Curly, textured, or natural hair is bouncy and lovely; many individuals have it from birth.
Curly hair naturally develops a tight spiral or a bouncy, ribbon-like shape without needing styling.
However, the same elements that give curls their structure also imply that persons with curly hair must take extra precautions to maintain their attractive locks when sleeping.
We discuss why curly hair may require a different type of care when you sleep and how you may get fuller, healthier curly hair while sleeping.
Best Sleep Position
Do not sleep directly on the hair follicles if you have curly hair.
Crushing your hair with the weight of your head can cause curls to seem matted and unkempt. Sleeping on your back can also cause frizz and knots in your hair since your head moves from side to side throughout the night.
If you have curly hair, sleeping on your side or stomach is the best option. As a bonus, sleeping on your side offers several other health benefits.
Tips to Preserve the Curl
In addition to sleeping on your side or stomach, there are other techniques to keep your curls as you sleep.
Use Silk or Satin Pillowcases
If you are of African or Hispanic descent and have curly hair, the width of your hair shaft varies depending on the shape of your curls.
This implies that the thickness of your hair shaft varies throughout, making strands more prone to breaking.
Tossing and turning your head at night can stress your hair follicles and increase the likelihood of breaking.
To avoid frizz and breakage, alter the surface your curls lay on while sleeping. Cotton pillowcases (even those with high thread counts) absorb natural oils from your hair and scrape against the strands.
A silk or satin pillowcase might help retain the structural integrity of your hair.
As an added benefit, it may help keep your head cool and your scalp from becoming greasy, reducing the need for washing.
Place your Hair in a ‘Pineapple’
You may preserve your hair while sleeping by tying a satin or cotton scrunchie (not a hair elastic) at the crown of your head.
Collect your hair on top of your head and tie the scrunchie around it once, taking care not to tug too hard or make the pineapple too tight.
Do Twists or Braids
The more secure your hair is, the less likely it is to brush against other follicles or your mattress.
Simple twists with bobby pins or little elastics, as well as properly-secured braids, will help your curls maintain their structure throughout the night.
Use a Silk or Satin Bonnet or Headscarf
A bonnet or headscarf may preserve your hair while also covering it.
These hair accessories not only keep your hair from rubbing against your bedding and becoming frizzy, but they also maintain your curls in place as you sleep, keeping their shape.
Try a Spritz or Two of Product
A leave-in conditioner containing keratin can give your hair more shine and bounce.
Spray-on conditioners may also help strengthen damaged hair strands caused by hair colour and heat styling, as well as make your hair softer and simpler to style in the morning.
How to get Curls while you Sleep?
If you don’t have naturally curly hair, these tried-and-true hairstyling tricks may help you get bouncy, attractive curls while sleeping.
Even if you have curly hair, these methods will save you time and provide you with larger curls that are organized and ready to go from the moment you wake up.
Hair Rollers
The classic hair roller method has advanced significantly in recent years.
Traditional plastic or metal curlers can be used on your head while you sleep, but they may cause discomfort since they press into your skin.
Softer “sleep-in” curler options are available, such as flex-rods, which may be more pleasant.
- To use curlers, just split your hair into parts and roll it around the curler, beginning at the ends and progressing to the crown of your head.
- Clip the curlers to the top of your head and sleep with a hat over them to achieve the finest effects.
- Most curlers are also suitable for use on damp hair.
Wet Hair in Braids
This could be the most comfortable option if you don’t mind sleeping with damp hair.
- After washing your hair regularly, split it into one, two, or three braids.
- Use a French braid if you want the curls to start high on your head. The more braids you produce, the more waves you’ll get.
- Before you go to bed, spritz your hair with a leave-in conditioner.
- In the morning, carefully remove the braids.
- If you like a more subtle appearance, brush your hair out.
Plopping
“Plopping” is another approach to sleeping with damp hair and waking up with curls.
- When your hair is newly washed, use curl gel, alcohol-free mousse, or any curl-shaping product you choose.
- Flip your damp hair forward onto a flat cotton T-shirt. Your hair should be centered on the shirt.
- Fold the cloth flap behind your neck over your head, then tie the shirt’s sleeves in a knot.
- You may sleep with your hair locked in the shirt overnight and wake up with stunning, full curls.
- Check out this YouTube video from The Glam Belle to learn how it’s done.
Conclusion
Curly hair requires some strategic thought while caring for it. Fortunately, you can make your curls bright, healthy, and natural-looking while you sleep.
Simple changes to your bedtime routine, like sleeping on your side and using a satin pillowcase can significantly improve the health and look of your hair.
