Bedhead isn’t the best way to start your day. Most of us are already in a rush for class so we toss our hair up and run out the door without a second thought. While this tends to be the easier, more comfortable option, it can be difficult to combat a bad hair day when we want to put in some extra effort.
Valley has tips that will keep your hair healthy and well-kept during your slumber so that it’s prepared for easy styling in the morning.
Silky Sheets
It may sound like a luxurious option, but a silk pillow case is actually the safest option for your hair. Cotton fabrics can cause breakage to your hair as strands get easily caught in the fibers. Silk pillowcases allow your hair to rest nicely on top and keep it damage-free throughout the night. As a bonus, you may see better results in your skin as silk doesn’t hold dirt and oil like cotton does. Don’t want to spend money on a new pillowcase? Opt for a silk hair scarf to wrap your hair in for the same benefits.
Start Braiding
Putting your hair into a braid before bed can be the best way to keep it healthy overnight. It’s common to braid wet hair and wake up with beachy curls, however it’s important that your hair is halfway dry before heading to bed. Wet hair is more prone to breakage and can be very fragile before it dries. Toss your hair in a braid to avoid the matted mess that forms at the nape of your neck due to sweat. Those bottom layers of hair get knotted easily so this method will save you time from combing them out in the morning.
Tie it Up
It’s a common misconception that leaving your hair down at night will allow it to be straighter and well-maintained in the morning, but tying your hair up in a loose bun or low ponytail is a healthier alternative. Due to any tossing and turning in the middle of the night, leaving your hair down can cause that unwanted bedhead.
Tip: Avoid using elastic bands in your hair and go for fabric hair ties instead. They’re healthier for your hair and don’t cause breakage — and they tend to come in trendier colors!
Comb it Out
The best thing you can do for your hair is to avoid brushing while it’s still wet after that nighttime shower. Wet hair breaks easily, and you want to make sure your hair is almost dry before running a comb through it. Use a wide-toothed comb to brush through your hair before bed for smoother strands in the AM. Remember to brush from root to tip – this evenly distributes the natural oils.
Use Masks
Sometimes hair products can be the best way to save your locks overnight. Using a hair mask or leave-in conditioner can avoid any dryness or frizz, allowing you to wake up with soft, silky hair in the morning. Most of these products only require a dime-sized amount, so try your best not to overdue it. Too much product can have the opposite effect, leaving your hair looking and feeling oily. Coconut oil is a great example of a natural product to use in your hair in order to get the same results.
Preparing for an early-morning class is hard enough, so make it easier by following these simple steps to cut down on your styling time and leave your hair looking healthier when you wake up.