Protecting Relaxed Hair While You Sleep: The Best Night Time Routine
Relaxed hair requires special care—not just during the day, but especially at night. While you're getting your beauty rest, your hair is vulnerable to friction, dryness, and breakage. A solid nighttime routine can make all the difference in maintaining the health, strength, and style of your relaxed hair.
Here’s how to create the perfect nighttime routine to protect your relaxed hair while you sleep.
1. Start with Moisture
Relaxed hair tends to be more prone to dryness, so nighttime is the ideal opportunity to restore moisture and hydration. Before bed, lightly mist your hair with a water-based moisturizing spray or apply a leave-in conditioner that hydrates without weighing your hair down.
Follow up by sealing in that moisture with a light oil like jojoba, argan, or grapeseed oil. Focus especially on the ends of your hair, which are the oldest and most vulnerable parts.
Pro Tip: Avoid heavy products at night, especially near your scalp. They can clog pores and cause product buildup.
2. Wrap or Set Your Hair
Wrapping your hair helps it maintain its shape and prevents tangles while reducing the need for daily heat styling. Use a wide-tooth comb or brush to smooth your hair down in a circular motion around your head. Secure it with bobby pins if necessary.
Alternatively, you can opt for loose braids, bantu knots, or a low bun depending on your hair length and the look you want the next morning.
Bonus: These styles also reduce manipulation and friction, helping to prevent breakage over time.
3. Cover with Satin or Silk
Cotton pillowcases are absorbent and rough on your strands—they pull moisture from the hair and cause friction that leads to breakage. Sleeping with a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase creates a smooth surface that protects your style and retains moisture.
- Silk scarves or bonnets: Best for wrapping or setting styles.
- Satin-lined caps or pillowcases: Great for those who toss and turn or don’t like anything on their head.
Invest in high-quality options that won’t slip off during the night.
4. Protect Your Edges
Your edges are delicate and can be easily damaged from friction and tension. Before bed, apply a nourishing edge treatment or oil that promotes growth and strengthens the hairline.
Avoid tight styles or edge brushes that could cause stress while you sleep. Keep your scarf snug, but not too tight—comfort is key.
5. Minimize Nighttime Stress on Hair
The way you sleep matters. If you're prone to tossing and turning, try using a satin pillowcase in addition to a scarf or bonnet for double protection. Also, avoid going to bed with wet hair unless it's styled into a protective set like braids or twists—wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage.
Sample Nighttime Routine for Relaxed Hair
- Moisturize: Light spray or leave-in conditioner
- Seal: Apply a small amount of oil to the ends
- Style: Wrap, braid, or bun your hair
- Protect: Cover with a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase
- Care for edges: Gently apply oil or growth serum if needed
Final Thoughts
Caring for your relaxed hair doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Your nighttime routine is your first defense against dryness, breakage, and unnecessary heat styling. With the right steps and a little consistency, you’ll wake up with smoother, stronger, and healthier hair.
At MJ’s Mane, we believe in making every part of your hair journey easier—including sleep. Our Signature Relaxer System makes your night routine easier, by infusing your hair with quality natural ingredients that promote hair health and growth retention.
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