Old Wives' Tale Medicine Biology

Going Outside with Wet Hair Causes Colds

Wet hair doesn't cause colds, viruses do

If you go outside with wet hair, you will catch a cold.

Colds are caused by viral infections (rhinovirus, coronavirus, etc.), not by wet hair or cold temperatures. While cold air may temporarily reduce blood flow to nasal passages, this doesn't directly cause infection. Studies show no connection between wet hair and cold incidence. The belief likely persisted because people were more likely to get sick indoors where viruses spread, coinciding with bad weather.

Believed Since 1800
Year Revised 1950
Why Changed Discovery
Confidence Fully Debunked
Region Worldwide

Reception

7/10
4/10

Sources

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