Those who twist and turn at night often wake up to find their hair in a mass of snarls. Untangling hair can be a damaging and painful process that wastes precious time. However, by oiling, bunning, braiding, or covering your hair at night, you can prevent knots from forming.
Why does Long Hair tangles During the Night?
There could be several reasons why your hair is tangling during the night. These reasons include hair texture, frequency of brushing, exposure to wind, and the more. However, your hair is more likely to tangle if it is thick and curly hair, Long and delicate, or dry and damaged.
1. Use Hair Serum
If you plan to wash your hair in the morning, oil it before you go to sleep. The oil will provide a lovely moisturizing treatment, and its residue will be washed away in the shower. More importantly, it will add “slip” to your hair overnight, preventing the hair from catching and tangling itself. If your hair prefers heavy oiling, use an old pillowcase or wear your oiled hair in a cap at night to prevent grease stains. Oiling works well with both bunning and braiding hair.
Image: amika The Wizard Detangling Primer – Amazon
2. Braid Your Hair At Night
Braiding is an excellent way to prevent tangled hair. The more confined hair is, the less it can tangle—so two braids are more secure than one, for example. One braid is sufficient for most, though if you sleep on your back, you may find using two braids is neater, as they do not rub between the head and the pillow.
Braid firmly, but without pulling—it’s hard to sleep with tight, painful braids! French or Dutch braids contain the hair most securely; English braids are quicker, but leave the hair above the nape of the neck loose, resulting in tangles for those with fine hair. Rope braids are less appropriate for sleeping, as hair tends to escape. Most other types of braids, such as crown braids and herringbone braids, are suitable. Trying out new braids at night is an excellent way to practice until you master the techniques. Bear in mind that braiding, particularly on damp hair, will leave you with wavy curls in the morning.
3. Wear Hair Buns at Night
For those who find braids uncomfortable, sleep buns are a fantastic option. They can be as simple as Cinnabuns worn on top of the head. Buns contain the hair slightly less securely than braids; however, they may be more convenient for long hair, as braids can get trapped under your back or wound around your neck!
Secure a sleep bun with a hair-friendly hair toy such as a scrunchie. Bunned hair may also give you more massive, softer waves compared to braids.
4. Wear a Night Cap to Protect Hair
A nightcap may sound quaint, but it’s a convenient way to prevent tangling and damage. The hair catches on rough surfaces, which leads to broken strands and knotted hair. A silky nightcap lets the hair slide against a smooth surface. If you don’t fancy the idea of wearing headgear to bed, try a satin pillowcase. You’ll notice a difference in the morning when your braids look less fuzzy and buns less frizzy.
5. Replace Your Cotton Pillowcase with Silk or Satin
As your hair rubs against your pillow during the night, your cotton pillowcase can cause friction that can draw out moisture from it. When your hair is dry, it could be tangled against the cotton. To prevent those painful knots, try replacing your cotton pillowcase with silk or even satin. Both silk and satin pillowcases can improve skin and hair hydration, prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
