Protect your hair while you sleep

Give your hair the added care it needs while you snooze.

Curly and kinky hair types are prone to dryness, tangling and breakage. Protective hairstyles can help seal in moisture, prevent knotting, and as a result, reduce breakage. And while our hair is usually styled during the day with no signs of breakage or tangling, some of the issues mentioned take place at night- during sleep. We explore how hair can be protected while you get your much needed rest.

What is a protective hairstyle?

This is one of the easiest DIY projects you can do, but can really make a statement in your living room or entrance hall. Start by selecting the art you’d like to frame – your options here are to either make it all uniform (for example, black and white photographs), or all different (art in different mediums: paintings, prints and sketches). Make sure you have different sized frames to play with, as this adds interest.

An easy way to play with the configuration of your gallery wall is to trace each frame on paper and stick them up on the way with masking tape. Now you’ll be able to move the ‘frames’ around until you get to an arrangement you’re happy with. Once you’re satisfied with the configuration, you can start hanging up the frames and art one by one.

How does it ‘protect’ hair?

A lot of friction occurs while we sleep, and if hair is left out- moisture is drawn from the hair. Having a protective ‘do’ means the length of your hair is spared. However, placing your hair in a protective style while still subjecting your scalp to tension defeats the purpose, this includes using the wrong products and not taking proper care of your hair daily.

TRY THESE OPTIONS:

1

TWO STRAND TWISTS​

This is the quickest and easiest form of a protective style you can achieve. It retains moisture and prevents tangling. It is also a technique one can use to stretch or curl their hair. The number of sections you divide your hair into will depend on the length of your hair; shorter hair my require more twists while longer hair may require less.

Related article: 5 Braided hairstyles to inspire your next look

2

LOOSE PLAITS​

This is sectioned hair, plaited into a three-strand braid. Like twists, the number of braids you can achieve depends on the length of your hair. This technique helps you stretch hair and achieve a loose wave pattern when plaits are unravelled.

3

HIGH BUN​

Ladies with a loose curl type can simply pile their hair up into a bun. Use a satin scrunchie to help prevent tension on the section of hair it’s tied around. Avoid tying hair too tightly as this will place strain on your scalp.

4

SATIN BONNET

You will need a satin bonnet or pillowcase to further help your hair retain moisture. Cotton pillowcases are quite absorbent, and even if you have your hair in a protective style, they will still draw moisture from the exposed hair. A satin bonnet will protect your hair no matter what type of pillowcase you’re using, while a satin pillowcase means you don’t have to cover your hair.

EXTRA CARE

Scalp
Scalp tension and neglect are some of the causes for hair problems, such as traction alopecia and dryness. If your scalp is unhappy, it’s unlikely that your hair will be healthy. Make sure you cleanse and moisturise your scalp regularly.

Related article: Grow your afro in 5 easy steps

Detangle
Natural hair will tangle, it’s paramount that you’re patient and gentle with the detangling process. Water and leave-in conditioner usually help make the process much easier. Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to detangle your hair from the ends.

Moisture
Hydrate your hair daily. Unlike other hair types, coily and kinky hair types lose moisture easily and require regular nourishment. Dryness leads to tangling and breakage.

Related article: What your hair can reveal about your health

Sources: naturallycurly.com, allthingshair.com, graziadaily.co.uk