Why Proper Nighttime Care for Hair Extensions Matters

Without the right precautions, hair extensions can become tangled, dry, or even damaged while you sleep. Constant movement during sleep causes friction, leading to frizz, breakage, and weakening of the hair bonds. By adopting a simple nighttime routine, you can ensure your extensions remain flawless and last longer.

Best Nighttime Routine for Hair Extensions

Follow these essential steps before bedtime to wake up with perfect, silky hair every morning.

1. Brush Your Hair Before Bed

Tangles can worsen overnight, so brushing your extensions before sleeping is crucial. Use a soft-bristle brush or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair from the ends to the roots. This prevents unnecessary stress on the bonds and keeps the extensions smooth.

2. Tie Your Hair in a Protective Style

Leaving your extensions loose while you sleep can cause friction and tangling. Secure your hair in one of these protective styles:

• Loose Braid: Ideal for wavy or curly extensions, it keeps them in place and prevents knots.
• Low Ponytail: Best for straight extensions, using a silk scrunchie to avoid creases.
• Loose Bun or Twists: Helps maintain curls or waves without heat styling the next day.

3. Switch to a Silk or Satin Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases cause friction, leading to frizz and dryness. A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction, prevents tangling, and helps retain moisture in your extensions, keeping them soft and shiny.

4. Never Sleep with Wet Extensions

Sleeping with damp extensions is one of the worst things you can do. Wet hair is fragile and prone to tangling. Here’s how to ensure your extensions are dry before bed:

• Gently squeeze out excess water using a microfiber towel.
• Use a blow dryer on a low heat setting if necessary.
• Allow the hair to air dry completely before sleeping.

5. Apply a Lightweight Serum or Leave-In Conditioner

Unlike natural hair, extensions don’t receive natural oils from your scalp. To maintain softness, apply a lightweight serum or leave-in conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends before bed. Look for nourishing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, or keratin.

6. Wear a Silk Bonnet or Scarf

If you toss and turn during sleep, your hair rubs against the pillow, increasing the risk of tangling. Wrapping your hair in a silk bonnet or scarf helps lock in moisture and keeps your extensions in place overnight.

7. Avoid Tight Hair Ties

Tight elastics can cause tension on your hair, weakening the bonds and leading to breakage. Instead, opt for silk scrunchies or spiral hair ties that are gentle on your extensions.