Silk scarves or satin hair bonnets are almost always recommended by pretty much every natural to help take care of your hair at night. Some give them credit for reducing breakage, helping to preserve hairstyles and even for helping to moisturise hair while you sleep. However, what happens if you forget your hair bonnet or what if scarves and bonnets are more a source of frustration rather than a helpful hair aid. You may find that your scarf always slips off at night or your bonnet is not kind to your edges or you do not like the look of a scarf or a bonnet. No matter what your reason, here is a guide on how to survive without the bonnet.
1. Style your hair to sleep – Pineapple, large twists or braids, French braids
Ideally if your hair is longer or prone to tangling when free, you will be doing yourself a favour by styling it before you sleep . Pineappling is creating a high bun by lifting all your hair upwards and securing it loosely with a large hair tie. It is ideal if your hair is long and is prone to simple tangles. If your hair is the complex knot forming, shrinkage loving, meshing type of hair then a better way to secure it is in 8-10 large twists or large braids or even two French braids. You can also do the pineapple, large twists or large braids or French braids on hair that is in smaller/mini single strand twists or braids.
2. Use a satin pillowcase or cover your pillow with the silk scarf
Silk scarves and satin bonnets are thought by many to be softer less abrasive surfaces for hair to rest on. If you are not wearing one, then your next best option is to cover your pillow with the silk scarf or buy a silk pillowcase. This will allow your hair to rest on the silk surface and therefore gives you the benefit of the softer surface.
3. Be moisture aware
Covering your hair at night can contribute to moisture retention and therefore conversely, uncovering it may lead to loss of moisture. However, many people can sleep without covering their hair without any problems. If you know your hair is prone to dryness, just take extra care to increase the frequency of your moisture routine while still generally avoiding oil at night time.
A note about oiling hair at night:
If you are not going to cover your hair while you sleep, take care not to be heavy handed with oil on your hair especially if you have a night time moisturising routine. Many natural oils can be comedogenic meaning they can cause acne. Covering your hair allows some of this oil to be absorbed by the scarf or bonnet and therefore without this absorption, you should be aware that even more oil will be transferred to your pillow and therefore to your face.
Ladies, are you a fan of hair bonnets? Why or why not? How do you retain moisture while not wearing one?
