Before you go to bed, spritz a leave-in conditioner generously over your hair, then brush through the ends. Bend forward and pull your hair into a high ponytail, securing the ponytail with a scrunchie or fabric hair tie.
Instead of using a scrunchy, try loosely braiding your hair. This can help keep it straighter without causing too much tension. You can wrap your hair around your head and secure it with bobby pins or a soft hair wrap. This keeps your hair flat and straight.
Using a hair cap, bonnet, or wrapping your hair with a silk or satin scarf at night will shield your hair from rubbing against your pillowcase. This will also help you protect your ends at night and make your hairstyle last longer, and you don't have to worry about any friction or loss of moisture as you rest.
For Straight Hair: Low Ponytail
Keep it simple with straight hair and opt for a low ponytail as your go-to overnight hairstyle. No matter the length of your straight hair, sleeping in this hairstyle will help prevent unwanted tangles. We suggest using a silk scrunchie and also resting your head on a silk pillowcase.
Loose Bun
Unlike tight buns, a loose bun reduces tension on your scalp, preventing breakage and pulling at the roots. This style also keeps your hair out of your face and reduces friction with your pillow, which helps in maintaining your hair's natural oils and preventing dryness.
To get to the root of the problem between hairwashes, spray some dry shampoo at the roots before you go to bed. What's the idea? To limit the “flat hair” effect when you wake up. Dry shampoo adds texture to the hair fibre and “helps” to lift the hair at the roots due to the movement of your head in your sleep.
Taking a few minutes to gently wrap tresses at night allows you to arise refreshed, knots-free, and ready to shine. Wrapping your hair at night also contributes significantly to your hair's health, keeping it smoother and shinier.
Sleeping with your hair down seems like the most natural way to go, but it can actually do more harm than good, especially for those with long hair. "Never go to bed without tying your hair up (for long hair), as loose hair can tangle," says Chavez. "Removing tangles later can cause breakage."
Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.
Wrap your hair in a satin head scarf
Whether it's on day one or day two hair, wearing a satin scarf while you sleep will help preserve those precious curls or braids, and prevent that inevitable "just woke up" frizz. A silky bonnet or turban will work just as well.
The healthiest hairstyles are gentle and avoid tightness. Loose buns, braids, or wrapping your hair are all great options. Pair them with a moisturizing product like GK Hair's ThermalStyleHer Cream for added protection.
Hurtado recommends tying hair up in a loose top knot, loosely braiding it, or wearing a silk bonnet to keep it secure while sleeping. Recommended products include Pureology Color Fanatix 21 Essential Benefits Spray, dpHUE Color Fresh Dry Texture Spray, and Leonor Greyl Serum de Soie Sublimateur.
The best way to wear your hair when you sleep is loosely tied up in a low ponytail or a bun, with a soft fabric tie or scrunchie. As an alternative, you can also wrap your hair in a silk or a satin scarf or bonnet to help with moisture retention and reduce friction.
A tight ponytail or bun can pull on the hair roots, potentially leading to headaches, hair thinning, or even hair loss over time. Instead, opt for a loose braid, loose bun, or loose ponytail.