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Let me preface this read by saying that my hair has a mind of its own. And no amount of serum or oiling helps calm the frizz once it takes over.
Perhaps, I should also tell you I have really fine hair coupled with an extremely oily scalp and dry ends. Because of this, hair conditioners and I don’t see eye to eye. All in all, I haven’t seen good hair days in a very long time.
But imagine my surprise when I learnt that the reason for my frizzy mane wasn’t just my genes—but also my sleeping habits! Turns out, the way you sleep, the kind of pillow case you use, and a few other things influence the way your hair is going to behave the next morning.
So, in the interest of keeping your hair soft and shiny, here are five hair care tips with which you can protect your hair while sleeping. You’re welcome!
1. Ditch the cotton pillowcase
You see, cotton pillowcases have this annoying habit of absorbing your hair’s natural moisture and causing friction, which can lead to damage, knots in your hair, and of course frizz!
Not just that, according to Dr Apoorva Shah, founder of RichFeel Trichology Centers in India, your pillow can also cause hair fall and hair breakage!
Your saviour? Silk and satin pillow cases. They cause less friction, which means less damage.
2. Braid your hair while going to bed
Personally, I hate the idea of tying my hair up while sleeping. But unfortunately, letting your hair roam free on your bed while you sleep also makes it prone to damage and frizz.
You see, when your hair is tied up in a braid it experiences less friction and moisture loss. “Braiding the hair is a good, protective practice that can save your hair from any breakage as it strengthens the hair structurally. In fact, a loosely-tied braid can work alongside your body’s natural process to boost hair growth,” adds Dr Shah.
Though a word of caution: keep your braids nice and loose to prevent any tugging on the scalp, which can cause hair loss.
3. Never EVER sleep with wet hair
I don’t know about you guys but I am guilty of this sin—especially in the summer, when you just cannot do without a cool shower. Turns out, your damp hair and scalp can make you prone to fungal and bacterial infections while your sleep.
Scary, I know! But that’s not all. According to Dr Shah, hair breakage (because your hair is at its weakest when wet), dandruff, and a runny nose can also be by-products if you don’t let your hair dry properly before you sleep.
4. Brush your hair before sleeping
I’m sure your mother—like mine—must have told you to do this every night. And if you still haven’t taken her advice, I’m going to give you a damn solid reason why you must.
You see, when you’re tossing and turning in bed, your hair gets tangles and knots. Which means, that if you don’t comb through your hair before hitting the bed, your existing tangles are going to get much worse. And you know what happens when you get steadfast knots in your hair right? Breakage, damage, and thinning hair. Hope you’re clutching that brush now!
5. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf
Such luxury! But this is just an attempt to save your hair from the above-mentioned friction and moisture loss. Plus, if you just wrap your hair in a scarf then you don’t need to make braids. Ultra-soft scarf or school braids—you choose!
So ladies, I hope you learn from my mistakes and protect your hair while sleeping to wake up with envious locks. Peace out!
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