20 Protective Hairstyles for Sleeping to Guard Against Damage

Practical overnight hairstyles to maintain healthy, damage-free locks.

Maintaining medium to long hair often hinges on your nighttime routine. Sleeping with the right hairstyle could save your strands from split ends, tangling, and moisture loss. Check out these effective protective sleep hairstyles so that you wake up every morning with soft, supple, and healthy hair.

1. Fishtail Braid

All types of braids, starting from the classic three-strand ones and ending with more elaborate options, are perfect for sleeping. A fishtail braid like this one can easily take you from day to night – and back to day again. Sleep with your braid and gently undo it in the morning to enjoy soft waves. A bonus styling effect to save time on morning hair routines!

2. Dutch Braids

To give definition to your Dutch braids, use a dab of braiding lotion. It provides slip, leaves your hair feeling shiny and smooth, and helps the braids to stay in place while you are fidgeting in your sleep. It also adds moisture to your hair, preventing breakage and leaving your hair manageable in the morning.

@hairbyzo.x

3. Interlocked Twists Updo

The twists in this updo are cleverly interlocked to create an intricate half-crown. They lie snugly against the scalp, minimizing friction against your pillow or bonnet. Larger sections and gentle twisting reduce strain on the scalp compared to tight cornrows.

@lolanaturalhairbar

4. Low Tucked Ponytail

A low ponytail holds your hair together at the nape and minimizes occurrence of tangles during your sleep. If your hair is layered, with shorter layers on top, a ponytail with tucked-under top sections will keep it secure. Slightly twist the alternating right and left sections of hair while pulling them to the base of the ponytail and tucking each of them under the base.

@maggie.estudio

5. Bantu Knots

You can use Bantu knots to shape your curls without heat if you have coily or curly hair. In Bantu knots, the ends are tucked away and protected from potential damage. Plus, they deliver beautiful curls when you undo them in the morning.

@hair_by_akhir

6. Top Knot

Switch up your styles every now and then to prevent stress on the same areas of your hair. A top knot would make a great alternative to a low pony or a braid, collecting all of your strands on the crown. Be sure to use the right hair ties or silk scrunchies.

@shyamal_1155

7. High Messy Bun

To minimize strain on your hair during the night, make sure your hairstyle isn’t too tight. A high messy bun will help you to avoid tension and discomfort. It’s an amazing hairstyle for side sleepers.

@bisuza_salon

8. Chunky French Braid

A French braid indeed offers great protection! Keeping your hair in a neat style also minimizes the friction between your hair and the pillow, which can cause hair breakage and split ends. Braiding the hair seals the moisture throughout the night.

@lily_haircare

9. Crown Braid

“In case you’re looking for a protective hairstyle to carry you through the week, the crown braid is perfect for that,” believe specialists from Wisteria Salon. It’s simple and quick to do but it packs a punch with its elegant shape that is fit for a queen.

@wisteria_ug

10. Pineapple Bun

Sleeping with loose curly or textured hair is not usually recommended as it leads to tangles, breakage, and frizzy texture. To preserve your curl pattern and minimize damage, use a soft scrunchie to gather your hair into a loose ponytail or a bun on the top of your head to form a cute pineapple hairstyle.

@curlsjulia

11. Heatless Curler

Looking for a heat break for your hair but missing those bouncy waves? Heatless curlers are soft, squishy, and easy to sleep in. They work best when your hair is slightly damp – say 90% dry. Don’t sleep with your hair wet! It takes longer to dry, which may be uncomfortable during the night and result in limp strands in the morning. And that’s not what we want.

@ugc_pauline

12. Loose Pony with Scrunchie

Soft scrunchies or hair ties made from soft, stretchy material without metal parts should be firm enough to hold your ponytail in place but not too tight. They successfully prevent dents, pulling, or tension on the hair, while keeping it secure all night long.

@taylor_lamb_hair

13. Sleep Turban

Sleep turbans make a wonderful accessory that keeps your hair intact overnight. They are often lined with soft materials like microfiber, silk, or satin for optimal protection. They offer a snug fit, making it great for those who toss and turn in their sleep.

@itsjustpearl1

14. Rollers

If you still think sleeping in rollers is not comfy, maybe you haven’t found the right type of rollers for your hair needs and sleep routine. Hot rollers, velcro rollers, pillow-soft rollers, foam rollers – the market is overflowing with rollers of all sizes, materials, and effects they create.

@_i.xa

15. Dutch Braids into Ponytails

Can’t decide between braids and ponytails? Create two loose Dutch braids and tie them off at your nape to form loose ponytails. Such a hairstyle will keep your hair off your face during the night.

@zahi_hairstyle

16. Slick-Back Style

To avoid waking up with flat or messy curls in the morning, slick your hair back and braid it loosely. Upon unbraiding your hair in the morning, you’ll get supple, manageable waves. Skipped your routine in the evening? Spritz your hair with some water and finger coil your curls or use a diffuser to bring back their spark.

@natural_marinae

17. Cornrows with Curls

Cornrows are a fabulous protective style that promotes hair growth, protects hair and scalp, and, most importantly, looks incredibly gorgeous. With proper care, this style can be maintained for weeks. In the daytime, wear your curls down or twist them into a chic chignon.

@shannongiftedhands

18. Feed-In Braids

When feed-in braids are created, small portions of hair are added gradually. This reduces the chances of hairline breakage or damage, even when sleeping. Once styled, feed-in braids require minimal daily maintenance.

@__sculptedbeauty

19. Silk Turban

Although silk turbans are a tad more expensive than satin ones and require special care, they have many benefits. Silk is highly breathable and hypoallergenic. It regulates the temperatures well, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. The naturally smooth texture of silk will keep your hair soft and tangle-free. You can hide all of your hair under it by pineappling your luxuriant curls.

@robocurly

20. Large Twists

Two-strand twists of all sizes make an excellent edge-friendly sleeping hairstyle. They don’t pull tightly at the hairline. Additionally, use a lightweight, non-greasy leave-in conditioner. This nourishes the hairline and provides extra moisture while you are sleeping.

@braidstrela

Even minor changes in your bedtime hair routine can transform the health of your hair, let alone its appearance. Prioritize protective styles and see how they boost your hair’s shine, strength, and manageability.

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