How to Protect Your Hair While Sleeping

Last Updated: January 21, 2022 References

If you're trying to prevent hair damage and keep your locks healthy and strong, it's essential to protect your hair while sleeping. The friction of your hair against your pillow can undo the effort you've put into your hair during the day.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} Although protecting hair during sleep is a common practice for people with chemically treated hair or natural African-American hair, treating your hair properly while you sleep is a good idea for all hair types.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Preparing Your Hair for Bed

1
Use moisturizing products after showering. If you shower or wash your hair at night, apply a serum or leave-in conditioner while your hair is still damp to smooth and strengthen your locks. This is a good first step to prevent damage while sleeping. ^{[2]
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2
Apply an oil treatment or hair mask if you plan wash your hair in the morning.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} Apply an overnight hair mask or oil treatment, cover your hair with a scarf or shower cap, and wash it out when you wake up.
- This will reduce friction on your hair while sleeping, especially since you'll have to wrap or cover your hair, and you will wake up to softer, shinier hair!^{[4]
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3
Apply oil to the ends of long hair. Your hair relies on oil from your scalp for natural lubrication. The longer your hair is, the less of this oil will reach the ends of your hair.^{[5]
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Research source} Applying oil to your ends will enhance your hair's natural protection and prevent split ends from worsening while you sleep.
- Natural oils, such as almond, coconut and jojoba oils, are an effective and affordable choice that you can find at most health food stores.^{[6]
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Dry your hair before bed. Wet hair is more fragile and elastic, and thus more prone to breaking as it rubs against your pillow. Don't sleep with wet hair! ^{[7]
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5
Brush or comb your hair gently before bed. After your hair is dry or mostly dry, comb gently from roots to ends to distribute natural oils from your scalp into the ends of your hair. This will protect your hair by restoring oils washed away by shampoo, as well as removing tangles that may worsen as you sleep^{[8]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Accessorizing to Protect Your Hair in Bed

1
Use a silk or satin pillowcase. Typical cotton pillowcases have coarse fibers that can cause friction and pull on your hair.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} The smooth texture of a silk or satin pillowcase will allow you to rest your head without worrying about hair damage.^{[10]
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2
Wrap your hair in a scarf, headwrap or turban. Cover your hair with a scarf or headwrap to reduce tangles and frizz caused by motion during sleep. This will prevent breakage and maintain hair texture.^{[11]
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Tie up long hair with a soft fabric scrunchie.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} You may want to tie your hair up before bed, either to prepare it for wrapping or to preserve or create waves. Never use elastic bands, as these can pull on and break your hair. Tie hair loosely with a fabric scrunchie instead. ^{[13]
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Wrap straight hair around your head with bobby pins to keep it straight. To avoid kinks in straight hair from wraps or hair ties, comb your hair to one side and sweep it around your head in a circle, securing with bobby pins. ^{[14]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you dry your hair so it looks good in the morning?

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.

Christine George

Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

It’s best to air dry your hair, but if you are in a hurry, put your hair dryer on the lowest temperature setting to prevent heat damage.
Question

Can I use avocado to hydrate my hair at home?

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.

Christine George

Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

It really comes down to your hair maintenance routine. For instance, an avocado mask can be too much for chemically-dyed hair. An avocado mask would work for virgin hair that hasn't been chemically-dyed.
Question

Does braiding help in hair growth?

Community Answer

Technically, braiding at night can prevent damage, which will encourage hair growth, so yes.