Can You Catch a Cold by Going Out With Wet Hair?

Most of us have heard the age-old advice: "Don’t go outside with wet hair, or you’ll catch a cold!" This belief is deeply rooted in many cultures and often passed down from generation to generation. But is there any scientific truth behind this claim, or is it just a well-meaning myth? On betterhealthfacts.com, we aim to separate health facts from fiction. This article dives deep into the origins of this widespread belief, what science really says about the common cold, and whether your wet hair plays any role in your chances of getting sick.

What is the Common Cold?

The common cold is a viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by several different types of viruses, most notably the rhinovirus, which is responsible for more than half of all cases. Other viruses that can cause cold-like symptoms include coronaviruses (not to be confused with SARS-CoV-2), adenoviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Typical symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Coughing

Mild headache

Fatigue

Sometimes a low-grade fever

Colds are usually self-limiting, resolving in about 7 to 10 days without medical intervention.

How Do You Actually Catch a Cold?

To understand whether wet hair contributes to catching a cold, we need to first understand how colds are transmitted. The common cold is spread through:

• Airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes
• Direct contact with an infected person
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face, especially the mouth, nose, or eyes

What’s notably absent from this list? Temperature and moisture. While environmental factors can influence how viruses behave, exposure to cold weather or having wet hair in itself is not a direct transmission route.

The Origin of the Wet Hair Myth

The belief that going outside with wet hair causes a cold likely dates back centuries when the understanding of germs and viral infections was virtually nonexistent. Before the germ theory of disease was established in the late 19th century, people believed that diseases were caused by "miasma" or "bad air." This theory held that being cold or damp could lead to illness because it made the body vulnerable to these harmful vapors.

Later, as infectious diseases became better understood, the myth persisted because of the association between cold weather and increased incidence of respiratory infections. But correlation does not imply causation.

“Going outside with wet hair may make you feel cold, but it doesn't cause colds. Colds are caused by viruses,” says Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Why Do Colds Seem More Common in Cold Weather?

While cold weather doesn’t cause the common cold, there are valid reasons why colds appear to be more frequent during the colder months:

• People spend more time indoors in close proximity, making it easier for viruses to spread.
• Dry air from heating systems and lower humidity outdoors dries out nasal passages, reducing the mucus layer that traps viruses.
• Weakened immune responses may occur due to reduced vitamin D levels from lack of sunlight exposure.

“Viruses survive and transmit better in lower humidity, which is common in winter,” explains Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Scientific Studies on Cold Exposure and Immunity

Over the years, several studies have tried to assess whether being cold or wet can actually make someone more susceptible to getting sick. The results consistently show that exposure to cold temperatures alone does not increase the likelihood of catching a cold virus.

In a landmark 1958 study by the Common Cold Research Unit in the UK, volunteers were exposed to cold air and wet conditions. Some were even made to sit in frigid drafts with damp clothes. Despite these conditions, they were not more likely to catch a cold unless they were also exposed to the virus itself.

“We deliberately chilled people and they didn’t get colds unless we inoculated them with a virus,” noted Dr. Ronald Eccles, director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University.

Does Cold Weather Weaken the Immune System?

There is some evidence that certain aspects of the immune system may be mildly affected by cold temperatures, but these changes are generally not enough to cause illness on their own.

Cold stress might lead to a minor reduction in immune defense mechanisms, such as reduced blood flow to the skin and mucous membranes, which can affect the function of immune cells. However, these effects are temporary and insignificant unless you’re also exposed to a virus.

Other factors, such as poor nutrition, stress, lack of sleep, and smoking, have a far greater impact on the immune system's ability to fight infections.

The Psychological Element

There’s also a psychological component to this myth. People often recall being cold and wet just before falling ill, which reinforces the belief that the two events are linked. But in most cases, the virus was already in their system, and symptoms just happened to appear later.

This kind of cognitive bias is known as confirmation bias—people notice and remember experiences that support their beliefs and disregard those that don’t.

Can Getting Chilled Make an Existing Infection Worse?

In some cases, being cold might exacerbate symptoms if you're already sick. If your body is fighting off an infection, extreme temperatures can place additional stress on it. But this doesn’t mean that being cold caused the illness in the first place—it simply means your body is already under duress, and added stress doesn’t help.

“Chilling doesn’t make you sick, but it can lower your body’s defenses momentarily,” says Dr. Leonard Bielory, an allergist and immunologist at Rutgers University.

What About Children and the Elderly?

Young children and the elderly are often told not to go out with wet hair due to their potentially weaker immune systems. While it's true that these age groups are more susceptible to infections, it’s not because of wet hair.

Instead, their immune systems may not respond as robustly to viral invaders, making them more vulnerable once exposed. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are far more effective strategies than simply keeping hair dry.

How to Actually Prevent a Cold

Instead of worrying about whether your hair is wet, focus on these medically recommended practices to reduce your risk of catching a cold:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, mouth, and eyes.
• Maintain physical distance from people who are visibly sick.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and phones.
• Support your immune system with adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular exercise.
• Consider zinc or vitamin C supplements during cold season if advised by a healthcare professional.

Should You Go Out With Wet Hair?

From a medical perspective, going outside with wet hair is not harmful in terms of disease risk. However, it can make you feel colder and uncomfortable, which may not be ideal if you're already feeling unwell or fatigued. The risk here is more about discomfort than disease.

In extremely cold weather, wet hair can freeze, leading to potential damage to your hair shafts or scalp. In such cases, covering your head or drying your hair is advisable—but for reasons unrelated to viral infections.

Conclusion: Myth Busted

The belief that going out with wet hair causes a cold is a myth that doesn’t hold up under scientific scrutiny. The common cold is caused by viruses, not the weather or wet hair. While colder months do see a rise in respiratory infections, the true culprits are increased indoor crowding, lower humidity, and more opportunities for viruses to spread.

So the next time someone warns you not to step out with damp hair, you can confidently reassure them with the facts. On betterhealthfacts.com, we believe in demystifying health myths with real science—and the verdict is clear: wet hair doesn't cause colds.