Waking up with sleek and straight hair might feel like an impossible dream. This is especially true if you are used to struggling with crinkly strands every morning. The good news, however, is that this is achievable.
We have rounded up some ways to keep your hair straight overnight in the sections below.
1. Straighten the Hair Before Going to Bed
You can minimise the chances of waking up to kinky strands by straightening your hair before bed. The goal is to set your style and try to maintain it as you sleep. Here is how you can make this work perfectly:
- Prep first: You want to always start with clean and dry hair. Damp hair does not hold the style well and can leave your strands more prone to damage.
- Use heat protectants: Before straightening your hair, a heat-protectant spray should be applied first to help shield the delicate strands from potential heat damage.
- Focus on sections of the hair: Divide your hair into small sections to ensure even straightening. A titanium flat iron works well if you want to achieve smooth and professional results.
- Cool Down: After straightening your hair, let the strands cool down completely before you lie down to sleep. This will give your style some time to set and, hence, a better chance of maintaining it throughout the night.
While this step might seem tedious and time-consuming, incorporating it into your hair care routine will make your mornings less stressful.
2. Use a Lower Heat Setting
A lower heat setting is your best friend when straightening your hair. High temperatures may promise faster results, but they often lead to long-term damage. One of the reasons why lower heat works is that it reduces the risk of split ends and eventual breakage. While it might take a little longer to style, the results are healthier and shinier hair.
A common mistake to avoid while heat styling is passing the flat iron over the same section several times. In fact, one slow yet even pass is better than multiple quick ones. You also want to make sure that the iron is clean since any buildup could interfere with even heat distribution.
3. Switch Up Your Bedding (Silk Pillowcases, Hair Wraps)
The material of your pillowcase is one of the factors that can significantly affect your hair. Cotton pillowcases cause friction, which leads to frizz and breakage. You should instead use silk or satin bedding. These two materials will help keep your hair smooth and tangle-free.
They also retain moisture, unlike cotton, which will absorb your hair’s natural oils.
If you are in for extra protection, consider using a silk or sating hair wrap. Besides preventing friction, these hair wraps will hold your straightened hair in place and help reduce movement as you sleep.
4. Try Dry Shampoo between Washes
Dry shampoo is a popular solution for those who want to skip the wash days. But even better is that this is a secret weapon for maintaining straight hair overnight. Unlike ordinary shampoos, which are used for deep cleansing, this type absorbs excess oil and helps keep the hair fresh.
If you have a sensitive scalp and are wondering how often to wash your hair, a dry shampoo is your go-to solution. Before you go to bed, spray the dry shampoo onto your roots. You should then massage it in gently and let it sit overnight.
One mistake that most people make is overusing dry shampoos. This product is meant to extend the time between washes but not to replace them. For the best results, always choose a lightweight shampoo.
5. Apply Hair Oil or Straightening Spray
Hair oil and straightening sprays are ideal for locking in moisture and protecting your style. Below is how you can adapt the two treatments as part of your hair straightening tips.
- Hair Oil: One perfect choice is argan oil. A few drops of this hair oil can work wonders, especially if you are struggling with frizz or want to add shine. When applying the oil, focus more on the ends since they are prone to dryness. For fine hair, use a lightweight formula to avoid weighing it down.
- Straightening Spray: These sprays typically contain ingredients that resist humidity and keep your strands sleek. During selection, you want to choose one designed for your hair type to ensure compatibility.
6. Combat Humidity
High humidity levels are one of the biggest threats to straight hair, but thankfully, you can take a few steps to minimise its impact. One way is to use an anti-humidity spray designed to shield hair from moisture.
This may not appeal to many people, but there’s another option, which is to run a fan or dehumidifier in your bedroom to maintain that dry atmosphere. This reduces the chances that your hair will curl or frizz overnight.
7. Avoid Over-Styling
Over-styling weakens your hair and makes it more likely to suffer damage. Some ways you can overstyle your strands include excessive use of flat irons, curling wands, and even heavy-handed brushing.
What you should do instead is limit heat styling to once every few days and embrace your natural texture occasionally. You can also use protective hairstyles like loose braids to give your locks a break while still maintaining straightness.
8. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb to Detangle Hair
Detangling your hair is important, but how you do it matters the most. A wide-tooth comb is the safest choice for those who want to avoid breakage. This specific type minimises tension on your strands, especially when detangling damp hair.
If you have curly hair, your bedtime routine will need a little more than just a wide-tooth comb. While there are many tips on how to sleep with curly hair, it all starts with having the right hair products and tools to ensure the even distribution of products like serums and oils.
9. Avoid Sleeping with Wet Hair
Whether you have just shampooed or styled your hair, keeping it dry just before you head to bed is advisable. You can also apply a lightweight smoothing serum to add a touch to your style.
