Curly hair can be beautiful and unique, but it also requires some special attention, especially when it comes to sleeping with it. To maintain your natural curl pattern, it is essential to learn how to sleep with curly hair. Moreover, the way you sleep can greatly affect your hair's natural curl pattern, causing frizz, breakage, and flatness. So, to prevent this, you need to develop a curly hair night routine that takes into account your hair type, length, and texture. In this article, I'll share with you some of the best tips and tricks for sleeping with curly hair, including using silk or satin pillowcases, bonnets, and scarves, sectioning and styling your hair, and applying nourishing hair oils and conditioners.
Table of Contents
- Best sleep positions
- Best hairstyles to preserve your curls
- Pineapple
- Loose twist or braids
- Loose bun
- Plop
- Two-strand twist
- Multi-pineapple
- Mini braids
- French braid
- Bantu knots
- Products to consider buying
- Other tips for sleep with curly hair
- How do you revive curls after sleep with curly hair
- The importance of sleeping right with curly hair
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
As a person with straight natural hair, I've always wanted to be a curly girl when I was a kid. I used to make my hair curly with things like hot rollers or curling iron and I know how important it is to preserve those curls for as long as possible. So I learned those tips and tricks quite a while ago, and I want to share them with you because I know they work.
Best sleep positions
Side sleeping and stomach sleeping are considered to be the best sleeping positions for people with curly hair. When you sleep on your side or stomach, your hair is less likely to rub against the pillow, reducing the amount of friction and potential hair damage. This is because your hair is not pressed between your head and the pillow, which can cause friction and tangles.
Side sleeping
Involves sleeping on your side with your legs slightly bent.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| Reduces snoring and sleep apnea | Can cause shoulder pain and pressure points |
| Helps with digestion | May cause wrinkles and premature aging |
| May reduce acid reflux symptoms | May cause breast sagging over time |
| Can help alleviate lower back pain | May exacerbate existing hip pain or cause hip misalignment |
| Reduces the risk of sleep-related choking and suffocation (including infants) |
Stomach sleeping
Involves sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| May reduce snoring and sleep apnea | Can cause neck pain and stiffness |
| May help with digestion | Can put pressure on internal organs |
| May reduce acid reflux symptoms | May cause wrinkles and premature aging |
| May help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms | May cause breast sagging over time |
| Can reduce the risk of sleep-related choking and suffocation (including infants). | Can exacerbate existing back pain or cause spinal misalignment |
| Can help alleviate lower back pain (if a pillow is placed under the hips to elevate the spine) |
Can cause pressure on the face and eyes, leading to wrinkles and eye puffiness over time
|
People with curly hair can experience hair damage due to friction caused by rubbing against the pillow while sleeping. Moreover, this can lead to hair breakage, split ends, and frizz, which can be frustrating and difficult to manage. Therefore, choosing the right sleeping position can help minimize hair damage and keep your curls looking their best.
Don't forget that choosing a sleeping position may also depend on individual factors such as hair length, thickness, and texture. So, experiment with different sleep positions and protective hairstyles to find what works best for you.
Best hairstyles to preserve your curls
Pineapple
The pineapple is a high loose ponytail that is pulled to the top of the head. This hairstyle is great for preserving your curls because it keeps your curls from getting crushed or flattened while you sleep.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| Keeps curls from getting crushed or flattened while sleeping | May not work for very long hair |
| Easy and quick to do | Can cause a crease in the hair where the hair tie is placed |
| Works well for all hair types |
How to do it:
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Gather all your hair on top of your head and secure it with a soft, scrunchie or hair tie.
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Leave the ends of your hair hanging loose.
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To prevent a crease, make sure the hair tie is not too tight.
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In the morning, remove the hair tie and shake out your hair to release the curls.
Author's note: Pineapple is probably my highest recommendation. It's really easy to use, gets the job done, and doesn't take as much time as the others.
Loose twist or braids
Twists or braids can help preserve your curls by keeping them in place while you sleep. These hairstyles can also create beautifully defined curls when you take them out in the morning.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| Keeps curls in place and defined while sleeping | Takes longer to do compared to other styles |
| Can create beautiful defined curls when taken out in the morning | May cause frizz if done too tightly |
| Works well for all hair types | May not be comfortable to sleep in |
How to do it:
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Divide your hair into sections and twist or braid each section, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends.
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Use small hair elastics to secure the ends of each twist or braid.
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Cover your hair with a satin scarf to prevent frizz.
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In the morning, carefully undo each twist or braid to reveal your defined curls.
Loose bun
A loose bun is a great way to preserve your curls because it keeps them out of the way while you sleep, but it's not too tight to cause creases or flatten your curls.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| Keeps hair out of the way while sleeping | May not work for very long hair |
| Doesn't cause creases or flatten curls | May come loose while sleeping |
| Easy and quick to do |
How to do it?
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Gather all your hair at the crown of your head.
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Twist your hair into a loose bun and secure it with a scrunchie or hair tie.
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To prevent the bun from being too tight, you can loosen it slightly by pulling on the edges.
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In the morning, remove the scrunchie or hair tie and gently shake out your hair.
Plop
Plopping is a technique where you use a t-shirt or microfiber towel to gently wrap your hair on top of your head. This technique helps to enhance your curls and keep them defined while you sleep.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| Helps to enhance curls and keep them defined while sleeping | Takes longer to do compared to other styles |
| Easy to do | May not work for very long hair |
| Works well for all hair types | May be uncomfortable to sleep in |
How to do it?
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Lay a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel on a flat surface.
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Flip your head upside down and place your curls in the center of the towel or t-shirt.
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Wrap the towel or t-shirt around your curls and secure it with the sleeves or corners.
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Leave the plop on for at least 20-30 minutes or overnight.
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In the morning, carefully remove the towel or t-shirt to reveal your defined curls.
Two-strand twist
Two-strand twists are similar to twists or braids, but they involve twisting two hair strands together. This hairstyle can help preserve your curls and create beautiful defined curls when you take them out in the morning.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| Keeps curls in place and defined while sleeping | Takes longer to do compared to other styles |
| Can create beautiful defined curls when taken out in the morning | May cause frizz if done too tightly |
| Works well for all hair types | May not be comfortable to sleep in |
How to do it:
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Divide your hair into sections and take two small sections from one section of hair.
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Twist the two sections around each other, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends.
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Repeat for all sections of hair.
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Cover your hair with a bonnet or scarf to prevent frizz.
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In the morning, carefully undo each twist to reveal your defined curls.
Multi-pineapple
A multi-pineapple is similar to a regular pineapple, but instead of pulling all your hair to the top of your head, you create several small pineapples around your head. This technique helps to distribute the weight of your hair and prevent any flattening of your curls while you sleep.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| Distributes the weight of the hair, preventing flattening of curls while sleeping | Takes longer to do compared to other styles |
| Works well for all hair types | May not work for very long hair |
| Can create beautiful defined curls when taken out in the morning | May cause creases where hair ties are placed |
How to do it:
-
Divide your hair into sections and create a small ponytail with each section, securing them with soft hair ties.
-
Leave the ends of your hair hanging loose.
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To prevent creases, make sure the hair ties are not too tight.
-
In the morning, remove the hair ties and shake out your hair to release the curls.
Mini braids
Mini braids are similar to regular braids, but they are smaller and tighter. This hairstyle can help preserve your curls and create beautiful defined curls when you take them out in the morning.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| Keeps curls in place and defined while sleeping | Takes longer to do compared to other styles |
| Can create beautiful defined curls when taken out in the morning | May cause frizz if done too tightly |
| Works well for all hair types | May not be comfortable to sleep in |
How to do it:
-
Divide your hair into sections and create small braids, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends.
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Use small hair elastics to secure the ends of each braid.
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Cover your hair with a bonnet or scarf to prevent frizz.
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In the morning, carefully undo each braid to reveal your defined curls.
French braid
A French braid can help to keep your curls in place while you sleep and prevent any frizz or flattening of your curls.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| Keeps curls in place and defined while sleeping | Takes longer to do compared to other styles |
| Prevents flattening of curls | May cause frizz if done too tightly |
| Works well for all hair types | May not be comfortable to sleep in |
How to do it:
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Divide your hair into three sections at the top of your head.
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Cross the right section over the middle section, then cross the left section over the new middle section.
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Add a small amount of hair to the right section, then cross it over the middle section.
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Add a small amount of hair to the left section, then cross it over the new middle section.
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Repeat steps 3-4, gradually adding more hair to each section as you braid down the length of your hair.
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Secure the braid with a hair tie or elastic.
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Cover your hair with a satin bonnet or scarf to prevent frizz.
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In the morning, carefully undo the braid to reveal your defined curls.
Bantu knots
Bantu knots are a great way to preserve your curls because they create beautiful defined curls when you take them out in the morning. This hairstyle involves twisting your hair into small knots and securing them with a hair tie.
| ✅ Pros | ⛔️ Cons |
| Creates beautiful defined curls when taken out in the morning | Takes longer to do compared to other styles |
| Works well for all hair types | May cause frizz if done too tightly |
| Helps to enhance curls and keep them defined while sleeping | May not be comfortable to sleep in |
How to do it:
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Divide your hair into sections and create small twists, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends.
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Twist each twist
Products to consider buying
Silk or satin pillowcases: Silk or satin pillowcases are smoother and gentler on hair than cotton pillowcases, which can cause friction and breakage. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can help prevent frizz and preserve your curls.
Silk or satin sleep cap: A silk or satin sleep cap can help protect your curls while you sleep by keeping them in place and preventing friction and tangles.
Hair scrunchies or satin hair ties: Regular hair ties can pull and break hair, which can lead to frizz and damage. Satin hair ties or hair scrunchies are gentler on hair and can help preserve your curls.
Leave-in conditioner or curl enhancer: Apply the conditioner or curl enhancer to your hair before going to bed to help keep your curls hydrated and defined while you sleep.
Microfiber towel: A microfiber towel is gentler on hair than a regular towel and can help prevent frizz and breakage. Use a microfiber towel to gently scrunch excess water out of your hair after washing it, or to refresh your curls in the morning.
Diffuser attachment for hair dryer: A diffuser attachment for your hair dryer can help you dry your hair without disrupting your curls. Use a diffuser on a low heat setting to gently dry your hair and enhance your curls.
Other tips for sleep with curly hair
Whether you have long or short curly hair, the following tips will help you keep those precious locks intact.
One of the most important things to remember when learning how to sleep with curly hair is to avoid sleeping with wet hair
Avoid touching your hair while you sleep: This can cause tangles and disrupt your curls. Instead, try to keep your hair in a protective style and avoid touching it while you sleep.
Refresh your curls in the morning: In the morning, you may need to refresh your curls using a spray bottle with water or a leave-in conditioner. Gently scrunch your hair to reactivate your curls and add volume.
Apply a hair oil or serum before bed: This can help lock in moisture and prevent dryness and frizz. Just make sure not to use too much, as this can weigh down your curls.
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair before bed: This can help prevent tangles and knots while you sleep.
Avoid using heat styling tools before bed: Heat can damage your hair and cause frizz. If you need to style your hair, try to do so earlier in the day.
Sleep with your hair up: If you prefer to sleep with your hair up, try using a loose, low ponytail or bun to prevent tension and breakage.
Avoid using heavy hair products before bed: Heavy products can weigh down your curls and cause them to lose their shape. Stick to lightweight conditioners and oils.
Author's note: Some of the tips listed above can even help people who don't have naturally curly hair, but want to be as curly as possible.
How do you revive curls after sleep with curly hair
Now after you know how to sleep with curly hair it's time to learn how to revive your curls in the morning. Sleeping can cause curls to flatten or become tangled, but there are several ways to revive them.
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Use a spray bottle to rehydrate: Fill a spray bottle with water and spritz your curls lightly to rehydrate them. In addition, you can use a leave-in or a curl refresher spray to add moisture and definition to your curls.
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Scrunch your curls: Use your hands to scrunch your curls, lifting them at the roots and squeezing them gently. This can help restore the shape and bounce of your curls.
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Apply a styling product: Apply a styling product, such as a curl cream or a gel, to help hold and define your curls. Use a small amount of product and distribute it evenly throughout your hair.
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Use a diffuser: If you have a diffuser attachment for your hair dryer, use it to dry your curls. Firstly, set the dryer to low or medium heat and hold the diffuser close to your hair. After that, gently scrunch your curls with your hands as you dry them to enhance their shape.
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Twist or braid your hair: If your curls are extremely flattened, you can try twisting or braiding sections of your hair to create waves or curls. Leave the twists or braids in for a few minutes, then gently unravel them.
The importance of sleeping right with curly hair
Sleeping right with curly hair is important because it can affect the health and appearance of your curls. Here are some reasons why sleeping right is important for curly hair:
Minimizes breakage: Sleeping with your hair loose can cause friction and tangling, which can lead to breakage and damage. Properly securing your hair while you sleep can help minimize breakage and keep your curls healthy.
Preserves curls: The way you sleep can also affect the shape and definition of your curls. For example, sleeping on a cotton pillowcase or with your hair loose can cause curls to become flattened or frizzy. However, sleeping with your hair in a protective style or using a satin or silk pillowcase can help preserve curls and maintain their shape.
Prevents dryness: Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, and sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can absorb moisture causing dry and frizzy curls. So, switching to a satin or silk pillowcase can help prevent dryness and keep your curls moisturized.
Reduces frizz: Frizz is a common issue for curly hair, and sleeping on a cotton pillowcase or with your hair loose can exacerbate frizz. However, sleeping with your hair in a protective style or using a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce frizz and keep curls looking smooth.
Saves time: Properly caring for your curls while you sleep can save time in the morning. If your curls are preserved and defined, you may not need to spend as much time styling your hair in the morning.
Key takeaways
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Curly hair requires special care and attention to maintain its health and appearance.
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Sleeping right with curly hair is important for preserving curls, preventing breakage, reducing frizz, and maintaining moisture.
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To preserve curls while sleeping, try protective styles like pineappling, braids, or buns and use satin or silk pillowcases or bonnets.
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To prevent frizz while sleeping, use a silk or satin pillowcase, pineapple your hair, sleep with a silk or satin bonnet, apply a leave-in conditioner, and use a microfiber towel to dry your hair.
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Many products are available specifically for curly hair, including shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and tools like diffusers and microfiber towels.
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Experimenting with different techniques and products can help you find the best routine for your unique hair type and texture.
FAQs
Is It better to sleep with hair up or down?
Short answer: ⬆️ Up
It is generally better to sleep with your hair up to prevent breakage and tangling. Certainly, some hairstyles like pineapple or loose buns can help preserve curls while you sleep.
Is it better to sleep with wet or dry hair?
Short answer: 💨 Dry
It is not recommended to sleep with wet curly hair as it can lead to breakage and damage. After wash, curly hair should be allowed to dry partially or completely before going to bed.
Why do my curls flatten when I sleep?
Short answer: 🌫⬇️💧 Due to friction, pressure, or moisture loss
Curls can flatten when you sleep due to friction, pressure, or moisture loss. To prevent this, try using protective styles or silk/satin pillowcases and bonnets.
Should you sleep with hair tied or loose?
Short answer: ✌️ Tied but loose
It is generally better to sleep with your hair tied in a loose hairstyle like a pineapple, braid, or bun to prevent tangling and breakage. Avoid tight hairstyles that can cause tension and damage.
Why do my curls disappear when I wake up?
Short answer: 🌫⬇️💧 Due to friction, pressure, or moisture loss
Curls can disappear when you wake up due to friction, pressure, or moisture loss. To prevent this, try using protective styles or silk/satin pillowcases and bonnets, and apply a conditioner or curl refresher spray in the morning.
