Curly hair is a rare and beautiful hair type that requires a bit more attention and care than straight or wavy hair. This is especially true when it comes to a healthy hair routine at night. At Studio 312 Salon we understand the importance of preserving your curls while you sleep so that it doesn’t become the dread of your morning routine.
Read on for more information on the best practices for how to sleep with curly hair and how you can maintain frizz-free control when you adopt these practices.
Understanding Curly Hair
Unfortunately, curly hair is naturally prone to dryness and frizz because the natural oils that are produced by our scalp have a hard time traveling down the twists and turns of each curly strand. This means that curly hair requires specific moisture routines and gentle handling to maintain its shape and health.
Sleeping with curls without the proper care can lead to tangles, breakage, and flat curls. Here are some tips to help you protect your luscious curls overnight.
1. All Pillowcases Are Not Created Equal
The type of pillowcase you invest in can significantly impact the health and appearance of your curls. Traditional cotton pillowcases can cause friction that leads to frizz and breakage. Instead, try a satin or silk pillowcase.
These materials are smoother and more gentle on curls. They reduce friction and allow your curls to maintain their shape overnight. Satin pillowcases also help you to retain moisture which prevents your hair from drying out at night.
2. Pineapple Method
We know it sounds funny, but if you have curly hair you’ve probably heard of this technique before. The pineapple method is popular and involves loosely gathering your hair at the top of your head with a scrunchie or other hair tie. It resembles the top of a pineapple, hence the name. Here’s how to do it:
- Gather Your Hair: Bend forward to gather your hair at the top most part of your head.
- Secure: Use a soft fabric scrunchie to loosely secure the hair. If you do it too tightly it will create a big crease in your hair or cause it to break.
- Catch Those Zzzs: While you sleep, your curls will stay gathered on top of your head. No method is perfect and you may have to liven up your curls in the morning but it’s much better than flattening them.
3. Use a Silk or Satin Bonnet
If you have shorter curls and the pineapple method won’t work for you, use a silk or satin bonnet. These are designed to keep your curls in place and reduce friction while you sleep. Again, you may have to liven up your curls in the morning but not to the degree you would have had to with no curl precautions in place.
4. Apply a Leave-In Conditioner
As part of your nightly routine, apply a light leave-in conditioner to your curls. That, coupled with the methods above, are sure to leave your curls hydrated and defined overnight. Focus on the ends of your hair as they are the most prone to breakage and frizz.
5. Twist or Braid Your Hair
Twisting or braiding your hair before bed is another effective method to protect your curls. Here are some suggestions:
- Divide Your Hair: This helps your twists or braids to be even.
- Twist or Braid: Twist or braid each section of hair. If your hair is curly enough you may not even need to secure them with rubber bands.
- Sleep: Your curls will be naturally untangled and hydrated in the morning. Simply unravel the twists or braids and fluff your hair with your fingers and a curl refresher.
6. Refresh Your Curls in the Morning
No matter what you do at night, the morning will be a whole different ball game. Nobody can wake up with perfect curls so they will need a little refreshing. Here’s how to refresh them in no time flat:
- Mist Those Curls: Water for your curls is your best friend (unless of course it rains–but we won’t talk about that). Lightly mist your curls with water to reactivate any hair products and add moisture to your hair.
- Curl Refresher: There are a ton of curl refreshers on the market, so pick your favorite and use it to revive your curls and reduce frizz.
- Scrunch Your Hair: Whatever method you like to use, gently scrunch your hair to get the volume back into your curls.
7. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
As we mentioned in the pineapple method, a tight hairstyle can be your worst enemy. Not only does it flatten your curls but it can cause breakage and even tension headaches. Opt for loose styles that accentuate your curls without pulling on your head or scalp.
8. Protect Your Edges
The edges are the most overlooked part of your curly hair. They are delicate and prone to breakage. To protect the ends while you sleep, consider an edge scarf or headband. It will keep your hair smooth and prevent frizz and breakage.
9. Invest in a Good Hair Care Routine
Here’s where we lecture you. OK, not really, but healthy hair goes way beyond just night time care. The health of your curls begins in your hair care routine. This should include deep conditioning treatments, gentle cleansing with light products, and using products that are designed specifically for curly hair.
You know your hair best and you know which products work for your hair. Use them. At Studio 312 Salon we pride ourselves on the wide range of products and services to help with your curls. From diffusing tutorials to high quality products, we have something for every type of curl.
10. Consult with a Professional
If you’re struggling with how to care for your curls and keep them looking as fresh as your first day at a salon, consider investing in a hair consultation or personal advice from your stylist. Don’t hesitate to talk with one of our curl professionals at Studio 312 Salon.
A good stylist at any salon will offer advice and help you achieve your hair goals.
Curly Hair Can Be Tricky…We Have Solutions!
Sleeping on your curly hair doesn’t have to be a struggle. In fact it can be a fun puzzle to solve! By following the above tips and techniques, you can protect your gorgeous curls, reduce the frizz, and wake up with beautiful hair every morning after your morning refresh routine.
At Studio 312 Salon we are dedicated to helping you maintain your beautiful hair. Whether that is through blonding touch ups, brazilian blowouts, or a fresh, new curly cut.
Give us a call to book your appointment today. We can’t wait to see your curls shine!
