How To Avoid Prickly Hair While Sleeping

Sleeping with long hair can be uncomfortable, especially if you don't prepare it properly. If you've ever woken up with your hair in a frizzy, tangled mess, you know the struggle. There are several ways to avoid this, such as using a silk or satin pillowcase, wrapping your hair in a scarf, or using a hair serum or mask. You should also avoid going to bed with wet hair, as this can cause matted hair in the morning.

Use a silk or satin pillowcase

If you don't like the feeling of prickly hair when sleeping, one solution is to use a silk or satin pillowcase. This can make a big difference in reducing friction on your hair as you sleep, which can lead to frizz and even breakage.

Silk and satin pillowcases create a smooth surface with very little friction, allowing your hair to glide over the surface without snagging or tangling. This is especially beneficial for people with textured or curly hair, as it helps to preserve styles like braids and blowouts for longer without adding frizz.

In addition to the hair benefits, silk or satin pillowcases can also be beneficial for your skin. They reduce the stretch and stress on your skin as you sleep, helping to prevent wrinkles caused by aging. These types of pillowcases are also hypoallergenic and cooling, providing a more comfortable sleeping experience.

If you're considering investing in a silk or satin pillowcase, look for high-quality options with a high momme (fabric weight) of 22 or more. Mulberry silk is considered the equivalent of Egyptian cotton in terms of luxury and quality. If you're not ready to splurge on a genuine silk pillowcase, a faux silk case made of polyester can still provide the smoothness benefits at a lower cost.

By making the switch to a silk or satin pillowcase, you can say goodbye to prickly hair and hello to smoother, frizz-free mornings.

Time your showers differently

Timing your showers right can make a big difference in keeping your hair smooth and tangle-free while you sleep. Here are some tips to help you time your showers differently:

Allow Enough Time for Your Hair to Dry

If you go to bed with even a bit of moisture in your hair, it can contribute to hair breakage and tangles when you wake up. Hair strands are weakest when wet, so even if you don't move much in your sleep, a little moisture can lead to frizz and knots. Try to wash your hair at a time that gives it plenty of time to air dry before bed.

End Your Shower with a Cold Rinse

A cold water rinse helps seal moisture into your hair, so make sure to finish off your shower with a quick blast of cold water. This will also help close your skin's pores and may even improve blood circulation.

Blow-Dry Your Hair Before Bed

If you're short on time, you can also blow-dry your hair completely right before bed. Just be sure to use a heat protectant product beforehand to avoid heat damage.

Use a Scarf or Hair Wrap

If you want to keep your hair secure and protected while sleeping, consider wrapping it in a scarf or hair wrap. This is especially useful if you want to maintain a smooth, straight hairstyle while you sleep. Use a silk or satin material to further reduce friction and prevent frizz.

Brush Your Hair Before Bed

Brushing your hair before bed can help prevent frizz and tangles. Use a simple paddle brush or a wide-toothed comb to quickly brush out any snarls or knots. This will make your hair easier to manage in the morning and reduce the chances of waking up with a bird's nest on your head!

By timing your showers differently and incorporating these simple steps into your bedtime routine, you can say goodbye to prickly hair and hello to a good night's sleep.

Wrap your hair in a scarf or wrap

If you don't like to feel your hair when sleeping, wrapping your hair in a scarf or wrap is a great option. This is especially useful if you want to protect your hair while you sleep or if you want to preserve a certain hairstyle.

Depending on your hair type, you might want to use a silk or satin material to reduce friction while you sleep. This will also help to reduce frizz and prevent hair breakage. By carefully wrapping your hair and tucking in any stray pieces away from your neck, you can avoid humidity or sweat that may cause frizziness.

If you want to enhance the straightening effect, you can add long bobby pins to your wrapped hair, making it extra secure. This method works best if you want to wake up with a smooth, straight hairstyle. When you wake up, simply brush your hair, and you'll be good to go for the day.

Additionally, if you want to further prevent frizz and matted hair, you can brush out tangles or snarls from your hair before wrapping it for the night. Depending on your hair type, you can use a simple paddle brush or a wide-toothed comb to brush out your hair before styling it for sleep.

Wrapping your hair in a scarf or wrap is a simple and effective way to keep your hair neat and tidy while you sleep, ensuring you wake up with manageable and stylish hair.

Switch to scrunchies

If you're someone who doesn't like to feel prickly hair when sleeping, it's time to make a simple switch – switch to scrunchies!

Elastic hairbands are the typical go-to when securing your hair for the night, but they can cause friction and stress on your hair and scalp. This leads to frizz and breakage, and no one wants that!

So, what's the solution? Switch to fabric scrunchies, preferably made of silk or satin. These gentler alternatives will give your hair a break from friction and help you avoid that annoying "dent" in your hair from pulling it back too tightly. With scrunchies, you'll wake up to smoother hair and save time on styling in the morning.

But why stop at bedtime? Scrunchies can be your go-to accessory throughout the day, keeping your hair secure and stylish without causing friction or damage. So, make the switch and give your hair the love it deserves!

Remember, it's not just about the scrunchies. Combining them with other hair care practices, such as using essential oils or leave-in conditioners, can further enhance the health and smoothness of your hair. So, go ahead, give scrunchies a try, and say goodbye to prickly hair!

Protect ends with essential oils

If you're looking to protect the ends of your hair with essential oils, there are several options to choose from. Essential oils can be extremely beneficial for hair care as they influence the sebaceous glands and can normalise their functions. They can help produce healthy, shiny hair and encourage new hair growth.

The best way to prevent split ends is by using hair oils not just on the scalp but also on the hair ends. These oils help moisturise and protect hair strands from splitting apart. They fill in the gaps between the cuticle cells by preventing moisture loss and providing essential nutrients to strengthen the cuticle barriers.

• Argan oil
• Almond oil
• Jojoba oil
• Coconut oil
• Lavender oil
• Cedarwood oil
• Rosemary oil
• Sandalwood oil
• Clary sage oil
• Geranium oil

To use essential oils for your hair, simply warm a few drops of the oil between your palms by rubbing your hands together. You only need a tiny bit. Apply the oil to your hair, focusing especially on the ends. This can help seal your hair against friction and prevent split ends from forming.

It is important to note that essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin or hair undiluted. Instead, mix them with a carrier or base oil such as jojoba, almond, avocado, or olive oil. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner. Always do a patch test before applying essential oils to larger areas of the skin, and be cautious if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions