Is sleeping with braided hair harmful to hair?

If you’re looking for an easy way to get wavy hair, you’ve probably heard of braiding your hair before bed and leaving it overnight. We know you’re concerned about the health of your hair, but braiding is a pretty safe method if you’re prepared. We’ll answer some frequently asked questions and tell you the best ways to protect your hair from overnight braids.

Table of Contents

Is braiding hair when sleeping at night safe for hair?

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Yes, but if you braid it too tightly you can damage your hair. If you pull your hair too tight when you braid it, you will put pressure on your scalp, eventually leading to hair loss. If you have braids before going to bed, you need to braid them loosely away from the scalp so as not to cause damage. ^{[1] X Research Source}

If you notice an inflamed or thick scaly scalp, it could be a sign that your hair is tied too tightly.

What should I do before braiding my hair?

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Wash your hair and use hair conditioner. Prepare clean hair so that when you wake up tomorrow morning, your hairstyle is ready. Use moisturizing or hydrating shampoo and conditioner for your hair. If you want thicker-looking hair, try using a product that says “vpumizing” on the label. Wash off shampoo and conditioner thoroughly. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Ask your hairdresser which shampoo and conditioner is right for your hair type.
Conditioner also helps smooth hair and reduce frizz.

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Squeeze wet hair in a towel until it’s just damp. Use a towel to dry your hair instead of rubbing it vigorously to avoid damaging your hair or messing up curls. Try to absorb as much water as possible to avoid damaging your hair when braiding. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Avoid using a hair dryer, as it can damage your hair or make it more frizzy.

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Comb curly or wavy hair with a paddle comb. Avoid using any tools made of metal, as it will damage the hair. Use a wide paddle brush to gently comb your hair to remove tangles. This will make it easier for you to part your hair when braiding. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Do not brush too much to avoid hair breakage or weakening from being pulled a lot.
For straight hair, you should use a wide comb instead of a paddle comb. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Is it okay to braid your hair while it’s wet?

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It’s best to braid your hair when it’s dry or just damp to avoid damaging it. If you tie your hair while it is still wet, you will easily stretch your hair and cause it to break. If you want to braid your hair, you should always wait for it to dry, at least pat it dry with a towel to avoid damaging your hair. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

How should I tie my braids at night?

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Use a fabric hair band instead of an elastic to create loose wavy curls. Elastic bands can stretch the hair and put pressure on the scalp. It can also create marks in the hair, highlighting between curls. You should look for soft fabric hair ties to tie the ends of the braids. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Leave about 2.5cm at the end of the hair. When braiding, braid almost the entire length of your hair and leave only about 2.5 cm at the end. If tied higher, you will have an oddly straight section of hair in between the wavy curls. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

How can I protect my braids overnight?

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Use silk pillowcases when sleeping to prevent hair from getting entangled. Hair can get caught in rough fabrics, such as cotton. Silk is smoother, so your hair will slide across the surface of the silk pillowcase without getting tangled up while you sleep. ^{[9] X Research Source}

If you don’t have a silk pillowcase, you can use satin.
You can also wear a satin-lined sleeping cap.

What should I do when I remove the braids?

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Run your fingers through your hair to separate the wavy curls. After removing the braid, gently separate the braids with your hands. Run your fingers through your hair and separate the curls for a wavy look. ^{[10] X Research Source}

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Spray an anti-frizz serum so that the ends of the hair point outwards back into the folds. If there are a few strands of hair that keep sticking out after you remove the braids, use your hands to massage the serum into your hair or spray it directly. Gently stroke the serum into the curls for hold. ^{[11] X Research Source}

What are the other benefits of braiding hair to bed?

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Your hair will be less tangled or tangled if you go to bed with braids. When you toss and turn in your sleep, your hair can get caught in something and some hairs can break. When you braid your hair into a braid, you’ll be gathering loose strands of hair together, so it’s less likely to move or get entangled while you sleep. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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You will have natural wavy hair without using heat styling tools. Curling your hair with a heat tool can damage your hair in the long run. The braids will hold the hair in place all night and give it a natural curl. Curls will be tighter if you braid them tightly, and loose braids will create a slightly wavy look. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Your hair won’t touch your face, so you’re less likely to break out as well. If you don’t wash your hair at the end of the day, dirt and oil will build up in your hair. When you sleep, your hair can touch your face and cause breakouts. You can avoid this situation if you braid your hair into a braid. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Advice

You can go to bed with any hairstyle you want, so choose whichever you feel most comfortable with.

Warning

Avoid pulling your hair too tight as it may break or fall out. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Steps