5 Tips for Protecting & Maintaining Your Natural Hair at Night

Healthy hair care doesn't stop when you sleep! Besides, given the amount of precious time you spend on your hair, I'm sure you want to keep it looking good for as long as possible. Today, we're sharing some hair care tips to protect and maintain your curls, coils, and kinks at bedtime!

Moisturize

It’s a good idea to replenish any moisture your hair might have lost throughout the day before heading to bed. Even if you have a good routine of regularly moisturizing your hair, applying a bit of something lightweight like our White Peony Leave-In Conditioner at night can make a big difference. Adding it at bedtime will ensure that you don’t have wet hair in the morning. Of course, do this as you feel is necessary.

Braid or Twist It Up

Braids or twists hold in moisture and help your hair stays soft and fairly detangled. You don't have to do a ton of plaits or twists, because who has that kind of time?! But, as you moisturize your hair, you can divide it into about seven or eight medium-sized sections and twist. If you are looking to maintain a style like a twist or braid-out, you can make your nighttime twists rather loose so as not to disturb the definition too much.

If you are trying to stretch your hair in addition to maintaining moisture, plaiting or braiding is best, since the hair is more taut than it is with twisting. Twisting can provide a decent stretch with the right technique.

Pineapple Your Hair

“Pineappling” your hair essentially means putting it up in a loose ponytail, and this style does a few things. For one, it protects your wash-and-go curls or sets (whether you’re rocking a twist-out, braid-out, or rod set) by placing everything in the center of your head. When you take it down, the hair that was hidden and protected on the “inside” now lays on top and looks flawless.

Secondly, pulling your hair up to the top of your head and securing with a satin scrunchie gives you a bit of stretch, making for great second-, third-, or fourth-day hair!

Last but not least, your hair is likely to appear bigger after pineappling. If you love big hair, or you're looking to create more volume, then give it a try! Those of you with shorter hair can do multiple pineapples – two or more according to your length – for the same results.

Use a Satin Bonnet or Scarf

After setting your hair for the night with one of the above methods, use a silk or satin bonnet or scarf to prevent the hair from losing moisture or snagging on traditional cotton pillowcases. Many like to use both a scarf and bonnet when pineappling, wrapping the scarf around the sides while protecting the exposed hair at the top with a bonnet.

Use a Satin Pillowcase

If you don't like the feeling of anything on your head while you sleep, or you just don't want to be bothered with any of the above steps, a satin pillowcase may be the answer for you! You can toss and turn all you like without worrying about a bonnet slipping off while still maintaining the moisture.

What's your go-to way to prep your natural hair for bed?