Protective Styling: Black Girls' Guide To Sleeping With Hair Done

Black women have been covering their hair while they sleep for centuries. Whether it's with a bonnet, a silk scarf, or other fabric, a head covering helps Black women to protect their hair. This allows their natural oils to stay intact, their hair to stay moisturized, and their hairstyle to be preserved. For many Black women, covering their hair at night is a rite of passage, passed down from their mothers.

Using a silk scarf or bonnet to protect hair

Black women have been using silk scarves or bonnets to protect their hair while they sleep for generations. The scarves or bonnets are made from smooth materials like silk or satin that don't snag the hair. They help to keep hair moisturised, prevent tangles, and preserve the hairstyle, so that it doesn't get damaged or matted during sleep.

Black hair is dry and fragile and common hairstyles can take hours to do and cost hundreds of dollars, so it's important to protect the hair while sleeping. The scarves and bonnets also help to keep styling products like conditioners, creams, and hair oils in the hair and off the pillow.

The use of scarves and bonnets to cover hair while sleeping is a tradition that has been passed down from mothers to daughters. It's a rite of passage and a self-care ritual for many Black women, allowing them to take care of their hair even while they sleep. It's also a way to extend the life of a hairstyle, reducing the need for manipulation and damage to the hair strands.

Some tips for using a silk scarf or bonnet to protect your hair include:

• Wash your hair covering at least once a week.
• Have multiple coverings in different sizes.
• Avoid coverings with velcro closures or exposed elastic, as these can tear hair and irritate the skin.
• Store a covering in your pillowcase so you always know where it is.
• Pack one in your carry-on bag for long flights.

The history of hair coverings in Black culture

Hair coverings have been a vital part of Black culture for centuries, with roots in Africa. Known as headwraps, they are called "gele" by the Yorubas in Nigeria, "duku" by the Ghanaians, and "doek" by the Namibians and South Africans. They are worn by Black women for a variety of reasons, including to signify marital status, mourning, wealth, and ethnicity. Headwraps are also worn by Black women for practical reasons, such as to protect their hair while they sleep or to extend their hairstyle.

During the 18th century, Black Africans wore headwraps to distinguish themselves from other religions and races. This practice continued during the slave era, where slave owners enforced the wearing of head coverings, ostensibly to protect the head from lice, the sun, and sweat. However, the headscarves were also symbolic markers of social status, with Black women being made to appear as lesser value. Despite this, Black women found ways to resist, sending secret signals to each other through the way they wore their headwraps.

After the abolition of slavery in the United States, negative attitudes towards Black hair persisted, and straight hair was considered the ideal. As a result, Black women continued to wear headwraps, although this became associated with homeliness. To gain social recognition and be seen as professional, some Black women embraced Eurocentric standards and straightened their hair. However, this led to a rebellion from others in the Black community during the 20th century.

In the early 1900s, Annie Malone and Madam C.J. Walker developed products to straighten hair, such as the hot comb. Despite this, many Black women continued to wrap their hair in silk to preserve their hairstyles. In the 1970s, artists such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu popularized new styles of head coverings, paying tribute to Black women of the past and celebrating Black culture. Today, hair coverings continue to be an important part of Black culture, with many Black women wearing bonnets or scarves to protect their hair while they sleep.

How hair wraps improve sleep quality

Hair wraps are a popular styling technique for Black women, allowing them to preserve their hairstyle for longer. The process involves smoothing hair strands around the head for a sleek finish, brushing the hair in a circular motion, and then tying a silk scarf to keep the strands in place. This simple technique has numerous benefits for sleep quality.

Firstly, hair wraps help to protect the hair, ensuring that natural oils stay intact and that hair remains moisturized. This is especially important for Black hair, as there are often limited products that cater to the specific moisture needs of this hair type. By wrapping the hair, Black women can extend the duration of their hairstyle, reducing the need for frequent manipulation and potential damage to the strands.

Hair wraps also provide a sense of security and comfort for Black women. The ritual of wrapping the hair before bed serves as an act of self-care and a way to recenter oneself after a long day. It is a physical act that engages the mind and prepares the body for a relaxed state, conducive to a good night's sleep. This is particularly relevant given the sleep disparities faced by Black women, who often experience shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep quality, and more severe sleep apnea compared to non-Hispanic white women.

Additionally, hair wraps help to preserve the hairstyle while sleeping. The strategic tucking away of strands prevents friction and moisture loss, ensuring that the hair remains sleek and frizz-free. This means less time spent fixing hair in the morning and a reduced need for heat styling tools, resulting in healthier hair overall.

For many Black women, hair wrapping is also a way to honor childhood traditions passed down from their mothers and a means to affirm their natural hair texture. It is a form of self-love and resistance, empowering them to love and care for their natural features in a world where Black hair has often been scrutinized and discriminated against.

Overall, hair wraps offer a multitude of benefits for Black women, improving their sleep quality and empowering them to start their day with confidence. It is a simple yet effective technique that allows them to care for their hair and well-being simultaneously.

The importance of self-care and hair protection

Self-care is about practising mindfulness and attuning yourself to your body's needs. This includes the needs of your hair. A self-care routine is intended to help you relax and de-stress, and research shows that chronic stress can negatively impact hair health. Therefore, a hair care routine is an important aspect of self-care.

Hair Care as Self-Care

Taking care of your hair can boost your confidence. You can give your hair the love it deserves by using the right products for your hair type. Conditioner is one of the most nourishing parts of a hair care routine, and finding the right one can help repair daily hair damage.

Developing a hair care routine can also help you get to know your hair care goals. If your hair is damaged, or you're dreaming of a new colour, having a long-term hair goal in mind will help you decide which products and treatments are right for you.

Protecting Your Hair

For many Black women, wrapping their hair up at night with a silk scarf, bonnet, or other fabric is a way to protect their hair while they sleep. This practice helps to preserve natural oils, maintain moisture, and preserve a hairstyle. It is also a way to extend a hairstyle, reducing the need for manipulation and damage to hair strands.

Silk scarves and bonnets are also used to protect hair from the damage caused by heat styling. Excessive heat can cause serious damage, so applying a protective product before blow-drying, curling, or straightening your hair is important.

Additional Tips for Hair Care

• Eat iron-rich and protein-rich foods such as spinach, green vegetables, eggs, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
• Drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juice to keep your hair and skin hydrated.
• Wash your hair with lukewarm or normal water to avoid stripping your hair of essential oils.
• Massage your scalp with hair oil to improve blood circulation and reduce hair fall.
• Trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends, which can cause hair fall and promote unhealthy hair growth.

The different types of hair coverings available

Covering hair while sleeping is a common practice among Black women. It is a way to honour childhood traditions, affirm their need for self-care, and improve their sleep quality. The type of hair covering depends on various factors, including hair texture, length, and personal preference. Here are some of the different types of hair coverings available:

Bonnets

Bonnets are a popular choice for sleeping, often made with silk or satin. They are designed to protect the hair and preserve its style. Bonnets help to retain moisture, prevent breakage, and reduce friction, resulting in healthier hair. They are typically affordable and comfortable, making them a go-to option for many.

Scarves

Silk or satin scarves are another option for wrapping hair at night. They can be tied in various ways to secure the hair and protect it from tangles and breakage. Scarves offer a versatile and stylish way to cover the hair while sleeping.

Caps

Sleeping caps, often made with silk or satin, are designed to keep hair smooth, frizz-free, and tangle-free. They act as a protective barrier, reducing friction and preventing hair breakage. Caps are ideal for those who want to maintain their hairstyle and keep their hair healthy.

Slaps

Slaps, or satin-lined caps, are a speciality product offered by some companies. They combine the benefits of a cap and a scarf, providing a comfortable and stylish way to protect the hair while sleeping.

Wraps

Hair wraps are a traditional and versatile way to cover hair. They can be made from various materials, including silk or satin, and are often tied or wrapped around the head to secure the hair. Wraps help to retain moisture, prevent frizz, and maintain hairstyles.

Turbans

Silk or satin turbans are an elegant option for covering hair while sleeping. They offer a secure and comfortable fit, protecting the hair from tangles and breakage. Turbans can also be a fashionable choice, adding a touch of style to bedtime routines.

These hair coverings provide Black women with a way to care for their hair while sleeping, ensuring that they wake up with healthy and well-maintained hair. The choice of covering depends on individual preferences, hair type, and the level of protection desired.

Frequently asked questions