When going to sleep, many women scrape their hair into a high bun or ponytail to keep their strands out of their faces. However, according to one expert, this may be doing more harm than good.
A certified trichologist – specialising in hair and scalp care – took to TikTok to share the best ways to wear your hair when sleeping for healthier locks. She advised opting for loose styles at the nape of the neck, revealing that she avoids tight, high styles when going to bed.
Rachel Valentine (also known as @rachelvalentinehair) stated: “Sleeping with your hair up or down is totally personal to you, there really is no right and wrong.
“A lot of it will depend on what you find most comfortable and your hair type. However, that being said, there are some things that I definitely wouldn’t do with your hair when you go to sleep.”
For less tension and tear, go for a loose braid or ponytail
GETTY IMAGES
For those who like to wear their hair up when getting some shut-eye, the expert instructed: “Remember to use something soft like a scrunchie – and make sure that it’s not piled on top of your head.
“A loose braid or a loose ponytail at the bottom is going to be way better.”
Many of us toss and turn in our sleep, so it’s always advisable to wear a style that could cause less tension and tear.
The British Skin Foundation explained: “Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by constant pulling (‘traction’).
“The pulling is usually on some hairs more than others leading to the development of bald patches. Often, this type of alopecia is due to the hairs being pulled repeatedly by tight hairstyles.
“Traction alopecia can get better when it has only been present for a few weeks or months if the tension applied to the hair is stopped.
“However, if there is long-term and repetitive pulling on the hair it can lead to permanent hair loss due to damage to the hair follicles, which produce hair.”
Another way to maintain healthy strands is to avoid going to bed with soaking wet hair.
Rachel explained that the hair is more “fragile” when it’s wet, so it’s important to ensure it’s “at least 80 per cent dry” before heading to sleep.
The expert also advised that silk bonnets and silk pillowcases are “so much kinder” to our strands.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Ensure your hair is ‘at least 80 per cent dry’ before hitting the hay
GETTY IMAGES
Scooms, which sells luxury down duvets, down pillows, bedding and towels, seconded this: “The smooth surface of a silk pillowcase can reduce the friction between your hair and pillow, resulting in less tangling and breakages.
“Unlike other pillowcase fabrics, which can cause hair to snag and become damaged, silk allows your hair to glide over your pillowcase as you sleep, reducing hair breakage.”
Other benefits include combatting frizz, preventing greasiness due to reduced friction and absorption of excess oil, hydration retention and hypoallergenic properties.
Another way women can revamp their hair is by trying a new chop. A model shared the two haircuts she recommends for women over 50 – you’ll look “beautiful and sophisticated”.
