If you’re going the weave, keratin, tape-in, or microbead route for your next set of hair extensions, one question that might come to mind is how you successfully sleep with them.
Sure, you could forego the care tips and head to bed like you normally would. But you should know that you’re setting your extensions up for a bad time. Without proper care, sleeping with hair extensions can result in tangles, mats, and loosened applications.
That said, it’s best to know exactly how to handle your hair extensions at bedtime. And I have all the answers. Let’s dive into the best way to sleep with hair extensions for the success, comfort, and longevity of your mane.
Contents
Start with Prep Work
Are we going into surgery? No, just slumber. While you won’t need any gloves or masks, you should have a good brush on hand. Remember that a high-quality brush that is gentle yet effective on tangles is a perfect option for extensions.
For example, this RemySoft One Twenty Three is a top-notch option.
When brushing your mane, remember to be very gentle. You don’t want to tug on the application. Whether you have tape, glue, or beads, being too rough can cause loosening or slipping.
When you’re done, check the roots specifically around where the application occurred. Check for any knots or tangles that need to be worked out. Leaving any type of matting around the root can lead to serious complications down the road.
Once a week, you should also be applying a leave-in conditioner to keep your extensions hydrated and in tip-top shape. The Design Essentials Protective Styles is a crowd favorite you might want to try. Plus, it’s pretty budget-friendly, too.
Get Ready for Bed
It doesn’t matter what type of hair extensions you have. The best way to sleep with hair extensions is to style your locks into a braid. The braid doesn’t need to be ultra-tight like you’re getting ready for a ballet class. However, it shouldn’t be so loose that strands come loose, and your plait is gone by morning.
Why go the braided route? There are a few reasons.
- The braid will keep the hair in one place, so there is no tugging or pulling on the bonds.
- Braids will also ensure that the individual strands don’t get tangled or matted during slumber.
- In the morning, your hair will ultimately be easier to brush and style.
The key is to give your hair a safe place to stick together while you sleep. Some women may opt for a single braid, but you can go with multiple braids if you want a wavier style in the morning.
Oh, and by the way: never sleep with wet hair extensions. Even if you’re pulling the hair back into a beautiful braid, it doesn’t matter. Hair extensions should always be thoroughly dried before going to bed. This reduces friction and tangling.
You should also consider sleeping on a satin pillowcase. The smoothness will deter any chances of tangling, matting, static, and other undesirable hair problems.
Can You Style With a Ponytail Instead?
While the braided option is best for restricting hair movement and keeping your locks secured, if you’re short on time or simply don’t want to deal with styling your mane into a plait, you have other options.
While you might want to deter from a high ponytail as it might be too harsh on the application, you can opt for a low ponytail instead. Styling the low ponytail into a loose bun is also a good idea and will lessen the chance of hairs getting tangled while you sleep.
That said, if you’re skipping on the braid tonight, go for a low ponytail or bun instead.
Can You Sleep with Clip-In Hair Extensions?
Girl, let me tell you. There is no rule book when it comes to hair extensions. There is common sense, though. While I can tell you that I, personally, have made the mistake of wearing clip-ins to bed, I would never recommend it.
Clip-in hair extensions should never be worn while you sleep. Clip-ins simply are not designed to be worn while you sleep. Sure, they’re great for all-day wear, but they should be removed before slumber.
Why? Well, first and foremost, wearing clip-ins while you sleep is immensely uncomfortable. (Yes, I have experience, so take it from me!) Secondly, sleeping with clip-ins is a recipe for hair disaster, even if you try to style it into a braid. It just won’t work. Please don’t do it.
Final Thoughts
The cool thing about certain hair extensions, like tape-ins, keratin, and weft, is that they can be for weeks at a time – yes, including slumber. However, always make sure that you are taking proper care of them.
The best thing to do is to thoroughly brush the locks, check the roots, and style into a braid to avoid any complications.
