It is best to sleep with your hair down if your hair length is short. This also lets the air flow freely through your hair, which makes you sleep more comfortably. On the other hand, if you have long hair, it is recommended to tie your hair loosely to prevent knots and breakage.
This can be done by putting your hair back into a loose ponytail, loose braid or loose bun with silk or satin scrunchies — or by sleeping with hair in a satin or silk hair bonnet. If neither of those options work, consider a silk or satin pillowcase.
Whilst we know a high ponytail can cause damage, a high, loose bun is a much better option. There are a few methods to make a high bun. You can firstly, use the same method as a low bun, where you twist the hair around itself. This creates a rounder, neater bun.
"As long as the style does not place traction on roots, meaning it doesn't pull too tight or 'hurt' the next morning, it should be fine," she says. If it doesn't hurt, or if your elastic tends to slip out as you sleep, you're probably fine.
Dr. Engelman says that, while freshly showered strands are golden for your skin, securing your hair away from your face is a close second. "Before going to sleep, I recommend pulling hair into a loose braid or ponytail," she advises.
This is a BIG NO-NO. If you are in a rush to go to bed and your hair is wet, we do not recommend doing this. Wait until your hair is almost completely dry to braid your hair that way your hair does not end up smelling damp the next day. On the hair that is exposed, you might get frizzy and broken hair.
Leave your hair damp and create a loose bun on the top of your head, in the morning you will have beautiful waves. “Use your fingers to comb through so you don't flatten your hair. Finish with a light hold hairspray,” says Celebrity Hairstylist Angelo David Pisacreta of Angelo David Salon.
Tie Up Your Hair
Sleeping with your hair down seems like the most natural way to go but can actually be doing more harm than good, especially for those with long hair. "Never go to bed without tying your hair up (for long hair), as loose hair can tangle.
When to wash. Rossi generally tells his patients they should wash their hair once or twice per week. But if you've had chemical treatments that can make your hair drier — such as bleach, perms or relaxers — you might want to wash it less than once weekly to avoid breaking or brittle hair or split ends, he said.
Braid your hair before going to sleep. This old trick works every time and is one of the best ways to wear your hair when sleeping. It not only protects your hair – stopping it from tangling and breaking – but also gives you gorgeous beachy waves the next day and cuts down on frizz.
NaturallyCurly community has coined the pineapple technique to protect your curls from frizz and tangles while you sleep. To pineapple, gather hair into a high ponytail and slip a scrunchie over the base, just enough so it loosely holds hair without creating tension.
Low Ponytail Hairstyles
A low ponytail is one of the best hairstyles that won't damage the hairline. It's ideal if you want a sleek hairstyle that's easy on your scalp and hairline. Putting together this style is virtually effortless. Simply sweep your hair behind your shoulders before securing it with an elastic.
Scrunchies are better for your hair. Unlike hair ties, scrunchies don't cause hair breakage. The layer of fabric between the elastic band and your hair serves as a soft barrier to protect your precious locks from direct friction! Scrunchies also don't have to be wound as tightly around your hair.
Protective hairstyles like flat twists, cornrows, and box braids can help promote hair growth and prevent breakage.
If you're showering and sleeping on damp hair...
Whether it's a leave-in conditioner, an oil, or a shine spray, there are tons of hair products ideal for overnight use. If your hair is on the dry and damaged side of the spectrum, opt for a leave-in conditioner to quench your hair so you wake up with soft, supple locks.
"If your hair is not cooperating, stick in a hair accessory on one side and leave the rest down," says Polko. Make a deep side part, then smooth back the hair below the part with a brush. Add an oversized barrette or a few metallic bobby pins like H&M Hair Pins in gold.
Try a loose top-bun for an easy morning.
Use an elastic hairband to make a loose ponytail, then create a bun by wrapping your hair in a circle around the center of the ponytail. Fasten the bun loosely with a fabric scrunchie. In the morning, remove the bun and brush out your hair until it's straight.