We all know how important a good night’s sleep is for our overall health, but did you know that your hairstyle during the night is also crucial for the health of your hair?
That’s right, the hairstyles you sleep in at night can affect your hair's health. There are common hairstyles that you should avoid while sleeping if you want to have healthy hair.
FYI, sleeping with your hair out, especially with a cotton pillowcase, can cause severe breakage, drying out, and frizzing for your hair. So then, what are some of the best hairstyles to sleep in? Well, let's find out below.
How to Prep Your Hair For a Protective Sleep Hairstyle
Protective sleep hairstyles are a great option for women who want to avoid tangled hair the next day. These styles preserve curls overnight, prevent frizz, and keep hair moisturized. In addition, they reduce the need for frequent washing, meaning less time spent re-styling hair in the morning.
The first step in protecting your hair is to ensure that it is clean. This means that your scalp and curls are free of product residue and excess oil. The most important step in this process is clarifying your hair. Using a hydrator or a tension tamer will help keep the style in place.
Protective hairstyles can range from simple braids to fashionable colors and beads. Proper installation of twists and braids, as well as proper removal of protective styles, can help keep your hair looking its best. Protective styles can also help keep your natural hair healthy. If you are unsure of what type of protective style to choose for your hair type, follow these basic steps to ensure a healthy and happy look.
The protective styles can last from a few days to several weeks. However, you should not wear one for more than six weeks. Leaving the protective style in longer will cause the hair to become dehydrated and the scalp to experience more tension. Taking care of your scalp will also help you to maintain a protective style for longer periods of time.
The Best Protective Sleep Hairstyles to Prevent Hair Damage
1. Twisted Rope Braid

Wearing your hair in a braid at night is a great way to protect it from damage while you sleep. But not just any braid will do. A Twisted Rope Braid is the best kind of braid to wear at night because it keeps your hair secure and prevents it from tangling.
Here’s how to do a Twisted Rope Braid:
- Start with clean, dry hair. Brush out any knots or tangles.
- Divide your hair into two sections.
- Take one section and twist it around the other section, like you would if you were braiding rope.
- Continue twisting the sections around each other until you reach the end of your hair. Secure the braid with a hair tie.
- Repeat on the other side.
2. The Loose Plait

Wearing your hair in a loose plait at night is a great way to protect it from damage. Plaiting your hair before bedtime prevents it from getting tangled and pulled during sleep, which can lead to breakage. It also helps to preserve your hairstyle and keep it looking neat.
To achieve the perfect loose plait, start by brushing your hair to remove any knots. Then, divide your hair into three sections and begin braiding each section loosely. When you reach the ends of your hair, secure the braid with a soft elastic band.
Sleeping with your hair in a loose plait is an easy way to prevent damage and keep your locks looking healthy. So try this simple hairstyle the next time you hit the pillow – your hair will thank you for it!
3. Twisted Top Bun

If you're looking for a way to keep your hair healthy and free of damage while you sleep, look no further than the twisted top bun hairstyle. This easy and elegant updo not only looks great, but also protects your hair from the friction and breakage that can occur when you sleep on it.
To achieve this look, simply twist your hair into a topknot and secure it with a hair tie. You can leave it loose or add a few bobby pins to keep it in place.
Here are some more of details on how to do it:
- Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is oily, you can shampoo it before starting this style.
- Divide your hair into two sections by parting it down the middle of your head.
- Take one section of hair and twist it around itself until it forms a rope-like strand. Then, wrap this strand around the base of the other section of hair and secure it with a bobby pin.
- Repeat this process with the other section of hair.
- After that, you can rest assured to sleep soundly.
Not only will this hairstyle keep your hair safe from damage, but it will also help prevent those pesky morning tangles.