How to take care of hair before sleeping
Fed up with bed hair when you wake up?
No matter what hair type you have, protecting your hair at night can help to keep it in better condition and reduce the amount of time you need to spend styling it in the mornings.
Use the tips and advice in this blog about how to take care of hair before sleeping and you’ll soon start waking up to more good hair days!
Should you wash your hair before sleeping?
There are two types of people in this world: Those that shower in the morning, and those that shower in the evening; but which of these is a better approach?
If you shower or wash your hair in the morning, then drying and styling it can take up a lot of time and be a big inconvenience when you’re rushing to leave the house.
Showering and washing your hair in the evening before bed can help to give you back more precious time in the morning for sleeping, eating a good breakfast, exercising, preparing for the day ahead, or simply getting ready in a relaxed manner and without rushing.
Whilst washing your hair before bed could benefit your lifestyle and even your well-being, is it good for your hair?
Well, washing your hair in the evening means getting into bed and lying down to sleep on your freshly washed hair.
Some experts state that it is better for your hair if you wash it in the morning as going to bed whilst it is still wet or damp will only cause damage.
If you do wash your hair in the evening, you should ensure that it is completely dry before you get into bed, but this could mean lots of time under the hairdryer, which is not ideal either.
Naturally air drying your hair obviously takes longer but it keeps it in better condition, so in this respect, if you’re not going to have time to let your hair completely air dry in the evening, then wash it in the morning. This way, you can air dry it during the day, which should help to keep it in better overall condition.
What routine should you follow?
Whilst many people follow a skincare routine before bed, far fewer think about a bedtime routine for their hair.
Without proper care, hair can become tangled and damaged whilst you toss and turn in bed at night.
Taking five to ten minutes each evening to look after your hair before bed can help you to wake up to a good hair day every day and keep your locks shiny and manageable.
The most suitable routine for you will depend on your hair type, hairstyle, and lifestyle. However, most hair types will benefit from being brushed and detangled, having a moisturising serum or oil applied to the ends, and then being tied back or covered before bed.
Wash hair using natural hair products
Whether you wash your hair in the morning or the evening, choosing the right hair care products to wash it with is key to maintaining shiny, soft, and healthy hair. Avoid washing your hair using products that contain harsh synthetic chemicals that can dry and damage your hair and scalp, and instead invest in natural hair products that contain organic and nourishing ingredients.
Apply a serum or hair oil
Applying a serum or hair oil to the ends of your hair daily will help to prevent your hair from drying out, reducing damage, and banishing frizz, for smoother, healthier-looking hair. Argan oil, also called Moroccan oil, is recommended for daily use but make sure you only use a few drops.
Brush and detangle hair
It’s easy for hair to become tangled and at risk of breakage when it's rubbing against your pillow all night. To help minimise knots and reduce damage, it’s important to detangle your hair before you rest your head down for the night. Giving your hair a good brush will help to distribute its natural oils, for healthy, shiny, moisturised hair.
Tie hair back or cover it
Whether or not you will be applying a treatment to your hair, we advise covering it with a cap or scarf or tying it back at night. This will help to reduce the friction created when you rub your hair against your pillow during the night which can cause frizzy and damaged hair.
Heat-free styling methods
If you’re going to be tying your hair back during the night, why not save yourself time in the morning by trying a heat-free styling method. The best known overnight heat-free hair styling techniques are putting your hair in plaits or rollers, but there are plenty of other ways of achieving effortless curls or waves overnight depending on the type of finish you desire. Silk headband-style curlers have rave reviews if you’re looking for bouncy curls. If you want to try out the method before you buy the product, many people on social media are making DIY versions using their dressing gown tie and a couple of scrunchies!
Apply an intensive, overnight hair treatment weekly
The night is a great time for applying intensive treatments to nourish and repair your hair whilst you sleep. Spend time doing your research to find a treatment that is suitable for your hair type.
There are leave-in treatments as well as wash-out treatments available, so you can choose an option that suits your hair washing routine. Using hair masks overnight allows the treatment to deeply penetrate and nourish your hair for healthier, shinier locks.
Tips to protect your hair whilst sleeping
Always ensure hair is dry
If you wash your hair in the evening, it’s very important to ensure that it is fully dry before you climb into bed. Hair is more prone to breakage and tangling when wet, so tossing and turning in bed with wet hair can cause it to become damaged, split, or broken. The warm wet conditions caused by sleeping all night with wet hair on your pillow can also encourage unpleasant bacteria and mould to grow and even cause scalp infections.
Tie your hair back with a silk scrunchie or silk scarf
Silk scrunchies are more suitable than elastic bands when it comes to tying hair back at night. Silk scrunchies and hair scarves are comfortable to lie your head against, will gently keep hair in place and help to protect it from becoming damaged or tangled during the night.
Invest in a silk pillowcase
You lie with your head on your pillowcase for hours every night, so it’s well worth investing a little more in a high quality, silk pillowcase that will protect your hair and provide a luxuriously comfortable night’s sleep. Cotton pillowcases can dry hair out and cause damage over time, whereas silk pillowcases are much softer, smoother, and gentler on hair.