Is it harmful to braid your hair before sleeping?

If you're looking for an easy way to achieve wavy hair, you might have heard about braiding your hair before bed and leaving it overnight. We understand your concerns about the health of your hair, but braiding is generally a safe method if done correctly. In this article, we’ll address some common questions and share the best practices to protect your hair while you sleep with braids.

Yes, it is safe, but if you braid your hair too tightly, it can cause damage. Tight braiding puts stress on your scalp, which could eventually lead to hair loss. If you plan on braiding your hair overnight, make sure to do it loosely, keeping some distance from the scalp to avoid harm. If you notice scalp irritation or thick flakes, that could be a sign that your braids are too tight.

Wash your hair and use conditioner. Start with clean hair so that when you wake up tomorrow, your hairstyle is already set. Choose a moisturizing or hydrating shampoo along with conditioner. If you want thicker-looking hair, try using products labeled “volumizing.” Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all shampoo and conditioner.

• Ask your stylist which shampoo and conditioner are best for your hair type.
• Conditioner also helps keep hair smooth and less frizzy.

Gently blot your damp hair with a towel until it’s just slightly wet. Instead of rubbing your hair harshly, use a towel to gently absorb excess water. This will prevent damage or tangling in your hair when you braid it. The drier your hair, the less stress you’ll put on it during braiding.

• Avoid using a blow dryer as it could cause damage or increase frizziness.

Brush curly or wavy hair with a paddle brush. Avoid using any tools made of metal as they could harm your hair. Use a wide-tooth paddle brush to gently detangle your hair, making it easier to section it when you braid. This way, your hair will be smoother and more manageable.

• Don’t brush too much to avoid causing hair breakage or weakening your strands.
• If you have straight hair, use a wide-toothed comb instead of a paddle brush.

It’s best to braid your hair when it’s dry or just slightly damp to avoid damaging it. Braiding wet hair can put excessive tension on your strands, leading to breakage. Always wait for your hair to dry, or at least towel-dry it before braiding to prevent any harm to your hair.

Use fabric hair ties instead of elastic bands for loose, wavy braids. Elastic bands can stretch your hair and place undue pressure on your scalp. They might also leave indentations in your hair, making the waves more noticeable. Opt for soft fabric hair ties to secure the ends of your braids.

Leave about 2.5 cm at the end of your hair. When braiding, braid your hair almost to the end, leaving around 2.5 cm at the tip. Tying it higher could result in an awkward section of straight hair among the waves.

Use a silk pillowcase while sleeping to prevent your hair from tangling. Hair can get caught in rough fabric fibers, such as cotton. Silk, being smooth and slick, allows your hair to glide across the surface of the pillowcase without getting tangled while you sleep.

• If you don’t have a silk pillowcase, satin can be a good alternative.
• You could also try wearing a satin-lined sleep cap.

Run your fingers through your hair to separate the waves. After you remove the braids, gently use your fingers to pull apart the sections. Glide your fingers through your hair to separate the curly strands and create a natural wavy texture.

Apply anti-frizz serum to tame flyaway strands. If some hairs keep sticking out after you remove the braids, gently apply serum to your hair or spray it directly. Smooth the serum into the strands to keep them in place.

Hair is less likely to tangle or get caught if you braid it before bed. While tossing and turning during sleep, your hair can catch on something, and some strands may even break. By braiding your hair, you gather the loose strands together, which helps prevent movement or tangling while you sleep.

You can achieve natural waves without using heat styling tools. Using heated styling tools can damage your hair over time. Braids will keep your hair in place throughout the night, naturally curling your hair. Tighter braids will create tighter curls, while looser braids will give a more relaxed, wavy look.

Your hair won’t touch your face, which can reduce the risk of breakouts. If you don’t wash your hair at night, dust and oils can accumulate. While sleeping, your hair may touch your face, potentially leading to pimples. Braiding your hair can prevent this from happening.

• You can braid your hair in any style you prefer for sleeping, so choose the one that feels most comfortable to you.

• Avoid tying your hair too tightly, as it may cause hair breakage or loss.