Protect Your Braids: Tips For Sleeping With Straight Hair

There are several ways to sleep with braids and ensure they don't curl. One way is to wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet, which will protect your braids and prevent friction that can cause frizz. It's important to avoid cotton or other rough fabrics when sleeping with braids. You can also try sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase to minimise friction and reduce frizz. Additionally, loosening your braids before bed can help alleviate scalp tension and make your sleep more restful.

Loosen braids before bed

Loosen your braids before bed to reduce tension on your scalp and hair. While braiding your hair before bed can be a great way to protect it from breakage, sleeping with tight braids can cause discomfort and even damage your hair. By loosening your braids, you can ensure a more restful sleep and maintain the health of your hair and scalp.

It is also important to remember not to braid your hair too tightly in the first place. Braiding too tightly can cause excess tension and potentially lead to breakage. Be gentle when braiding your hair, and avoid pulling your edges or loose strands too tight. It is recommended to apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair before braiding, as this will help to loosen the strands and keep them looking their best.

Additionally, using the right hair ties can make a difference when sleeping with braids. Avoid using hair ties with metal clasps or tags, as these can cause breakage and damage fragile hair. Instead, opt for scrunchies or fabric hair ties, which are less likely to leave dents in your hair.

To further protect your braids while you sleep, consider wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet. These fabrics are softer and create less friction than cotton or linen, helping to prevent frizz and maintain the style of your braids. They are also breathable and help to lock in moisture. If you prefer not to wear a scarf or bonnet, sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can also help to reduce friction and frizz.

By following these tips, you can reduce scalp tension, prevent frizz, and maintain the health and style of your braids while you sleep.

Use a silk or satin pillowcase

How to Sleep So Your Braids Don't Curl

Silk and satin pillowcases are a great way to protect your braids while you sleep. They are soft and gentle on your hair, reducing friction and preventing frizz. Here are some tips to make the most of this method:

• Choose a high-quality silk or satin pillowcase. Look for options made from 100% mulberry silk, which is known for its smooth and luxurious feel. Some popular brands include Saatva, Blissy, Celestial Silk, and Slip.
• Minimize friction and frizz by opting for silk or satin over cotton. Cotton tends to absorb your hair's natural oils, while silk and satin are repellent, allowing your hair to retain its moisture.
• Silk pillowcases offer additional benefits for your skin and hair. They are known for their anti-aging properties and can help improve skin and hair health.
• If you're concerned about comfort, silk and satin pillowcases are super breathable, ensuring a comfortable and restful night's sleep.
• For added protection, you can combine the use of a silk or satin pillowcase with a silk scarf or bonnet. This ensures that any loose strands are also protected from friction and frizz.
• Remember to keep your pillowcase clean. Wash it regularly, preferably once a week, to avoid any excess oil or product build-up transferring to your braids.
• If you don't want to invest in a silk or satin pillowcase, you can opt for a satin scarf or bonnet as a more affordable alternative. This will still provide the benefits of reduced friction and frizz.

Moisturise your scalp

Moisturising and protecting your scalp is an important step in maintaining the health of your braids and curls. A healthy scalp contributes to the longevity of your hairstyle.

• Establish a routine for moisturising your scalp and braids. A clean scalp is the foundation for healthy braids, so use a low-sulphate shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your scalp, removing any product build-up or debris.
• Conditioning and moisturising are crucial to maintaining the health of your hair during the braiding process. Apply a hydrating and lightweight conditioner to your natural curls before braiding. If you are using synthetic extensions, lightly moisturise them before installation.
• Use a leave-in conditioner or a moisturising spray to keep your curls and braids hydrated throughout the styling period.
• For even healthier hair, take the time to massage a nourishing oil into your hair before you start braiding. Penetrating oils can boost hair health by seeping into your hair while you sleep.
• If your scalp feels dry and tense, apply a leave-in conditioner to soothe the area and loosen up the braids. Try a spray leave-in conditioner that can be easily spritzed between braids and evenly across your scalp. However, be mindful that too much leave-in conditioner can cause unwanted build-up and residue.

By incorporating these steps into your hair care routine, you can effectively moisturise your scalp and promote the health and longevity of your braids and curls.

Wear a silk scarf or bonnet

If you want to preserve your braids while you sleep, wearing a silk scarf or bonnet is a great option. Silk is a super breathable fabric that helps to lock in moisture. It's also very smooth, so it minimises friction on your braids, reducing frizz and keeping them looking neat.

To wrap your braids with a silk scarf, first divide your hair evenly into two halves, then cross these over each other at the back of your head and bring them to the front, securing the ends together with a hair tie. Then, cover your head with a silk scarf and tie the ends together at the back. You can add a bonnet on top for maximum coverage and to keep your braids secure.

If your braids are short, you can simply wrap a silk scarf around the front of your head and tie it at the base of your scalp. Again, you can add a bonnet for extra protection.

If you have French or Dutch braids, you might prefer to use two silk scarves. Place the first scarf over your hair, pulling it behind your ears, then pull the strands forward and tie them, pulling the scarf tightly behind them. Take the second scarf and place it under your neck, keeping one side longer than the other, then tie it securely around your braids. Finally, take the long section of the scarf and wrap it around the roots of your braids, tucking away any excess to reduce frizz.

Remember to keep your scarves and bonnets clean by washing them at least once a week. That way, your braids and skin won't be exposed to excess oil.

Re-braid loose or frizzy braids

If your braids are starting to look loose or frizzy, it might be time to give them a little refresh. Here are some tips to help you re-braid and revitalise your style:

Start with a Clean Slate

It's important to begin with a clean base, so make sure you wash your hair before you start re-braiding. You can also try clarifying your scalp to remove any product buildup. Dilute some clarifying shampoo with water in a squeeze bottle and apply it directly to your parts and any new growth. Gently massage it in, and then rinse. Follow up with conditioner, and then wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to reduce frizz while you dry your hair.

Prepare Your Hair

Before you start braiding, apply a nourishing hair oil or a leave-in conditioner to your hair. This will help to add moisture and make your hair more manageable. You can also try using a pomade or gel to help grip the hair and hold the style.

Braiding Technique

When braiding, remember to keep the braids loose rather than pulling them too tight. This will help to reduce tension on your hair and scalp. Make sure you braid all the way to the ends of your hair, so you don't have any unbraided chunks left over. You can also try braiding your hair while it's still slightly damp, as this can help the braids hold their shape better.

Sleep Care

To maintain your braids while you sleep, invest in a silk or satin scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase. These fabrics create less friction with your hair, reducing frizz and helping to maintain your style.

Finishing Touches

Once you've finished re-braiding, you can use some finishing products to smooth down any flyaways and add shine. Try using a lightweight hairspray, or a texturising or finishing oil.

By following these steps, you can help extend the life of your braids and keep them looking neat and stylish!

Frequently asked questions