How to Protect Your Hair While Sleeping

How to Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Even the best of blow outs and hairstyles can be a hot mess once we’ve slept on them. We all have that moment when we wake up and look in the mirror and assess the damage of the night before, seeing what salvaging is possible for our slept on hairstyle. But to better prepare your hair for a shockingly positive result in the morning, there’s some fabulous tactics we can embrace!

Avoid elastic bands
“Believe it or not you can do damage to your hair when sleeping. We see so many people who spend a good deal of money on great haircuts, color, and care products then turn in for the night with a ponytail tied with an elastic band. That elastic band will put undue stress on your hair shaft and roots,” says Mary Rascon, Creative Director and Owner of  Cambio Salon and Spa.

Apply an overnight treatment
“An overnight treatment can sometimes be the best medicine for overly-dry or broken ends,” says stylist and makeup artist Mia Silverio of Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa. Place a small bottle of lemongrass oil in a cup of hot water to let the oil become more fluid, then apply the oil to your ends and put your hair in a high bun or a braid. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf or gentle fabric to keep the oil off your pillow covers, and let the treatment do its magic while you sleep. The very next morning, don’t get your hair wet or shower! Instead, take your shampoo and apply it directly to your oily hair. Afterwards, start the shower and continue as you would with your daily routine.

 Do the twist
Twist your hair around itself into a top knot at the top of the head and use a fabric scrunchie to secure. The scrunchie is best because it is gentle on the hair and the elastic is covered. When you unravel it in the morning you will have preserved or created waves, says Mia Moore of Pierre Michel salon

Upgrade your pillow case
Your cotton pillow case can cause pulling on your hair. The best pillow cover for your hair is silk or satin. If your budget does not have room for silk or satin pillow cases, you can get the same effect by wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf, says Rascon.

Brush your hair out before bed
One of the best things that you can do for your hair is to brush or comb it before turning in for the night. Use a brush with natural bristles or a wide tooth comb. Brush your hair from root to tip for several minutes. The strokes help you move your scalp’s natural oils through your hair, says Rascon.