6 Tweaks to Your Bedtime Routine for Healthier Hair and Scalp

Imagine this. you, hair care routine That will give you your ideal results. Choose products specifically formulated for your hair type. Don’t ignore your scalp, treat it like you would the skin on your face. We are taking all protective measures on the spot: heat protectant, Non-rinsing misttemperature adjustable hot tool.

Still, split ends, hair breakage, and even hair loss cannot be ignored. So what does that give? It may sound strange, but your beauty sleep routine may need some adjustments. According to Lindsay Marie Zubritsky, MD, FAADis a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Your bedtime hair habits can affect your hair (and scalp) without you even realizing it. Here, we detail the small adjustments (and things to avoid) to keep your hair and scalp healthy while you rest.

Things to avoid to keep your hair healthy while you sleep

1. Sleep with wet hair

Ending the day with a hot shower and a good shampoo is great, but jumping into bed right after getting out of the bath with a wet head can damage your hair. “Wet hair is more prone to breakage and split ends,” Dr. Zubritsky says. According to a study published in the International Journal of Trichology, water weakens the protein bonds in your hair, making it more prone to bending and breakage. The researchers noted that hard water (which contains high amounts of dissolved salts of calcium carbonate and magnesium sulfate) is particularly hard on hair.

Dr. Zubritsky says tossing and turning and pulling all night can cause damage when you wake up. “Another risk of sleeping with wet hair is chronic exposure to moisture, which can worsen symptoms such as: seborrheic dermatitis (a scaly rash that occurs on oily areas such as the scalp) or an environment in which bacteria and fungi can grow,” Dr. Zubritsky says.

2. Leave your hair loose

Taking your hair out of a tight ponytail is on the list of the most relaxing feelings at the end of a long day. It feels great, but sleeping with your hair completely loose, whether long or short, can cause wear and tear. When you turn over, your hair gets tangled and rubs against the pillow. “Constantly rubbing, tugging, and tugging on long hair at night can lead to breakage and split ends,” says Dr. Zubrtysky. This is why you notice more hair on your pillow after sleeping with wet hair overnight. Friction can also cause unwanted frizz when you wake up in the morning, Dr. Zubritsky added.

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3. Keep your hair tied up in a tight ponytail or bun overnight.

Sleeping with your hair loose can damage it, but it’s also not a good idea to tie your hair up into a tight style when you sleep. “Continuous use of tight hairstyles, such as tight ponytails or buns, can lead to traction alopecia,” says Dr. Zubritsky. “This happens when the hair follicle is under constant tension.”

problem it is? Sustained or prolonged pulling on the strands can cause them to break or fall out. Over time, this can damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss, and in some cases can cause permanent hair loss, Dr. Zubritsky says. According to , tight hairstyles (such as very tight buns, braids, hair extensions, and braids) can cause traction alopecia. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

According to the AAD, look out for the following signs of hair loss:

• hair loss around the forehead
• receding hairline
• Spots of hair loss appear in the hair being pulled firmly

Another warning sign is that your hairstyle feels painful (or gives you a headache). If you notice these symptoms, you are wearing your hair too tightly. If you notice any of the above signs of hair loss or experience consistent pain or discomfort, absolutely Consult a board-certified dermatologist under medical guidance.

4. Using the wrong type of pillowcase

Cotton is the best choice for pajamas and underwear because it’s lightweight, breathable against the skin, and absorbs moisture. But when it comes to bedding (and how it affects your hair), there are better materials to consider sleeping with. Cotton can damage your hair. According to a March 2021 paper, when your hair rubs, it creates friction in the fabric, which can lead to hair breakage. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. Or, Dr. Zubritsky says, satin or silk pillow cover It can reduce friction on your hair and skin. “This means there’s no tugging or tugging on your skin or hair, which reduces breakage, frizz, and skin irritation,” she explains.

5. Sleeping with too much product in your hair

When you’re tired, it’s tempting to skip shampooing before bed. But if too much hairspray, gel, or other product gets on your hair and hits the sheets, you might wake up with a breakout. problem? Leaving too much product in your hair overnight can cause it to build up on your scalp over time.“Sleeping with too much product in your hair can clog your pores,” says Dr. Zubritsky. She explains that clogged pores increase the risk of developing the condition. scalp acnemay be accompanied by itching and pain. Also, if you wear your hair in a tight style to sleep, the scalp effect will be even worse because too much tension can trap oil and further block the hair follicles.

Over time, this habit can damage your hair follicles and lead to hair thinning. Additionally, some products contain strong chemicals that can irritate the scalp and worsen skin conditions, especially if left on overnight. length. For example, common ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate (detergent), fragrances, and preservatives can cause scalp eczema.

If you’re wearing a gel- or pomade-heavy style (think box braids or a sleek ponytail), use a satin scarf or bonnet to create a barrier between your hair and the bed. Of course, depending on your hair type and hairstyle, you may not wash your hair every day, and that’s perfectly fine, but regular cleansing to remove product buildup from your hair will eventually help It can prevent hair from sticking to the pillow and therefore prevent hair from getting on your face and hair. scalp.

6. Don’t dry out your skincare before going to bed

Most night creams are heavy because they’re designed to hydrate, soothe, and nourish your skin while you sleep. These oil-based moisturizers work wonders for your facial skin, but they can cause skin congestion on your scalp.
“If you’re using a thick or occlusive moisturizer, it can rub against your pillow and cause problems for your hair and scalp, such as clogged pores,” says Dr. Zubritsky. Again, when your pores and hair follicles become clogged, you are more likely to develop scalp acne.

How to protect your hair and scalp while sleeping

With a few tweaks to your nighttime routine, you can prevent hair damage and protect your scalp. Try these tips to keep your hair and scalp healthy after a snooze.

1. Wear it in a style that protects your hair

“If you have long hair, we recommend a loose hairstyle like a low braid,” says Dr. Zubritsky. this Reduces friction, breakage, and frizz. Pro tip: soft scrunchie Tie your hair back. Unlike elastic rubber bands (and metal rubber bands), satin scrunchie It won’t pull, pull or break your hair.

If you have curly or tightly coiled hair (think 3 or 4 curls), loosely pinning your hair in sections with a satin scrunchie (or using the pineapple method) will help shape your curl pattern. It turns out that it’s an easy way to sleep without breaking down. Another option is to loosely braid your hair into large braids and unravel them in the morning.

According to the AAD, you can also reduce ongoing tugging by:

• It especially loosens hairline braids, ponytails, and buns.
• Wear braided styles for no more than 2-3 months at a time.

2. Sleep on silk or satin sheets

”silk pillow cover Sheets are gentler on hair and skin and are a great option, especially for people who: person who has Luckily, there are tons of great silk pillowcase options for every style and budget, so you can customize your bedding to suit your hair and needs.

3. Lower the thermostat

When it gets hot, your head produces more sweat and oil, increasing the risk of clogged pores. Dr. Zubritsky says sleeping in a cool environment can help prevent overheating and minimize the chance of hair follicles on your scalp becoming clogged.

4. Wear a silk or satin bonnet

According to Dr. Zubritsky, sleeping with a satin bonnet on is a great option to reduce friction on your hair and ultimately reduce breakage and split ends. A satin bonnet allows you to store your hairstyle overnight, minimizing styling time when you wake up in the morning.

5. Let your skin care dry and soothe before bed.

Dr. Zubritsky recommends letting your skin care products absorb into your skin before you bury your face in the pillow to prevent those beautiful oils from rubbing off on your pillowcase and causing clogged pores on your face and scalp.

6. Avoid sleeping with wet hair

If you wash your hair, avoid going to bed with soaking wet hair and make sure your hair is completely dry before going to bed. If your hair air dries quickly, that’s definitely an option, but taking a few minutes with a blow dryer to remove as much moisture from your hair as possible can make a big difference in how your hair looks and feels in the morning.

final point

After all, keeping your hair healthy while you sleep doesn’t have to involve complicated steps (we’re looking at you, morning hair loss). Making a few small adjustments, like making sure your hair is dry before bed, using a satin pillowcase (or scrunchie), and choosing a tension-free style before bed, will improve your hair over time. The appearance and health of your hair will be significantly improved.