How to Sleep With Curly Hair: 7 Tips and Tricks

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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 Hair Oil can be specially created to help with curl definition. Use this oil to reduce frizz, hydrate the hair and boost shine. 

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

We know that no two curls are the same, and there’s no one way to sleep with curly hair. But there are a few tried-and-true bedtime hairstyles for curly hair.

Different lengths of hair, tightness of curls and whether you go to bed with your hair wet or dry all play into which bedtime style works for you. Luckily, you have 7 days a week to try out a new sleeping hairstyle. 

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 on top of your head. Having the ponytail right on top helps keep your curls from getting squished and squashed as you toss and turn during the night.

To get 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 any of the following haircare tips. 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.

Note that if you have short hair, the pineapple 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 of your head 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.

Satin Bonnet

Satin bonnets have been a staple for protecting hair at night for a long time. 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, a bonnet keeps it all contained and keeps your bedding clean and protected from the product. 

This technique is probably the most straightforward of them all. Simply put the bonnet on and you’re all ready to go! 

Silk or Satin Pillowcase

We can’t keep from tossing and turning during the night, but we can help reduce the harshness of the friction that our hair experiences. A cotton pillowcase is absorbent and can soak up your hair’s natural oils and moisture. An absorbent pillowcase with already delicate curly hair is not a good combination for your morning ‘do.

Use a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and protect against breakage. They’re softer and will protect the fragile structure of your curls.

Loose Bun

Sleeping with a loose bun is a popular nighttime style for even 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 your bun is loose enough. Sleeping with a tight bun increases the risk of hair breakage. 

Get the perfect loose bun by:

• Flipping your hair over
• Twirling it together
• Twisting it into a loose bun
• Tucking the ends of your hair into the bun shape that’s on top of your head
• Securing 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. Just create a few more (we suggest 5-7) 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.

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 the 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. Every step of your haircare regimen should try to sneak in extra hydration and nourishment.

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. 

For before bed, our Leave-In Conditioner is the ideal formula to nourish your hair throughout the night. It’s a hydrating leave-in 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 curls and feel ready to tackle your day.  

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. Start your consultation today to receive your recommended haircare routine