How To Sleep With Curly Hair & Have Long Lasting Gorgeous Curls
Have you ever woken up in the morning only to find your curly hair looking messy, frizzy, and undefined? If so, you're not alone. Many people with curly, wavy, or coily hair struggle with keeping their curls intact while they sleep. But fear not, because we're here to share some tried and tested tricks to protect your curls overnight and wake up with healthy, bouncy locks.
Why Overnight Care is Important
Caring for your hair while you sleep is crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of your curls, and to ensure your freshly styled curls last for longer. It can also increase the shelf life of your expensive curly hair products, as you will find you will use them less often as your hair looks polished for longer! Curly hair tends to be more fragile and prone to breakage, so it requires extra love and attention. By incorporating a nighttime haircare routine, you can prevent breakage, maintain the shape of your curls, and whilst promoting the overall health of your hair.
The Benefits of Overnight Protection
Protecting your curls while you sleep can lead to a multitude of benefits. When you take the time to protect your hair overnight, you can expect:
- Healthier Hair: By preventing breakage and maintaining the integrity of your curls, you'll notice that your hair becomes healthier and more resilient over time.
- Bouncier Curls: When your curls are protected overnight, they maintain their natural shape and bounce, resulting in a more defined and voluminous look.
- More Defined Curls: With the right curly hair sleep protection, your curls will have less 'frictional frizz' which is contact with materials that typically make your hair frizzy.
Now that we understand the importance and benefits of overnight hair care, let's dive into some of the tried and tested tricks for protecting curls while you sleep.
Tried and Tested Tricks for Overnight Curly Hair Protection
Get a Hair Wrap or Hair Bonnet
A hair bonnet, also known as a hair buff or hair wrap, is a versatile and practical solution for protecting your curls while you sleep. It keeps your curls in place, prevents breakage, and helps retain moisture. Hair wraps or bonnets are ideal for both long and short hair. This combination provides optimal protection for your curls overnight, ensuring that you wake up with more defined, healthy, bouncy hair.
One of the most effective hair wraps available on the market is the BamBonn Hair Wrap. This is a handmade wrap, designed in the UK by a wavy girl. The material is made of achingly soft Bamboo Jersey Cotton fabric, and is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making it ideal for our curly-haired friends with sensitive scalps owing to its breathable qualities. Exclusively available only to Sunshine Curls, you can view the recommended BamBonn Hair Wrap here.
Hydration is Key
One of the essential aspects of caring for your curls overnight is ensuring that your hair stays moisturized. Dryness can lead to frizz and breakage, so it's crucial to hydrate your curls before bedtime. One popular technique is the pre-bedtime "refresh." Mix a small amount of Curl Cream or Curl Conditioner with water in a mist spray bottle. Lightly spritz your hair, focusing on the ends to hydrate them without making your hair too wet, especially if you have finer strands. This step helps seal in moisture and keeps your curls hydrated throughout the night.
Embrace the Pineapple Technique
For those with long curly hair, the pineapple technique can be a game-changer. Simply gather your curls on top of your head and loosely secure them with a silk scrunchie. This technique prevents excessive flattening or tangling of your hair while you sleep. If you have shorter pieces that don't reach the top, you can try securing them with a butterfly clip to keep them in place. The pineapple technique is a simple and effective way to keep your curls fresh and intact overnight.
Sleep on Silk
Cotton pillowcases can cause friction and absorb moisture from your hair, leading to frizz and breakage. Switching to a silk pillowcase is a game-changer for protecting your curls while you sleep. Silk provides maximum slip, allowing your curls to glide smoothly without tangling or getting matted. The benefits of sleeping on silk include retaining hydration, preventing breakage, and minimizing frizz. If silk isn't readily available, there are vegan-friendly alternatives like satin and bamboo pillowcases that offer similar benefits.
Now that you know how to protect your curls overnight, we'll share some quick morning refresh routines in the next section to help you revitalize your curls for the day ahead.
Shop the recommended products:
BamBonn Hair Wrap: The ultimate curly hair wrap for sleep protection overnight, that stays put!
Boucleme Seal & Shield Curl Cream: To help you keep your curls hydrated.
Award winning Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel: A protein rich gel that provides hold and curl definition.
Quick Morning Curly Hair Refresh
After a night of protected sleep, it's time to wake up and revitalize your curls for the day ahead. Follow these simple steps to give your curls a quick morning refresh:
Step 1: Let it Out
Start by undoing your hair bonnet or removing any clips or scrunchies from the pineapple. Take a moment to assess how your curls held up overnight.
Step 2: Let it Settle
After being in a pineapple or hair bonnet, it's important to let your curls settle. Give them 15 to 30 minutes to naturally fall back into place. Take this time to observe how your curls are looking in the mirror and make any necessary adjustments.
Step 3: Refresh it
Now it's time to refresh your curls and bring them back to life. There are two quick morning refresh routines you can choose from:
Steam Refresh: Use a mist spray bottle filled with water to lightly dampen your curls. Scrunch them gently to reactivate the curl pattern. Apply a small amount of your favorite curl-defining product or gel to enhance the definition. Use your fingers to scrunch and reshape your curls as needed.Spot Refresh: If your curls are looking relatively intact, but a few areas need a little extra love, try the spot refresh method. Focus on the sections that need attention and lightly mist them with water. Apply a small amount of your curl-defining product or gel to those areas, and gently scrunch to bring them back to life.
By following these simple morning refresh routines, you can ensure that your curls look their best throughout the day. Remember to be gentle with your hair, as excessive manipulation can lead to frizz and loss of curl definition.
Now that you've learned how to protect and refresh your curls, it's time to make these practices a part of your night-time routine for smoother, healthier hair. Don't forget to also explore the use of curl-proof accessories to enhance your curl care journey.
Conclusion: Embrace the Beauty of Your Curls
Incorporating overnight hair protection into your routine is a game-changer when it comes to caring for your curly hair. By following the tried and tested tricks we've shared, such as hydration, the pineapple technique, sleeping on silk, and using a hair wrap, you can wake up with beautiful, well-defined curls that are healthier and shinier.
Taking the time to protect your curls overnight not only ensures the longevity of your hair's health but also allows you to embrace your natural beauty with confidence. Say goodbye to frizz, breakage, and lifeless curls and hello to hydrated, bouncy locks.
We hope these tips and tricks have empowered you to embrace the beauty of your curls and encouraged you to incorporate overnight hair protection into your nighttime routine. Remember, every curl is unique, so finding a personalized approach that works for you is key. Curly hair is a journey, and with the right care and mindset, you can rock those fabulous curls every day.
Shop the recommended products:
BamBonn Hair Wrap: The ultimate curly hair wrap for sleep protection overnight, that stays put!
Boucleme Seal & Shield Curl Cream: To help you keep your curls hydrated.
Award winning Bounce Curl Light Creme Gel: A protein rich gel that provides hold and curl definition.