Easy Sleeping Hair Styles to Protect Natural Hair
Last updated on December 14th, 2023 at 02:42 pm
Why “Style” Your Hair Before Bed?
Things To Do Before Doing Overnight Hairstyles
Tools Needed for Sleeping Hair Styles
Sleeping Hair Style #1: The Loose Bun
Sleeping Hairstyle #2: The Pineapple Style
Sleeping Hairstyle #3: The French Braid or Dutch Braid
Sleeping Hairstyle #4: Large Bantu Knots
Doing a few large bantu knots on stretched hair or blown out hair is an easy way to get really nice beachy waves on your natural hair.
You can do 2-4 bantu knots. Alternatively, you can do a two-strand twists before wrapping them into bantu knots.
Without the twists, you’ll get more of a wavy hair appearance. You’ll get slightly tighter curls with the twists.
Pro tip: This isn’t always an easy style to sleep in when done tightly. Secure with a small scrunchie so you don’t have to wrap them as tight.
Sleeping Hairstyle #5: The Low Ponytail
There’s a love-hate relationship when it comes to doing ponytails on natural hair, any hair type really. That’s because if not careful, the ponytail can cause hair breakage.
To avoid that when styling over-night, keep the following in mind:
- No tight ponytails
- Secure at the nape of your neck to keep straight hair smooth
You can also style your hair in 1-2 ponytails secured down the length of the ponytail in bands to stretch a wash and go style.
Pro Tip: Add a little oil to your hair tie to reduce friction from the ponytail holder.
Sleeping Hairstyle #6: Loose Braids
Doing overnight braids is a great way to give short hair and long hair alike a bit of texture while protecting your hair from moisture loss.
You can braid your hair in a number of ways based on the results you want to achieve the next day.
Rope braids will give you a more coiled look and while done a bit tighter can still be done in a loose fashion.
Dutch braids will give a look more similar to regular box braids.
Two large braids are great for quick styling. Or, braid in a few more braids for a more defined braid out the next day.
However, results will vary based on your curl type and if set on wet or dry hair.
Pro Tip: Braid up damp hair for an even more textured look in the morning. Just make sure it’s dry before you take it down. If not, you can convert it into one of the best protective hairstyles with a few bobby pins and a little hair jewelry.
Sleeping Hairstyle #7: The Fishtail Braid
Probably the most complex hairstyle for sleeping in, the fishtail braid is definitely the most beautiful. It can also hold up for several days and even when it gets messy, it looks like it was meant to be that way.
This braid style is also one of the most comfortable hairstyles to live in for days at a time, even when it starts to come undone. It gives a sort of BoHo feel to it.
Pro Tip: Protect the ends of your hair by folding the braid under and tucking them into the braid. This can be done with all braid styles.
Sleeping Hairstyle #8: The Doobie or Hair Wrap
Depending on where you live, you may call it a doobie (Dominican name) or you may just refer to it as wrapping your hair.
Regardless of if you hair is natural (blown out or straightened) or relaxed, a great way to maintain your hair and prevent it from becoming a tangled mess is to brush it around your head in a circular fashion and tie it down with a scarf.
In fact, this tends to be the go-to nighttime hairstyle for those with relaxed hair or those with natural hair after getting a silk press done.
I haven’t done it in many years so I have no images to share but the tutorial above is an easy one to follow.
Sleeping Hairstyle #9: The Top Knot
The top knot is a slight variation from a high bun. It’s a good option from time to time and even makes for a great protective hairstyle. Just don’t make it too routine. Securing your hair in an upward fashion all of the time can put stress on your hair strands.
Also, to keep a top knot from falling out, you do have to make it a little more snug than the other overnight hairstyles.
Pro Tip: Skip using hair elastics to secure the base of the top knot. Loosely wrap it in place and put the elastic (always seamless) or scrunchie over the knot. If you want to keep the style the next day, you can easily slide off the elastic or other hair tie and re-secure more snuggly without removing the knot.
How to Choose an Overnight Hairstyle
As you can see, there are so many sleeping hair styles to choose from. Just about all of them are an easy hairstyle to do but there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a style.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you decide:
- Is my hair long enough to look good in the style if I choose to keep it in?
- Will this put too much stress on my strands?
- Can I achieve a heatless look with this overnight style?
- Can this style be done on damp hair or does my hair have to be dry?
- Will this style cause my hair to have more volume or lose it?
This is just a handful of questions to ask yourself when considering a hairstyle you plan to sleep in.
If you found this guide on sleeping hair styles helpful, then check out these tips on:
How to Fix Bed Head for Curly Hair
Also, for a more complete hair care companion, The Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Natural Hair Daily