Buzz
1. Choose a silk or satin pillowcase.
We often recommend silk pillowcases, and with good reason. The fine fibers of silk create less friction when your scalp rubs against the pillow, which is especially helpful if you're a restless sleeper. In contrast, cotton pillowcases absorb moisture, which can lead to dry, frizzy hair and increase the risk of breakage.
2. Skip sleeping with wet hair.
While there's few things more enjoyable than crawling into bed after a refreshing shower, remember that your hair is most fragile when it's wet. If you shower at night, make sure to dry your hair thoroughly to avoid tugging and breakage while you sleep. It's a good idea to leave an extra hour or two for air-drying, as using too much heat can be harmful to thinning hair as well.
3. Use an overnight hair mask.
Waking up with hydrated hair means less breakage during the day. Overnight hair masks are a perfect way to nourish and hydrate your hair overnight. "It's like applying a night serum to your face while you sleep," says Trey Gillen, hairstylist and Creative Director of Education at SACHAJUAN. "These masks contain vital ingredients that boost hair elasticity, integrity, and smooth the outer layer, resulting in shinier, more manageable hair."
4. Apply a scalp treatment.
Along with hair masks that target your strands, applying a treatment directly to your scalp can also be highly effective. "Scalp treatments are incredibly beneficial while you sleep," says Gillen. "They supply ingredients that stimulate healthy hair cell growth. SACHAJUAN Hair Control Treatment is a fantastic choice for fortifying weakened hair follicles." For a more natural alternative, try using aloe vera or coconut oil.
RELATED: The Benefits of a Hot Oil Treatment for Hair—and How to Apply It Yourself
5. Detangle your hair before bedtime.
For those with thinning hair, the idea of brushing may seem daunting, but Gillen advises that detangling your hair before bed can help reduce hair loss in the long term. "Tangles can become dreadlocks overnight, leading to more hair fall when you brush it in the morning," he explains.
6. Avoid tying your hair up or wearing a nightcap.
Certain hairstyles, like tight ponytails, can cause damage to your hair, and the damage is even worse when worn to bed. While it may seem harmless, the strain from keeping your hair up for hours can stress your scalp and contribute to traction alopecia. If you need to keep your hair out of your face, try a loose braid (secured with a soft scrunchie instead of an elastic) to reduce pressure and prevent tangling—plus, it’s a great way to wake up with heatless waves the next morning.
Contrary to common belief, Gillen advises against using sleep caps (unless they are made of silk). "They can be too tight on the head, causing friction in one spot, which may pull hair from the roots and damage the follicles," he explains. "Additionally, this goes against the goal of reducing friction while you sleep."
