Perfect morning curls can exist! Here's How!

Does waking up hoping for perfectly intact curls seem like wishful thinking? If you can relate, this blog is for YOU!

Figuring out how to sleep with curly hair without causing frizz or tangles is a challenge that almost anyone with textured hair will sympathise with. But with a little 'know-how' you'll be surprised at how easy it actually can be- so easy, in fact you can do it in your sleep!

Puns aside, take a minute to explore with us failsafe strategies to protect your styled curls while you sleep.

Our goal; ensuring you wake up with your hair looking as fabulous as it did the night before.

Understanding Your Curly Hair at Night

Curly hair is particularly vulnerable to the tossing and turning that happens in the bedroom… Now we’ve already addressed one of the most common challenges a curly has when it comes to friction in the bedroom…. (read more about managing bed dreads and shaggers knots) But this time we’re actually talking about sleep!

 

Now if you’re one of the lucky few who can close their eyes and fall straight asleep, and remain in the same position all night… (firstly- HOW is that even possible!!) Secondly, teach us! Then this blog might not be relevant to you. However, if you’re one of the other millions of restless sleepers, (the rest of us!) then a good sleep routine that includes protecting your curls will be a huge benefit. 

 

'Friction against pillowcases and sheets can lead to frizz, tangles, and a loss of curl definition. FACT'.

 

Restyling your hair after a night of tossing and turning can be equally as time consuming as a wash day. So what can you do to prevent these dilemmas? We’re glad you asked!

Choosing the Right Hair Accessories

With a little guidance, learning how to sleep with curly hair isn't hard. The first step is using the right accessories. 

There are loads of products on the market, and some really simple ways to protect your curls with minimal effort. 

1. The Pineapple Method involves pulling hair into a loose ponytail at the top of your head, preventing curls from being crushed. 
2. Satin or silk pillowcases are also lifesavers; they reduce friction, thereby minimising frizz and breakage.
3. Using a Sleep Cosy, buff or bonnet will help reduce frizz, and you can use this in conjunction with a silk pillow slip for best results. 

'Protecting your hair during sleep is essential for maintaining its health and appearance'.

 

Designed by the curl experts at LOHY to minimise hair friction and prevent breakage, our Cosy ensures your hair remains smooth and tangle-free throughout the night. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Cosy

Step 1: Preparation

• Before bed, you can either brush your hair gently or use your fingers to remove any tangles that might have accumulated during the day. Or if you can’t be bothered, simply go to bed with styled hair and tackle any messy bits in the morning. 

Step 2: Putting on the Cosy

• Open the Cosy and hold it at the elasticated end.
• Bend forward and let your hair fall naturally in front of you.
• Place the open end of the Cosy over your head like you would a headband. Shimmy the cosy down over your hair, starting from the back to the front, ensuring all your hair is tucked inside.
• Once your hair is fully inside, with your head the right way up, hold the top of the cosy upwards and let your hair shimmy all the way down.

Step 3: Securing the Cosy

• If you have longer hair, you might need to twist the Cosy gently (like a bun) to ensure all hair stays inside.
• For shorter hair, simply ensure the Cosy is snug and covers all your hair.you can tie a loose knot in the top if you have room.

Step 4: Sleeping with the Cosy

• Once the Cosy is secure, you’re ready for bed.
• The Cosy is designed to stay in place throughout the night, but if you’re a restless sleeper, you might want to check its position if you wake up during the night.
• The material is breathable and comfortable, ensuring you don’t get too hot while sleeping.

Benefits of Using a Cosy for Sleep Protection

• Minimises Hair Friction: The soft material of the Cosy reduces friction against your pillow, preventing frizz and breakage.
• Retains Hair Moisture: Unlike cotton pillowcases, the Cosy’s material helps in retaining your hair’s natural oils and moisture.
• Prevents Tangles and Knots: Keeps your hair in place, reducing the chances of waking up with tangles and knots.
• Comfortable and Secure: Designed to provide a snug fit without causing discomfort or slipping off during the night.

Preparing Your Curls for Bed

Hydration is key before bedtime. Applying a light leave-in conditioner or a dab of Hush Oil can keep curls moisturised throughout the night. 

If you have finer, wavy hair, be mindful to use a lighter touch with the product to maintain the volume of your curls and gently detangle your hair to prevent any knots or tangles in the morning.

Practical Tips on How to Sleep with Curly Hair

'When it comes to preserving curls, the way you sleep matters'.

Here are our six top tips for avoiding tangles, frizz and flattening your curls overnight. 

1. Sleeping on your back can help avoid squishing your curls. 
2. Protective hairstyles like loose braids or twists can help maintain your curl pattern.These work especially well for Type 3c and Type 4a Hair. 
3. Finding a comfortable position that also protects your curls can be a game-changer- If you’re not a ‘on your back sleeper’ find the most comfortable position you can. 
4. If it’s hot, sleep with a fan on and the windows open. 
5. If it’s cold, a heavy quilt or wool blanket will work better than turning on the heating. Our bodies are designed to naturally cool down at night, and even though it may sound subarctic, the Sleep Foundation recommends a temperature of 15.6-19.4 degrees celsius for a quality night sleep.
6. Invest in a cosy and silk pillowslip. Trust us, they're worth the investment. 

Morning Routine for Reviving Curls

Morning is all about reviving your curls and refreshing your hair doesn't have to be time consuming or difficult. 

1. Remove your sleep protection
2. Go make your morning coffee and let your hair sit for 10-15 minutes. This is a really important step in letting your natural curls ‘sit back’ into their natural state. You can give your curls a good shake out from the roots to get some volume back into your hair. 
3. If your hair was previously styled the day before, a quick spritz of water or leave-in conditioner will reactivate the product that is already in your hair. 
4. Don't brush your curls while refreshing. This will only separate any clumps that have formed. Finger coiling with a little extra product will help to bring back any lost definition. 
5. Scrunching your hair gently can also help redefine the curls and give them a fresh look. However, always make sure you are doing this with wet hands and damp hair. 
6. Diffuse dry on a low heat and low air-flow to quickly dry refreshed hair. 

How To Sleep With Curly Hair FAQS 

Q1: I have Type 3A Hair, can I prevent my curly hair from getting frizzy overnight?

• You sure can! To minimise frizz, sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase and get yourself a Cosy! Avoid cotton as it causes more friction. Applying a leave-in conditioner or serum before bed can also help.

Q2: Is it better to sleep with my curly hair up or down?

• It's often better to sleep with your hair up to prevent tangles and frizz. A loose pineapple (a high, loose ponytail on top of your head) works well for those with really curly-haired. 

Q3: Can I go to bed with wet curly hair?

• We get asked this alot! It's not recommended to sleep with wet hair as it's more prone to breakage and can become very tangled. If you must, use a microfiber towel or t-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water, use a leave-in conditioner and opt for a protective style like braids to reduce friction.

Q4: Should I brush my curly hair before bed?

• Generally, it's not advisable to brush curly hair before bed as it can disrupt the natural curl pattern and cause frizz. Instead, gently detangle with your fingers during your morning refresh. 

Q5: What is the best way to tie my Type 3B curly hair for sleep?

• A loose pineapple is a popular method. Alternatively, you can loosely braid or twist your hair. Make sure not to tie your hair too tight to avoid stress on your roots and use elastics or scrunchies without metal clasps. 

Q6: How often should I wash my curly hair?

• It varies depending on your hair type, but most people with wavy, curly or coily hair find that washing their hair 3-4 times a week is sufficient. Over-washing can strip natural oils and cause dryness. Type 2 Wavy hair will need more washing that Type 4 Coily hair. 

Q7: What type of hair products should I use before bed?

• Use lightweight, hydrating products like a leave-in conditioner, LOHY’s Hush oil, or a lightweight curl cream. Avoid heavy styling products that can weigh down curls or cause buildup.

Q8: How can I refresh my curls in the morning?

• Use a spray bottle with water to lightly mist your hair. Then gently scrunch your curls to revive their shape. 

Q9: What should I do if I have very tight or coily curls?

• For Type 4A, 4B or Type 4C Coily hair consider using a Cosy or a silk scarf. You might also benefit from heavier creams and deep conditioning hair masks to provide extra moisture and maintain curl definition overnight.