Sleeping with wet hair can often lead to unwanted kinks and tangles. However, there are steps you can take to protect your hair and curls overnight. With some planning and preparation, you can wake up with smooth, frizz-free locks.
Should you sleep with wet hair?
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to sleep with damp hair:
- Hair type – Those with very curly or coily hair may prefer air drying as wet curls can become frizzy or lose definition if tossed and turned on a pillow. Fine, straight hair is more flexible and less prone to kinking.
- Hair health – Dry, damaged hair is more vulnerable to breakage and knots from friction. Wet hair is in a fragile state and more elastic so sleeping on it can cause issues.
- Environment – Humid climates can contribute to extra frizz and moisture while very cold, dry air can lead to dryness and static.
- Personal preference – Some people simply can’t stand the feeling of wet hair on their neck or pillow.
While air drying is ideal, it isn’t always possible to wait the many hours it may take. As long as precautions are taken, those with healthy hair should be able to sleep on damp locks without too much distress.
Preparation tips for sleeping with wet hair
If you need to sleep on damp hair, follow these tips to minimize potential issues:
Let hair air dry as much as possible
Try to let your hair air dry as long as you can stand it before going to bed. Even an hour or two will allow some moisture to evaporate so there is less dampness against your pillow.
Blot with a microfiber towel
Use a soft microfiber towel or old cotton t-shirt to gently blot excess moisture before laying down. Don’t rub harshly as this can cause frizz.
Apply leave-in conditioner
Look for a lightweight leave-in cream or spray designed for wet hair. This will provide extra moisture to prevent dryness overnight.
Braid, twist, or pineapple hair
Securely pulling hair up and away from your face can minimize contact and friction with the pillow. Try braids, buns, or pineappling (loosely tying up hair on top of head).
Use a silk or satin pillowcase
The smooth fabric of silk or satin allows hair to glide cleanly over the surface instead of sticking and snagging like a cotton case would.
Protect curls
Those with curly hair may want to sleep in a loose top knot, soft wrap, or bonnet to prevent rub-related frizz and keep curls intact.
Don’t over-manipulate
Avoid excessive brushing or combing when hair is wet as this can cause extra stress and breakage. Use fingers or wide tooth combs only if needed.
Sleeping positions for wet hair
In addition to preparation, choosing the right sleep position can also reduce potential hair damage overnight. Some options include:
On your back
Sleeping on your back keeps wet hair contained and prevents it from getting underneath you. Use a soft scrunchie or cloth headband if hair falls in face.
On your side
Those who can only sleep on their side should aim to keep hair pulled away from pillow. A loose braid or bun with a satin cap can contain it.
On satin pillow protector
Place a satin cap or pillowcase over your regular pillow to allow hair to smoothly glide instead of getting caught on cotton.
Pineapple method
Pulling hair straight up into a very loose ponytail puts minimal tension on hair overnight. It keeps hair off the neck and shoulders.
Medusa clipping
Section hair randomly and secure with flexible clips pointing upward. This gently lifts hair off scalp without stress.
On a satin bed wrap
Wrap hair in a scarf or specially designed head wrap made of satin or silk. Tie gently to contain hair while sleeping.
Morning tips for wet hair
Once you wake up, you’ll want to take steps to minimize bedhead and refresh hair:
Smooth with leave-in conditioner
Distribute a coin-sized amount of lightweight leave-in cream evenly from roots to ends to hydrate and detangle.
Freshen up roots
If hairline or roots feel flat, use fingers to gently lift and fluff for volume. A boar bristle brush can also smooth flyaways.
Refresh curls
Mist curls with a spray bottle of water mixed with a teaspoon of conditioner. Scrunch gently with a cotton t-shirt.
Add accessories
Hide bedhead with scarves, hats, headbands or clips until you can properly style hair.
Use dry shampoo
Spray roots with dry shampoo to soak up oil and add volume at the crown where pillow friction occurred.
Style as desired
Once refreshed, hair should be ready for your usual styling routine. Air drying is ideal but you can diffuse or heat style sparingly if needed.
Products that help prevent kinks
Certain products can help minimize and protect against kinks and knots if you have to sleep on wet hair:
| Product | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Leave-in conditioner | Coats and moisturizes hair to prevent tangles |
| Silk pillowcase | Allows hair to smoothly glide instead of catching |
| Satin bonnet | Contains hair in soft fabric away from cotton pillow |
| Scrunchie or ribbon | Secures hair gently in loose styles like ponytail or bun |
| Microfiber towel | Blots hair without rough friction of terry cloth |
| Satin-lined sleep cap | Covers all hair securely during sleep |
Avoiding damage from wet hair sleeping
To minimize the potential downsides of sleeping on damp hair:
- Let hair air dry as long as possible before bed.
- Blot gently with a soft microfiber towel before lying down.
- Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner.
- Secure hair in a gentle protective style like braid or loose bun.
- Choose a smooth satin pillowcase.
- Pineapple hair by loosely tying it on top of head if you move a lot.
- Sleep on your back if possible to keep hair contained.
- In the morning, use leave-in, dry shampoo, or accessories to refresh.
While sleeping on wet hair isn’t ideal, following these tips can help you wake up with smooth, frizz-free locks. Allowing as much drying time as possible before bed and taking protective measures lets you get your beauty rest without distressing your hair.
Conclusion
Sleeping with wet hair can often lead to tangles, frizz, and breakage. However, in some cases it is unavoidable and you may need to rest on damp locks. By preparing hair properly beforehand and taking protective steps, you can minimize the potential damage. Let hair air dry as long as possible, gently blot excess moisture, and loosely secure styles that keep hair contained away from cotton pillows. Sleeping positions that keep hair off the face and neck can also help. In the morning, refresh and restore hair with leave-in conditioners, dry shampoo, or accessories as needed. With extra care taken, you can wake up with smooth, kink-free hair even after sleeping on wet locks.