Cornrows And Sleep: A Big No-No!

Cornrows are a fashionable and convenient way to style your hair, but they can be high-maintenance. They can get frizzy, unravel, or even cause scalp irritation and hair breakage if not cared for properly. To avoid this, it's recommended to wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf, or wear a bonnet or durag to bed. This reduces friction and prevents damage to the braids. Additionally, using braid sprays or natural oils can keep your scalp moisturised and your cornrows fresh.

Use a silk or satin scarf, bonnet, or durag to cover your braids

Silk or satin scarves, bonnets, or durags are essential tools for protecting your braids while you sleep. These coverings work by reducing friction, preventing frizz, and minimising breakage. They are also useful for maintaining moisture balance, ensuring your braids stay hydrated and healthy.

Silk or Satin Scarves

To use a silk or satin scarf, fold it into a triangle and drape it over your head, with the larger point against the back of your hair. Make sure the scarf covers the edges of your braids. Take each end of the scarf back around your head to the opposite side so they criss-cross at the back. Then, bring the ends up to the top of your head and tie a knot to secure the scarf in place. Alternatively, you can use a "sock-style" scarf that goes over your braids like a sock or pillowcase. This type of scarf is easier to use if you tie your braids up with an elastic first.

Silk or Satin Bonnets

Silk or satin bonnets are ideal for those with shorter braids. Simply place the bonnet on your head like a hat and tuck your braids inside. Bonnets are also effective for curly hair and afros, as they don't compress the hair, allowing curls to stay intact and maintaining volume.

Durags

Durags are form-fitting head coverings that are useful for maintaining hairstyles where compression is important, such as cornrows. They work by keeping your braids in place, reducing friction, and helping to prevent breakage and frizz. Durags are typically made of silk or satin, which are gentle on the hair and help retain moisture. When wearing a durag, make sure to wrap your braids carefully and adjust the fit to ensure it is snug but not too tight.

Avoid cotton-made materials as they can cause dryness and breakage

Cotton is a popular fabric choice for clothing and bedding, but its absorbent nature can strip natural oils from hair, leading to dryness and frizz. Cotton pillowcases can create friction, causing hair breakage and split ends. Cotton's absorbent properties can be beneficial for keeping cool in hot environments, but this same quality can deplete hair of the moisture it needs to stay healthy.

Cotton pillowcases and hair wraps can cause hair to dry out and become brittle. Dry hair is more prone to breakage. Cotton absorbs the natural oils from hair, reducing the essential moisture needed to maintain hair health.

For healthier hair, consider using silk or satin pillowcases and hair wraps. These materials reduce friction and help retain moisture, promoting smoother and shinier hair. Silk and satin are smoother than cotton, causing less friction on hair. They also keep hair hydrated, reducing hair breakage.

If you have cornrows, wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf, bonnet, or durag can help prevent frizz and maintain moisture. It is recommended to make this a nightly habit to maintain your cornrows for as long as possible.

In addition to the right choice of fabric, it is also important to use the correct hair products and maintain a healthy hair care routine.

Choose the right hair ties, such as soft fabric ties or braided bungee cords

To keep cornrows in place and prevent frizz and breakage, it's important to choose the right hair ties. Soft fabric ties made from silk or satin are ideal, as they are gentle on the hair and can help maintain moisture. These types of hair ties are also good for preventing friction, which can cause curling and damage to cornrows.

Another option is to use braided bungee cords, which offer the advantage of adjustable tension. Bungees typically have a hook on each end that you attach to your hair, allowing you to control the tension of your hairstyle. This can be useful for achieving a sleek look without causing breakage, as you can avoid the need for a tight elastic. Bungees work well for most hair types, especially those with thick or coarse strands.

When selecting hair ties, it's important to consider your hair type and the level of hold you need. For example, those with fragile or fine hair may prefer soft fabric ties, while those with thicker hair may find braided bungee cords more effective. Ultimately, the goal is to choose hair ties that will keep your cornrows neat and secure without causing damage or discomfort.

Maximise hair moisture with deep conditioning and leave-in conditioners

Cornrows are a beautiful and expressive way to wear your hair, but they can be high maintenance. To keep your hair moisturised, you can use deep conditioning and leave-in conditioners.

Deep Conditioning

Deep conditioning treatments provide intense hydration, strengthen hair, and promote overall hair health. Here are some tips for deep conditioning:

• Before applying a deep conditioner, gently detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to remove any knots or tangles.
• Dampen your hair before applying the deep conditioner.
• Choose a conditioner specifically formulated for textured hair, with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, or glycerin.
• Avoid conditioners with harsh chemicals like sulfates or silicones, as they can strip your hair of its natural moisture.
• Apply heat after applying the deep conditioner to open the hair cuticles and allow the conditioner to penetrate deeply. Use a shower cap, plastic wrap, a heated towel, or a hooded dryer.
• Allow the deep conditioner to sit for 20-30 minutes to give it time to work.
• Rinse your hair with lukewarm water to remove any excess product, but retain the moisture from the treatment.
• After rinsing, seal in the moisture with a leave-in conditioner or a natural oil such as argan oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil.

Leave-In Conditioners

Leave-in conditioners provide extra moisture, protect hair from damage, and help detangle strands. Here's how to use them:

• Apply leave-in conditioner to towel-dried hair after shampooing. You can use it in place of or in addition to your regular conditioner.
• Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner through your hair, following the guidelines on the bottle.
• Brush your hair with a comb or brush to detangle it.
• Style your hair as desired.
• If you have thicker hair, you may need to use more leave-in conditioner.
• If you have curly or thick hair, use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the conditioner evenly.
• If your hair is very fine, only apply the leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair.

Hair Wrapping Techniques

To prevent frizz and damage to your cornrows while you sleep, you can use hair wrapping techniques:

• Wrap your cornrows in a silk or satin scarf to reduce friction and prevent curling and damage.
• Use a bonnet, preferably made of silk or satin, to cover your entire head and keep your braids secure, especially if you move around a lot in your sleep.
• A durag can also be effective for cornrows, as it exerts uniform pressure and can be soothing and protective.

Pillowcases

Using a silk or satin pillowcase can also help reduce friction and prevent frizz. These fabrics are gentle on the hair and can help maintain moisture balance.

Keep your scalp and scarf clean to prevent irritation and dandruff

Keeping your scalp and scarf clean is essential to prevent irritation and dandruff. Here are some tips to help you maintain a clean and healthy scalp and scarf:

Maintaining a Clean and Healthy Scalp:

• Avoid scratching your scalp: While it may be tempting to scratch an itchy scalp, try to refrain from doing so. Scratching can damage your skin and hair follicles, leading to further inflammation and irritation.
• Natural remedies: Natural remedies such as aloe vera, lemon juice, and essential oils can help soothe an itchy scalp and provide instant relief. Aloe vera, with its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, can be applied as an oil or hair mask. Lemon juice, rich in Vitamin C and acids, can help restore the scalp's pH balance and unclog hair follicles. Essential oils like argan oil, rich in Vitamin E, can boost blood circulation, reduce itchiness, and protect the scalp from overheating.
• Shampoo and conditioner: When washing your hair, opt for a mild or sulfate-free shampoo. Mix a quarter cup of shampoo with warm water and a couple of tablespoons of olive or coconut oil in a spray bottle. After shampooing, use a protein-based conditioner mixed with argan or almond oil and water. Apply the mixture by spraying or gently pressing it into your hair, avoiding vigorous rubbing, which can cause frizz and damage.
• Leave-in conditioner: Using a leave-in conditioner is essential for locking in moisture and protecting your hair from damage. Choose a product that suits your hair type and mix it with olive oil and water.
• Essential oils: In addition to using them as a natural remedy for an itchy scalp, essential oils can also be applied directly to your hair and scalp to enhance moisture retention. Peppermint oil, olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil, orange oil, tea tree oil, and thyme oil are excellent choices for nourishing and protecting your hair.
• Proper maintenance: Wash your hair once a week to keep it clean and free from product buildup. In between washes, use witch hazel oil to clean your hair, remove product buildup, and relieve scalp itchiness.
• Visit your stylist: If your braids feel too tight or you have any concerns, don't hesitate to consult your hairstylist. They can adjust the tension and recommend the best products for your scalp and hair health.

Keeping Your Scarf Clean:

• Choose the right fabric: Opt for scarves made of silk or satin when wrapping your hair. These fabrics create a gentle, friction-free surface that helps prevent tangles, frizz, and breakage. They also help retain moisture in your hair. Avoid using cotton scarves, as they can absorb your hair's natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.
• Wash your scarf regularly: Just like your bedding and pillowcases, your hair scarf needs to be washed regularly to remove any dirt, oil, and product buildup. Follow the care instructions on the scarf's label, and always have a backup scarf ready while one is in the wash.
• Avoid overwashing your hair: While it's important to keep your scarf clean, overwashing your hair can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Aim for a balance by washing your hair once a week and cleaning it more frequently without actually washing it.

Frequently asked questions