How To Sleep with Hair Extensions: Expert Tips
If you often wake up with lifeless hair, you’re probably missing a lot of key steps from your nighttime hair care routine. But don’t worry; we’re going to show you how to protect your hair extensions with a few easy tricks that won’t disrupt your beauty sleep.
Knots and tangles—who is she? With I’m So Pretty, you’ll be able to keep your hair extensions looking pristine for longer and wake up feeling insta-ready. So, kick your feet up and grab a matcha while we walk you through your new hair routine before bed.
Since you’re already here, browse our Brazilian and European extensions. Our long-lasting hair extensions can handle anything from long days in the office to that Ibiza trip with your girls.
1. Brush Before Bedtime
Brushing your hair (without overdoing it) is a simple but effective way to keep your hair free from tangles that won’t budge.
Just like your natural hair, your extensions require a lot of TLC to last until your next hair appointment. Detangling any knots that have manifested during the day will protect your extensions from damage and keep your hair looking silky smooth.
However, any old hairbrush won’t do. To prevent your bonds from weakening and any hairs from falling out, you’ll need a wide-toothed comb or a soft-bristle brush. Always start by brushing your hair at the ends first, then work your way up to the roots.
As an extra precaution, add a small amount of extension-friendly serum or oil to the mid-lengths and ends before brushing. Holding your extensions at the roots while brushing will also help to stabilise the bonds or tapes, reducing strain on the scalp.
2. Dry Hair is Happy Hair
You will have heard hair experts tell you time and time again to use less heat on your hair. But did you know going to sleep with wet hair is just as damaging, especially for hair extensions?
Natural hair is far weaker when wet. When you combine that with the friction from tossing around all night, it’s a recipe for excessive knotting, shedding, and breakage. It’s an easy mistake to make, but luckily for you, it’s also an easy fix.
If you prefer to wash your hair at night, allow it to air dry plenty in advance before sleep, or dry it on medium heat and use our Pretty Aftercare heat protectant spray. We also suggest drying it off with a microfibre towel first to reduce frizz and keep those extensions feeling luxurious.
3. Braid It Up
During sleep, your hair strands will be pulled this way and that (it’s unavoidable), but tying your hair back in a loose braid can do wonders for protecting your hair extensions.
Tying your hair back will keep it out of your face while you sleep, preventing knots from forming. It can also stop you from accidentally leaning on your tape-in extensions and pulling them out.
Avoid a tight braid, as this can pull on the extensions, loosening them. If you love an effortless wave, sleeping with braids overnight is a quick way to achieve this look. Who doesn’t love a healthy hair hack?
For those with naturally thick hair or extensions, choose two loose braids to distribute the weight of the hair evenly.
4. Silk Dreams
Did you know that silk is a godsend when it comes to hair? Your choice of pillowcase can make or break your hair extensions—literally. So, it’s time to swap out those cotton pillowcases for satin or silk.
Cotton may feel soft on your skin, but it’s actually contributing to your frizzy and tangled extensions. Extensions don’t produce natural oils, but they are prone to dryness, and the rough texture of cotton absorbs any moisture in your hair, leaving you with brittle hair that snaps easily.
Silk and satin pillows have a smooth surface that hair can glide over, helping you lock in moisture. You’re now left with sleek and hydrated hair, keeping that salon-fresh look for longer.
5. Nightly Nourishment
Just like your six-step skincare routine before bed, your hair extensions deserve the same amount of love. Hair extensions don’t receive natural oils from your scalp, so it’s up to you to keep them hydrated, unless you want pesky flyaways and breakage.
Luckily for you, applying a small (pea-sized) amount of leave-in conditioner or lightweight oil before bed works like magic. Plus, it’s quick and low maintenance, so what more could you really want? It’s a small exchange of your time for hair extensions that are less likely to snap and split.
Always use silicone-free products that are compatible with 100% natural hair extensions. Never apply any oils or serums to the roots of your hair, as this can cause the extensions to weaken. Instead, work the product through the mid-lengths and ends where moisture is needed most.
6. Choose Gentle Hair Ties
You may think that any hair tie is fine for your hair, but you’d be mistaken. Standard hair bobbles aren’t good enough for your high-quality hair extensions!
Although they appear harmless, normal hair bobbles can cause unnecessary tension, pulling on the bonds and causing them to loosen over time. Instead, choose one of the following:
- Silk or satin scrunchies: These are soft and gentle on the hair, reducing friction and preventing that indentation mark in the morning.
- Soft fabric hair ties (knotted hairbands): Designed with stretchy fabric, these are gentle on extensions. There are no harsh seams or elastic included that could cause damage.
- Spiral hair ties (coil hair bands): Spiral hair ties don’t cause creases or pull on the bonds, making them ideal for people who prefer a tighter hold without causing tension.
Wake Up to Gorgeous, Tangle-Free Extensions!
Now it’s time to take matters into your own hands and stick to a nightly routine! Those luscious locks won’t happen on their own.
Are you looking for premium, long-lasting hair extensions? Discover our stunning range of real human hair extensions at I’m So Pretty and wake up to hair that turns heads!
It’s time to love your hair.