When you have long hair, sleeping without securing it properly can lead to much more than just a bad hair day. Over time, your sleeping habits can lead to hair breakage and other damage.

Let's look at the basics of sleeping with long hair. Whatever your hair type, whether it's color-treated or chemically straightened, you'll find tips on how to treat it right while you sleep.

 

  Sleeping with long hair

Most tried-and-true methods for protecting long hair during sleep rely on the products you apply overnight and styling strategies aimed at avoiding breakage. Environmental factors, such as the moisture in your hair and bedding, can also play a role.

 

      Use our silk pillowcase.

This is an important point. If you tend to toss and turn in bed, your hair rubs against the fibers of your pillow every time you move. This can stress your hair and cause frizz. Ultimately, this can even lead to breakage.

A silk pillowcase can reduce the amount of friction on your hair while you sleep. Additionally, our pillowcases can reduce stretching and stress on your skin while you sleep, which helps prevent wrinkles caused by aging. Silk contains hypoallergenic and cooling fibers, unlike cotton.

 

      Change your shower time

If you fall asleep with hair that is still slightly damp, you risk breaking your hair or getting it tangled by morning. Your hair strands are at their most fragile when they contain moisture. Even the soundest sleeper will move their head a bit during a night's sleep, and this movement is more likely to tangle wet hair.

If your schedule allows, try to wash your hair at a time when it has time to air dry before going to bed. Remember to finish your showers with a splash of cold water to help seal moisture into your hair. You can also dry your hair completely just before bed and use one of the styling suggestions below so your blowout stays fresh and your mane doesn't tangle.

 

      Wrap your hair in a scarf or wrap

With a scarf or wrap, you won't lose sleep worrying about damaging or crushing your freshly styled hair. Depending on your hair type, you may prefer to use a silk or satin material to further reduce friction during sleep. By carefully wrapping your hair and pushing stray hairs away from your neck, you also avoid moisture and sweat that can make your hair frizzy.

Sleeping with wrapped hair is ideal if you prefer to wake up with a smooth, straight hairstyle. If you add long hairpins to your wrapped hair, it will be better secured and the smoothing effect will be enhanced. Brush your hair when you wake up and you'll be ready to go in the morning.

 

      Brush your hair before bed

By brushing your hair before going to bed, you avoid frizz and tangled hair. You don't need to take a lot of time to do it. Depending on your hair type, a simple brush or wide-tooth comb will suffice to brush your hair before styling it for the night and going to bed.

 

      Switch to our silk scrunchies

Elastic bands are usually used to tie your hair back for the evening. But these bands can actually put pressure on your hair and scalp by pulling them back. This friction causes frizz and breakage. You might as well be sleeping with an elastic in your hair.

Instead, tie your hair into a top knot using a silk scrunchie. This will allow your hair to escape the friction. You'll be less likely to wake up with a visible "bump" in your hair where you pulled it back, saving you precious styling time in the morning.

 

      Revitalize your hair while you sleep

Just because your hair needs to be dry while you sleep doesn't mean it has to be dry and dehydrated when you wake up. If you often wake up with frizzy and unruly hair, a leave-in conditioner may be the solution. Before styling and securing your hair for the night, a spritz or two of leave-in conditioner containing proteins or keratin can strengthen your strands while you sleep.

The best leave-in conditioner varies depending on your hair type. Hair that tends to dry out will thrive with a leave-in conditioner that hydrates it. Hair that tends to be oily will benefit from a lighter formula containing botanical extracts and few other elements. Formulas presented in a spray bottle and intended to be applied to dry hair are best.

 

      Sleep with braids

If you want to wake up with wavy hair instead of a tangled mess, try braiding your long hair before going to bed. Any type of braid will do, whether it's a single braid, several small braids, or even a French braid, if you want to get fancy.

Secure your braid at the bottom using a small scrunchie instead of an elastic band. If you want to give your hair extra protection, you can arrange the braid as a top knot on your head or simply wrap the braid and secure it on your head, away from the nape of your neck. This will protect your hair from sweat, humidity, and friction.

 

      Use a hair serum or mask

A light hair serum can help you manage frizz while you sleep, as can a hair mask that can be used overnight. Keep in mind that you are not trying to make your hair damp or swell your hair follicles with a product you use overnight. You are simply looking to add and seal in moisture, without adding weight or friction to your hair.

Avoid any product containing an acidic component (such as citric acid or apple cider vinegar), as you cannot leave them on your hair for more than 6 hours. Also avoid heavy protein additives like egg, which can weigh your hair down and make it more brittle. Favor light botanical products (like peppermint oil or aloe vera) that can provide shine, stimulate your scalp, and facilitate detangling in the morning.

 

      What not to do with long hair

The things you shouldn't do with your hair at night can be just as important as following the tips above and securing your hair gently for the evening. Since long hair is prone to breaking and tangling, it is especially important to keep these tips in mind when you are trying to preserve your long hair.

• Don't sleep with your hair in a ponytail. Use one of the other styles above, such as a bun or a braid.
• Avoid metal clips and hair ties. Opt for a more sleep-friendly option, such as a satin scrunchie.
• Don't fall asleep with wet hair. And even if you can't avoid it, at least tie your hair up and brush it before you fall asleep.

 

      Conclusion

It is possible to protect (and even nourish) your long locks while you sleep. This process may involve some trial and error, so you can try the tips above one by one to see what works for you.

Consider your hair type and the fact that your hair may have already been damaged by chemical treatments when deciding what works best for you. If you are concerned about breakage and frizz, ask a hair care professional if they have any other ideas for your specific hair problems.

 

Read also: Is your hair damaged at night?

 

 

@KonjakParis