Is Catching a Cold From Wet Hair a Myth? Let’s Break It Down

For years, moms everywhere warned: “Don’t go outside with wet hair, or you’ll catch a cold!” But guess what? Science says that’s not how colds work.

The Truth About Colds and Wet Hair

Colds are caused by viruses—hundreds of different strains, to be exact—not by wet hair or cool air. As The New York Times explains, catching a cold is all about being exposed to those viruses, not stepping outside in the winter with damp locks.

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How Did This Myth Start?

The origin is a bit murky, but studies in the early 1900s suggested a connection between wet hair and colds. Experiments on World War I soldiers, mounties in the Canadian Arctic, and college students seemed to support the idea.

Later research tested this myth by placing people in freezing rooms—some barely clothed, others bundled up. The result? Both groups caught colds at about the same rate, busting the myth that cold exposure or wet hair directly causes sickness.

Why Do We Catch More Colds in Winter?

While colds can strike any time of year, they’re more common in the winter. Why? Colder weather drives people indoors, where close quarters make it easier for viruses to spread.

So, if you want to avoid a cold, forget the hair dryer. Instead, focus on washing your hands, avoiding close contact with sick people, and keeping your immune system strong—because wet hair is just a scapegoat!