If you’ve recently gotten braids or are considering getting them, you may be wondering how to sleep with them without ruining your hairstyle or waking up with a sore scalp. Sleeping with braids can be tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you can make it a comfortable experience. We’ll cover everything you need to know about how to sleep with braids, from preparing your hair before bed to protecting your braids while you sleep.
Preparing Your Hair before Bed
• Brush your braids: Before going to bed, brush your braids gently using a soft-bristled brush or a wide-tooth comb. This will help to remove any tangles and distribute natural oils throughout your hair.
• Tie your braids: After brushing your braids, tie them up into a loose ponytail or bun. This will prevent them from getting tangled while you sleep.
• Cover your hair: To protect your braids while you sleep, consider covering your hair with a satin or silk scarf. This will help to reduce friction and prevent your braids from frizzing.
Choosing the Right Pillow
• Use a silk or satin pillowcase: Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase will help to reduce friction and prevent your braids from getting tangled. It will also help to keep your hair moisturized.
• Use a silk or satin bonnet: If you prefer to wear a bonnet to bed, make sure it’s made of silk or satin. This will help to protect your braids and keep them in place while you sleep.
• Avoid cotton pillowcases and bonnets: Cotton pillowcases and bonnets can cause friction and lead to frizzy hair.
Protecting Your Braids
• Avoid sleeping on your back: If you’re a back sleeper, try sleeping on your side or stomach instead. This will help to prevent your braids from getting flattened or crushed.
• Use a hair net: To protect your braids from getting tangled or caught on anything while you sleep, consider wearing a hair net. This will help to keep your braids in place and prevent them from getting damaged.
• Avoid using hair ties: Using hair ties to secure your braids while you sleep can lead to breakage and damage. Instead, try using a scrunchie or a loose hairband to keep your hair in place.
Keeping Your Braids Clean
• Avoid getting your braids wet: While you’re sleeping, try to avoid getting your braids wet. If you need to shower before bed, consider wearing a shower cap to protect your hair.
• Use dry shampoo: If your scalp gets oily while you sleep, use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair.
• Wash your braids regularly: Depending on the type of braids you have, you may need to wash them every 1-2 weeks. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner and avoid rubbing your hair vigorously.
Dealing with Discomfort
• Use a hot towel: If your scalp feels tight or sore while you sleep, try using a hot towel. Soak a towel in hot water, wring it out, and place it on your head for 10-15 minutes.
• Take pain medication: If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain, consider taking over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Get regular touch-ups: If your braids start to feel uncomfortable or too tight, it may be time to get them touched up or removed. Don’t keep your braids in for too long, as this can lead to breakage and damage.
Sleeping Position Matters
Your sleeping position can affect how your braids look in the morning. Sleeping on your back or stomach can cause your braids to flatten or become misshapen. The best sleeping position for braids is on your side. It helps maintain the shape of your braids and prevents flattening.
Avoiding Frizz
Frizz is a common problem when it comes to sleeping with braids. To prevent frizz, avoid touching your braids while you sleep. Also, avoid using cotton pillowcases and towels as they can cause friction and lead to frizz. Instead, use a silk or satin pillowcase and a microfiber towel to dry your hair.
Dealing with Itching and Scalp Irritation
Itching and scalp irritation are common when wearing braids. To alleviate these symptoms, apply a scalp oil or apple cider vinegar to your scalp before going to bed. You can also use a scalp spray to soothe your scalp and reduce itching.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sleeping with braids can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the tips and tricks discussed in this article, you can maintain your braids’ shape and keep your hair healthy while you sleep. Remember to prepare your hair before bed, choose the right bedding, protect your braids with a scarf or bonnet, sleep in the right position, avoid frizz, deal with itching and scalp irritation, refresh your braids when necessary, and avoid sleeping with braids for too long. With these simple steps, you can enjoy your braids without worrying about damaging your hair.