IT’S that time of year when mold and condensation can be a nightmare in your home.

But it’s not just your walls and windows that are at risk of bacteria when they are damp.

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Hair experts have warned that sleeping with wet hair can lead to fungal growth in your hair and on your scalp.

It’s a lazy bedtime routine that many people are guilty of, and some may think it’s better for their locks since they’re not blowing it up with a hot hairdryer.

But leaving your hair damp while you sleep can build bacteria on your scalp and pillow.

Absolute Collagen has found that searches for ‘hair fungus’ have increased by a whopping 175% compared to last year, while ‘can I go to bed with wet hair?’ has also increased by 75%.

Eva Proudman, trichologist at Definitely collagen has now revealed that sleeping with wet hair isn’t the only mistake you can make.

She said: “The quality of your sleep is essential for healthy hair. Our hair follicles are the second fastest dividing cells in the body.

“Like all rapidly dividing cells, hair follicles use the time you sleep to regenerate new follicles and replenish existing ones.

“Tossing and turning at night causes friction and heat between your hair and pillow, which can damage the hair and lead to breakage.”

She added: “Contrary to what some may think, the best way to protect your hair from friction and damage is to tie it up rather than putting it up.

“Tying your hair back can indeed cause pulling, but if you do it correctly it can minimize friction during the night.

“To do this, make sure you secure your hair in a very loose ponytail or braid with a fabric scrunchie – there should be no pulling on the scalp at all.”

To help improve hair health, she shared five ways you can protect your locks while you sleep.

Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase

Eva says: “For restless sleepers, a silk or satin pillowcase is a must.

“These cases are also a great option for people who are more prone to breakage.

“This is because the smooth material allows hair to glide freely, minimizing tangles, friction and frizz during tossing and turning.

“Plus, unlike regular cotton or polyester covers, silk pillowcases don’t absorb oils, so your hair isn’t stripped of natural oils and you can wake up to hydrated strands.”

Make sure your hair is completely dry

“Your hair is most vulnerable when it’s wet,” Eva revealed.

“So the friction and heat you experience during your sleep can increase matting and even breakage.

“The best evening routine for your hair is to wash it a few hours before bed with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner and then let the hair air dry.

“Or, for a quicker option, blow-dry your hair thoroughly on a gentle temperature with a heat protectant spray.”

Consider wrapping your hair

If you often wake up with dry or frizzy hair, Eva recommends considering sleeping in a silk or satin headscarf or shawl.

She added: “You can use this method even if you’ve had a fresh blow-dry or a hairstyle that you want to last longer.

“Similar to the benefits of a pillowcase, a silk or satin scarf can reduce friction, retain the hair’s natural moisture and even reduce the chance of split ends.

“If you don’t have a scarf or wrap, putting your hair in loose braids or braids is also a great way to wrap your hair up for sleep.

“There are many ways to wrap hair, so play around and find a way that is most comfortable for you to sleep in and wake up with freshly styled hair!”

Swap the bobbles for scrunchies

Eva says: “If wrapping isn’t for you, but you still want to protect your hair by tying it up and keeping it out of your face when you sleep, invest in soft, silk or satin scrunchies.

“Regular fabric hair buns, not elastic bands, are fine to use during the day, but while you sleep the best option is a loose scrunchie that doesn’t cause friction and pull on your delicate hair.”

Try a leave-in conditioner or hair oil

Last but certainly not least, for those who are blessed with curly hair, tend to tangle easily, or suffer from dry hair, a leave-in conditioner or hair oil should be your best friend.

Eva suggests, “When looking for an oil or conditioner, look for one that works best on dry hair.

“Next, identify your hair problem – if you have dry hair, try to find a nourishing oil that contains hyaluronic acid, coconut oil or castor oil.

“For fine hair, try looking for one that has argan oil or grapeseed oil in it.

“This is a great way to lock in moisture and revitalize your curls overnight.”