Embracing natural hair texture is here to stay. At Premier Beauty, we’re discussing the best way to sleep in braids for some overnight curls.
Big, beachy waves are the sought-after look of the summer. However, not everyone (clients and stylists included) can set aside time in their morning routine to create this messy-chic look. Additionally, many of us who are conscious of our hair’s health would prefer to go without the damage of using a heat tool. To save time and avoid taking heat damage to the hair, many beauty enthusiasts have turned to sleeping in braids to achieve that effortlessly bouncy look. There’s a fair amount of benefits; hair out of your face, waves in the morning, and no heat damage in sight.
Among the hype, there arises the question of your hair’s health. Could sleeping in braids be damaging your hair? You’re preventing dryness from heat tools, but are you protecting your hair from other damage? Furthermore, is there a “right” braid to sleep on?
To answer these questions, let’s talk braids. This way of styling hair has been around almost as early as
6,000 years ago. People first started to braid their hair in northern Africa to prevent damage from the sun. Therefore, it goes without saying that gurus have had a lot of time to develop this kind of hairstyle. Fast-forward to the current day, and there are more styles of braids than ever before. Some of the more basic braids include the French braid (
which isn’t even really French), the Dutch braid, and the rope braid.
When deciding which braid to sleep in, you first have to figure out what kind of curl you want to achieve. Each braid delivers a unique style, so you have some variety for the morning ahead. The French braid delivers more of a crimped, tousled curl. This style is best worn when going for a casual look.
Another option is the dutch braid. The dutch braid is ideal for those who want to make a statement. This braid creates waves with lots of volume for a bold hairstyle.
If you’re looking for more of the classic beachy wave, the rope braid is your best bet.
If you’re concerned about braids and the health of your hair, you might have reason to worry. In order to protect your hair, you need to take the proper steps to ensure that your hair is protected while you sleep. For many hair types, braiding your hair too wet or too tightly can stress your hair. To prevent this, be sure to keep your braid loose and dry. Replace your cotton pillowcase with a satin one to avoid rubbing and fraying the hair while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases create friction and soak up more moisture than satin ones. A great choice for a new pillow case is the satin anti-frizz pillowcase from ColorProof. This pillowcase gives you the slip and comfort you need to rest easy knowing your hair is cared for.
It also should come as no surprise that the kind of hair tie you use matters. Rubber bands are the Achilles’ heel of all hair types. Rubber snags on your hair and pulls, creating unnecessary pulling and stretching of the hair throughout the night. The hair coils from the Premier Brand, Goomee are made from polyurethane, which slips easily out of the hair to avoid breakage. This hair goes above and beyond, applying even pressure around the tie all night, so you’ll wake up with a smooth set of curls.
If you’re looking for a sleeker, cleaner looking curl, there are additional steps you can take. Choosing the right conditioner is as important to further prevent breakage and split ends. Be sure to use a shampoo that is hydrating and cleansing but isn’t too greasy or weighs the hair down. CARE SATIN OIL CONDITIONER by Keune is a great option for those who are looking for a balance of weightlessness and shine.
Additionally, many influencers who boast healthy hair promote wearing sleeping caps to bed. These caps keep your hair moisturized and out of your face, preventing acne, while additionally protecting your hair from damage while you shift in your sleep. Before you tuck your hair into a cap, give it a quick sprits of an anti-frizz spray to keep your curls in shape. A great choice is the HumidityRx Anti-Frizz Weatherproof Spray by ColorProof. This spray is created with water-repelling polymers to create a barrier around each strand, keeping it shielded and protected all night. If you’re looking for some extra damage-prevention and shine, pair it with SEMI DI LINO MOISTURE NUTRITIVE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER by Alfaparf Milano. These steps not only prevent damage to your strands but make your morning curls look better than ever.
Don’t let the looming threat of a bad hair day keep you up at night. Follow our steps at Premier Beauty for the best braid to sleep in overnight. Log in or register to start shopping our site.