How to Sleep With Long Hair

Hair is an essential part of one’s appearance, and most people spend a lot of time and money on hair care. It is important to follow a proper daytime and nighttime routine to achieve healthy and long hair.

However, many people neglect to have a good bedtime routine for their hair.

Here are some hair care tips to help you sleep with long hair at night:

1. Use a wide-toothed comb before bed

Always make sure to comb or brush your long hair gently before going to bed. This helps get rid of any tangles and knots in your hair. (1)

2. Sleep on a silk pillowcase

Silk pillowcases are softer than cotton or polyester ones. They help reduce friction between your long hair and the pillow, thus preventing tangles and frizz.

Sleeping on silk pillowcases is known to keep your hair soft and more manageable.

3. Wear a scarf or sleep cap

If you do not want to swap out your cotton pillowcases for silk, you can always buy a couple of sleep caps or silk scarves to cover your long hair while sleeping at night. They help keep your long hair in one place and prevent knots and split ends.

Sleep caps are especially beneficial for people with curly hair as they keep your hair manageable and prevent brittle, dry locks.

4. Never go to bed with wet or damp hair

Sleeping with wet hair is a definitive way to cause hair damage. The keratin bonds in your hair become weak when they are wet, hence making them more susceptible to breakage. (2)

Make sure to dry wet your long hair properly before sleeping. Use a microfiber towel to reduce dryness and frizz.

5. Apply a weekly overnight hair serum

Overnight serums are the most effective way to rejuvenate your hair follicles and make your hair healthy.

Apply a few drops of your preferred hair serum and massage it gently onto your scalp and hair before going to bed. This will let the product be absorbed deeper into the scalp overnight and will make your hair strong, shiny, and soft.

Make sure to only use silicone-free serums on your hair.

6. Free your hair from styling products before going to bed

Just like the rest of your body, your hair also deserves a break at night. Always get rid of any styling products or accessories in your hair before sleeping.

Hairpins, hair clips, hair spray, or hair gels can lead to tangles and hair breakage. Styling products such as hair sprays tend to dry out your hair. (3)

7. Put your hair in a loosely tied ponytail

Tying up your hair loosely before bedtime is a good way to reduce hair breakage. (4) Ditch the tight elastic bands and opt for scrunchies to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the hair.

A low ponytail helps you avoid tangles and split ends when you toss and turn at night. You can also loop up your hair in a loose, small bun.

8. Braid your hair

Another way to reduce hair breakage is by tying up your hair in a loose braid. This also reduces frizz and helps seal moisture in your hair. Braiding your hair at night can also lead to gorgeous natural waves in the morning!

9. Avoid tight hairstyles

Tight hairstyles can put excessive strain on your hair roots and lead to hair loss. Always untie any tight braids, buns, or ponytails before going to bed. (5)(6)

Most-Asked Questions

Is oiling long hair overnight good?

No. It is better to avoid using hair oils at night as greasy hair can cause scalp infections and hair loss.

Is it better to sleep with your hair up or down?

It is better to leave your hair down while you sleep. However, you can tie your hair in a low ponytail or loose bun.

Final Word

Your long hair undergoes necessary rejuvenation and growth while you sleep at night. Hence, it is important to follow a proper nighttime hair care routine. Try the different methods mentioned above to see significant improvement in your hair.