How to Sleep With Curly Hair: 7 Tips and Tricks

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How to Sleep With Curly Hair: 7 Bedtime Tips & Tricks

We know that no two curls are the same, and there’s no one steadfast rule for how to keep hair curly overnight. But, if you’re wondering how to sleep on curly hair, there are a few tried-and-true methods you can try.

The best method for you will depend on your hair length, the tightness of your curls, and whether you go to bed with your hair wet or dry. You might instinctively know which one you prefer, or you might want to try out a few methods to find your favorite. Either way – we’re giving you all the information you need to sleep in comfort and style. 

So, without further ado, let’s explore our 7 favorite ways to protect curly hair while you sleep.

The Pineapple

The pineapple is a loosely tied ponytail that sits on top of your head. It should look just like it sounds— like a pineapple. Having the ponytail right on top helps keep your curls from getting squished and squashed as you toss and turn during the night.

How to sleep on curly hair with the pineapple look: 

• Flip your head over and let your hair hang to the floor
• Create a ponytail that drops straight down
• Tie it in place with a soft hair tie

Using a soft hair tie is an important part of The Pineapple as well as all of the  hair care tips we’ll discuss in this article. This is because a soft tie avoids making big indentations in your hair and is less likely to cause breakage or tears in your curls.

If you have short hair, the pineapple curly hair technique may not work for you. That’s where the multi-pineapple technique comes in. 

The Multi-Pineapple

If your hair isn’t long enough to pull into one ponytail in the middle, you can make mini pineapples on the sides of your head. A classic way to do this would be to have one pineapple on each side and one on top. 

Ensure you position the mini-pineapples so you can still sleep comfortably. For example, you may want to avoid a ponytail at the back of your head. 

If your hair is still too short for mini pineapples, try a satin bonnet instead.

The Satin Bonnet

Satin bonnets have long been a staple for protecting hair at night. A bonnet reduces friction on your hair throughout the night, which deters frizz and prevents hair damage. And if you’re applying nightly hair products or have hair gel or curl cream left in from the day’s styling, a bonnet keeps it all contained and keeps your bedding clean and protected from any chemicals or substances. 

If you’re wondering how to sleep with curly hair at night without any prep or fuss – this technique is probably the most straightforward of them all. Simply put the bonnet on and you’re ready to go!

The Silk or Satin Pillowcase

We can’t control how much we toss and turn during the night, but we can help reduce the harshness of the friction that our hair experiences. Using a silk or satin pillowcase prevents frizz and protects against breakage. They’re softer and will protect the fragile structure of your curls too.

Silk or satin pillowcases are also great for allowing your hair to keep its natural moisture overnight. On the opposite side of the scale, a cotton pillowcase is absorbent and can soak up your hair’s natural oils and moisture while you sleep. An absorbent pillowcase with already delicate curly hair is not a good combination for your morning ‘do. So, when it comes to nailing how to sleep with curly hair, it could be as simple as swapping out your pillowcase.

The Loose Bun

Sleeping with a loose bun is a popular nighttime style for both curly and non-curly-haired folks. It’s one of the best ways to reduce frizz and helps keep curls in their natural curly-like state. It’s also a great style for when you’re using a product like leave-in conditioner or a curl cream because it keeps everything together and encourages your curls to soak it all up.

Of course, it’s important that your bun is loose enough. Sleeping with a tight bun increases the risk of hair breakage. 

How to sleep on curly hair with a loose bun: 

• Flip your hair over
• Twirl it together
• Twist it into a loose bun
• Tuck the ends of your hair into the bun shape that’s on top of your head
• Secure it in place with a satin scrunchie

Braids or Twists

Braiding hair is one of the best ways to keep it in place throughout the night. French braids give your curls the most definition. If you don’t know how to French braid your hair, regular braids will do the trick. We suggest splitting your hair into 5-7 braids or twists to help your curls be more pronounced.

Looser braids create a more relaxed look the next morning and tighter braids provide more of a crimp. Everyone’s curls will react differently, so go ahead and play around with loose braids, French braids, and regular braids to see which style gives you your favorite look. Or, better still, switch up on different days for a totally different look.

In terms of twists before bed, we’re a fan of the two-strand twist:

• Dampen your hair
• Separate your hair into two sections and twist as tightly as you wish 

While this technique will work for all curly hair, it works best for tighter and more coily curls.

The Ultimate Tip for Sleeping With Curly Hair

We saved the best for last. The ultimate tip for sleeping with curly hair? Hydration before bed.

Why? Curly, coily, and even wavy hair needs extra hydration because of the bends that stress the hair’s outer layer. Breaks in the outer layer enable hair’s moisture to leak out, so every step of your day and nighttime hair care regimen should try to sneak in extra hydration and nourishment.

Nighttime Products

Bedtime is the ideal time to use rich oils because your hair can absorb them through the night. Just like our skin, hair replenishes itself overnight, making right before bed the best time to hit it with extra nourishment and treatments.

Prose formulas are specially crafted for all our curly-haired friends out there. With deeply nourishing oils, your curls receive extra hydration that’ll stay locked in to promote beautiful curl definition. You can also use our oils to reduce frizz, hydrate the hair, and boost shine. 

Our leave-in conditioner is also the ideal formula to nourish your hair throughout the night. It’s a hydrating leave-in product that detangles, smoothes, and leaves hair soft, polished, and moisturized.

Sweet Dreams and Dreamy Curls

Now that you know how to sleep with curly hair, everything will be different from now on. You’ll wake up with lively, bouncy, and refreshed curls that look and feel great. Whether you dry-style your curls or leave your hair just as it is, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever the day has in store.

As you prioritize haircare, remember that your hair is unique to you and can benefit from personalized treatment. At Prose, we customize your haircare products to match your hair type, goals, and lifestyle. Whether it’s hair supplements for healthier hair or styling gel you can get creative with, our products are curated with the ingredients that work best for your hair and your life. Start your consultation today to receive your tailored products and recommended hair care routine.