Everyone talks about catching up on beauty sleep, but it can be hard to follow through. When we get a solid night of rest, we often wake up with a messy curls. With so many activities competing for valuable morning time (e.g., breakfast, getting dressed, Instagram, etc.), caring for our hair sometimes gets overlooked.
The flat iron is damaging. Washing takes too long. A brush is not an option for textured hair. So what’s a curly-haired girl to do? I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be this way. You can go to bed and wake up with fabulous hair.
Read on for the top five tips to help you transition from waking up frustrated with your ‘do to waking up with a nearly ready-to-go look.
Pineapple
The go-to overnight curl protector is the pineapple. To pineapple means to loosely tie your curls into a ponytail atop the crown of your head with a scrunchie or headband, depending on how thick your hair is. It should look like a pineapple, get it? This style protects your curls from being squashed while you toss and turn in a deep slumber. And since this ‘do lifts the hair’s roots, you’ll wake up with plenty of volume.
Simply pull your hair through a scrunchie, but don’t double-wrap it. Tying too tightly can create a crease in the curls. For extra protection, you can tie a silk or satin scarf around your head to keep your hair from rubbing on your pillow.
Satin Bonnet
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Can’t keep split ends at bay? Wear a satin bonnet to protect your ends from the friction of your pajamas and your bedding. It may not be the sexiest thing to wear to bed, but at least you can avoid scheduling a trim every other month. Speaking of beauty sleep, if you suspect that bacteria from your curls is causing acne on your face or back, a satin bonnet will prevent excess sebum, debris, and hair products from clogging your pores when your hair rubs against your face and shoulders while you sleep.
Are bonnets not your style? Well, the hooded scarves from Ebonicurls are designed to be worn to sleep and with your casual wear!
Satin Pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases absorb the moisture from your hair, leaving your curls dry, frizzy, and undefined. A satin pillowcase will allow you to sleep with your hair loose without parched or frizzy strands greeting you first thing in the morning. This is another great option for women who aren’t crazy about donning a hair bonnet. If you don’t mind sleeping with your hair loose, a satin pillowcase is a quick fix that won’t require additional steps to your night or morning hair routine.
French Braid
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If you love the curling wand but hate the damage it causes, try sleeping with one, two, or three French braids! This style creates body waves while protecting your hair from rubbing against your clothes and sheets, resulting in dryness and breakage. All you have to do is set your hair with a little hairspray (we like Curlsmith’s Flawless Finish Flexible Hold) and then braid before bed. Simply release your braids in the morning and go! Minimal fuss the night before and no fuss the next morning.
Two-Strand Twist
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If you don’t know how to braid, a two-strand twist is about as simple as it gets. Simply take a small section of hair, divide it into two, and twist the two pieces around each other from roots to ends. This technique works best for tighter curl patterns. Two-strand twists can be done on either wet or dry hair. Apply your favorite styler or sealing product if your hair is wet before you twist. If your hair is dry, spray a light mist of water or a refresher spray before you twist. Avoid using too much product as it can lead to buildup.
The key to waking up with bouncy, ready-to-go morning hair is all in the prep. As you scramble to get out the door to work, the only thing you’ll need to do is lightly fluff your hair and apply a refresher spray, such as Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Curl Refresher Spray for Curls, Coils and Waves, with Agave.
Find a nightly routine that suits your lifestyle to preserve your curls throughout the week. As an added benefit, you won’t have to wash and restyle your hair as often, which can strip your hair and cause breakage. Say goodbye to split ends, frizz, and leaving the house with wet hair. Say hello to moisturized, dry, and healthy hair, ready to walk out the door.
