Many of us will have a preference on what is more comfortable – sleeping with your hair up or down. But a question you may not have asked yourself is which one is better for your hair’s health.
In fact, Absolute Collagen has spotted that searches for ‘should I sleep with my hair up or down?’ have increased by 300% since this time last year.
So, to help, Eva Proudman, Trichologist and hair expert at Absolute Collagen, has shared the answer to this commonly asked haircare question:
“The quality of your sleep is vital to healthy hair. Our hair follicles are the second fastest-dividing cells in the body. Like all fast-dividing cells, hair follicles use the time you are asleep to regenerate new follicles and replenish existing ones.
“Tossing and turning at night causes friction and heat between your hair and pillow, which can damage the hair and lead to breakage.
“Contrary to what some may believe, the best way to protect your hair from friction and damage is to tie it back rather than up. Tying your hair back can indeed cause pulling, but when done correctly, can minimise any friction during the night.
“To do so, ensure you are tying your hair in a very loose ponytail or braid with a fabric scrunchie – there should be no pulling on the scalp at all.”
The experts at Absolute Collagen have shared 5 other ways you can protect your hair while you sleep, so you can wake up frizz and breakage-free every morning:
1. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase
For the restless sleepers, a silk or satin pillowcase is a must. These cases are also a great option for those more typically prone to breakage.
This is because the smooth material allows the hair to glide freely, minimising tangles, friction and frizz as you toss and turn.
What’s more, unlike regular cotton or polyester cases, silk pillowcases don’t absorb any oils, so your hair won’t be stripped of natural oils, and you can wake up with hydrated locks.
2. Make sure your hair is completely dry
Searches for ‘can I sleep with wet hair’ are up by 100% from last year, and the short answer is no!
Your hair is at its most delicate when it’s wet, so the friction and heat from moving around in your sleep can increase matting and even breakage.
The best evening routine for your hair is to wash it with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner a few hours before bed, then let the hair air dry. Or for a quicker option, thoroughly blow dry your hair on a gentle heat using heat protectant spray.
3. Consider wrapping your hair
If you often wake up with dry or frizzy hair, consider sleeping in a silk or satin head scarf or wrap. You can even use this method if you have had a fresh blow-dry or hairstyle that you want to last for longer.
Similar to the pillowcase benefits, a silk or satin scarf can reduce friction, lock in the hair’s natural moisture and even reduce the likelihood of split ends.
If you don’t have a scarf or a wrap, putting your hair in loose plaits or braids is also a great way of wrapping your hair for sleep.
There are many ways to wrap hair, so play around and find a way that is most comfortable for you to sleep in and wake up with freshly styled hair!
4. Swap bobbles for scrunchies
If wrapping isn’t for you, but you still want to protect your hair by tying it up and away from your face when you sleep, invest in some soft, silk, or satin scrunchies.
Normal fabric hair bobbles, not elastic ties, are fine to use during the day, but while you sleep the best option is a loose scrunchie that doesn’t cause friction and pull on your delicate hair.
5. Try a leave-in conditioner or hair oil
Last but certainly not least, for those who are either blessed with curly hair or prone to tangling or struggle with dry hair, then a leave-in conditioner or hair oil should be your best friend.
When finding an oil or conditioner, find one that works best on dry hair. Then, identify your hair issue – if you have dry hair, try to find a nourishing oil that contains hyaluronic acid, coconut oil or castor oil. For fine hair, try and look for one that has argan oil or grapeseed oil in it.
This is a great way to lock in moisture and revitalise your curls overnight.
So, for those who want to give their hair some TLC this year, try these five tips to protect your hair every evening.
To shop for a strengthening, collagen-boosting shampoo and conditioner and get a free silk scrunchie, visit the Absolute Collagen website.
