directly dangerous or hazardous, however, doing so could potentially introduce some challenges that might not be optimal for maintaining ideal hair health.

"Firstly, leaving conditioner in longer than recommended could potentially over saturate your hair and scalp, leading to greasy-looking, weighed-down hair due to product buildup.

"Additionally, the prolonged dampness and buildup may create a conducive environment for bacteria and fungi, potentially resulting in scalp problems like dandruff or infections.

"Those with sensitive skin or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis may also experience scalp irritation, which could include itchiness, flakiness, and inflammation.

"Another concern is the potential for hair damage and inconvenience.

"Wet hair is generally more susceptible to breakage, and this potential damage could be increased due to the friction with the pillow while sleeping.

"The dampness could also lead to an uncomfortable sleeping environment, creating a wet pillow that promotes the growth of mould and mildew."

He added that it is advisable to rinse out conditioners fully, and to let your hair dry completely before sleeping.

If overnight treatment is preferred, opt for a leave-in conditioner or hair mask designed specifically for long-term application," he said.

Health experts previously warned against sitting in your wet bikini for too long.

The bacteria from the moisture can cause a nasty infection that could interfere with your summer holiday.

According to obstetrician and gynaecologist at Piedmont, Tia Guster, "bathing suits are the perfect breeding ground for yeast" as well as bacteria, as "you have moisture in an intimate area that is warm and dark".