Last Updated on April 10, 2023 by Verna Meachum

If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent a lot of time and money trying to find the right products and styling techniques to make your curls look their best.

But what happens when you go to bed? Curls become frizzy, undefined, and just plain messy when you wake up the next morning.

It’s not simple to sleep on curly hair. Curls can be crushed, flattened, and just generally ruined when you sleep on them the wrong way.

The fact that curls are structured in a way that makes them more prone to tangles and damage means that they require a different kind of hair care at night.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to preserve curls overnight using simple tips and tricks. We’ll also recommend some of our favorite curl-preserving accessories and products!

How to Preserve Curls Overnight

There are a few things you can do to make sure your curls stay defined and frizz-free while you sleep.

First things first, try sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wrap your curls in a satin or silk scarf.

When you move your head during the night, it puts a strain on your hair follicles and makes breakage more likely, especially, while sleeping on a cotton pillowcase.

Cotton fabric tends to pull moisture from the hair and skin, leading to dryness and frizz. Cotton material can also cause friction and damage to your curls.

Satin and silk is much smoother and won’t pull at your locks the way cotton does. This will help to preserve your hairstyle and keep your curls from getting frizzy.

If you don’t have a satin pillowcase or scarf, you can also try using a bonnet, satin wrap, satin-lined slouchy beanie, or buff to preserve and secure your curls while asleep. They are great for keeping your curls intact.

Best Accessories for Curly Hair

There are a few curly hair accessories that can help you preserve your curls and keep them looking their best.

One of our favorites is the Head Wrap. It’s a great way to keep your hair from tangling while you sleep. The back opening of this hair cover allows you to have a relaxing, but secure hairstyle while sleeping. You will be able to maintain your curls with this one.

We also love the Satin Lined Sleep Cap Bonnet! It’s perfect for keeping your curls frizz-free during the night. The satin lining helps to protect your hair from damage and keep it moisturized.

• Simply put your hair into a high ponytail (or pineapple)
• Slip the bonnet over your head
• Then adjust the strap to ensure a comfortable, secure fit.

Another great option for preserving your curls is to buy a Silk Pillowcase. I mentioned a satin pillowcase above, but a silk pillowcase is just as good. It’s smooth soft surface helps to reduce frizz and keep your curls looking defined.

It also helps to prevent bed head and keeps your hair from snagging on the pillowcase. I’ve tried both the satin and silk pillowcase, but personally prefer the silk pillowcase.

Pro tip – please don’t use bleach on silk when washing! I made that mistake and ruined my beautiful pillowcase.

We also love the TELETIES. The TELETIES holds all strands of hair together due to its strong and comfortable hold without leaving any marks or bends in your hair. Some curlies like to use these to put their hair up in a pineapple. You can also use satin scrunchies as well.

These are just a few of our favorite curl-preserving accessories. If you want to keep your curls defined and frizz-free during the night, we recommend trying one of these genius products!

Nighttime Products for Curly Hair

There are a few nighttime products that can help you preserve your curls and keep them looking their best.

If you don’t have time to deep condition during the day, an overnight hair mask might be a good option for you!

For others, overnight masks are ideal since it allows them to give their hair some extra TLC in their busy lives.

By incorporating an overnight hair mask into your haircare routine, you can hydrate and nourish your locks while you sleep.

Benefits of an overnight hair mask

Hair masks that are left on overnight can be used for a variety of hair problems.

It can help:

✔︎ reduce frizz

✔︎ restore moisture

✔︎ reduce breakage

✔︎add shine and luster

Are overnight hair masks safe?

Hair masks are generally safe for most individuals, with a few exceptions:

• Protein-containing hair masks should not be applied overnight! Protein treatments are fantastic if you only use them on your hair for 20 minutes or so, but keeping protein in your hair for several hours can induce breakage.
• Some clay-based masks, like the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask should also not be used overnight. These types of masks can dry out your hair and scalp if left on for too long.
• Another ingredient to avoid in an overnight mask is apple cider vinegar. If exposed to your hair for too long, it can strip your hair’s protein.
• Otherwise, most other hair masks are generally safe to use overnight as long as you’re okay with washing it out in the morning.

Our Top 5 Picks:

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strength + Moisture Leave-In Mask

Aveeno Farm-Fresh Oat Milk Overnight Hair Mask with Oat Extract & Almond Milk

Bumble and Bumble While You Sleep Damage Repair Masque

Klorane Nourishing 2-in-1 Mask with Mango

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Hair Mask

How to Style Curly Hair Overnight

One of the biggest challenges with curly hair is trying to get them to look their best the next morning. If you’re sick of waking up to a head full of frizz, then here are some techniques for bouncy curls that last all night long.

One of the most important things you can do for your curls is to make sure they are properly hydrated. This means using a good conditioner and leave-in treatment every time you wash your hair.

It might also mean using a Curl Enhancing Cream or Gel to help define your curls and give them extra hold.

When applying product, be sure to focus on the ends of your hair and work your way up to avoid weighed down roots.

Pineapple

Once your hair is clean and hydrated, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to style it. One popular method is called the ‘pineapple.’

To put your hair in a pineapple:

1. Simply gather all of your hair on top of your head.
2. Secure it with a satin scarf or sleep cap. This will help to keep your curls from getting squished while you sleep and will also help to preserve their shape.

Satin Pillowcase

If you don’t like the idea of sleeping with your hair up, then you can also try using a satin pillowcase. This will help to keep your hair from getting tangled and will also reduce friction, which can lead to frizz.

You can either sleep with your hair loose or, if you have longer curls, you can put it in a loose bun or braid. Like a pineapple, this will help to keep your hair from getting squished while you sleep.

Bantu Knots

Another option for overnight curls is to do Bantu knots. This is a popular style for those with shorter hair or who want to achieve defined and voluminous curls. Bantu knots also help to elongate tight curls.

To do Bantu knots:

1. Start by dividing your hair into sections.
2. Then, take each section and twist it around itself until it forms a knot.
3. Secure the knot with a bobby pin or small hair tie.
4. Repeat with the rest of your hair.

Put on a satin bonnet or scarf and let your hair knots set overnight. In the morning, take down the knots and shake out your curls. You can also use a pick to help loosen them up.

Braids

Another popular method for preserve curls overnight is to do braids. This is a great option if you have longer hair and want to avoid it getting tangled during the night.

1. Start by dividing your hair into sections.
2. Then, braid each section loosely.
3. You can secure the ends with a small hair tie.
4. Put on a satin bonnet or scarf and let your hair braids set overnight.

Flexi Rods

If you want to achieve defined, bouncy curls, then Flexi rods are a great option. This is a heat-free method that can be done on wet or dry hair.

To use Flexi rods:

1. Start by sectioning your hair.
2. Then, roll each section of hair onto a rod. The smaller the rod, the tighter the curl will be.
3. Once all of your hair is rolled, put on a satin bonnet or scarf and let it set overnight.

Pin Curls

Pin curls are another great option for those who want bouncy, defined curls. This method can be done on wet or dry hair and doesn’t require any heat.

To do pin curls:

1. Start by sectioning your hair.
2. Then, taking small sections of hair and wrap them around your finger.
3. Once the hair is wrapped, use a bobby pin to secure it in place.
4. Repeat with the rest of your hair.
5. Then, put on a satin bonnet or scarf.
6. Let the pin curls set overnight and then take them down in the morning.

These are just a few of the many ways you can preserve your curls overnight. Experiment with different styles and products to find what works best for you.

Moisturizing Curls

One of the things I used to do early on in my healthy hair journey is to moisturize my hair before putting it in a pineapple, so that they didn’t dry out while I slept.

All you will need is a spray bottle and your favorite conditioner or leave in conditioner.

1. Mix the water and conditioner in a spray bottle and shake well.
2. Lightly spritz your hair with the mixture then put your hair in the curly hairstyle of your choice.
3. After you’ve finished, put on your satin bonnet or scarf and crawl into bed.
4. The slight moisture and your body heat will create a conditioning treatment for your hair while you sleep.
5. In the morning, all you have to do is take out your hairstyle, fluff, and go!

How to Plop Curly Hair

If you like to go to sleep with wet hair, try plopping. Plopping is a curly hair technique where you gather all your curls at the top of your head then wrap them up to keep your curl pattern intact while your hair dries.

This will help your hair dry overnight and keep your curls from getting frizzy.

• After cleansing your hair, while it is still wet, apply your usual styling products.
• Lay a cotton T-shirt on a flat surface, then flip your wet hair forward and gather your hair into a high ponytail and pile it onto the T-shirt (the sleeves of the T-shirt should be facing you).
• Next, pull the back flap of the T-shirt behind your neck over your head and pull the T-shirt sleeves to the back of your head and tie them in a knot.
• And that’s all she wrote!

How to Style Curly Hair in the Morning

Even if you use our best curly-hair sleeping methods, your locks may require a little boost after sleeping on them all night. What are your options?

If you’re removing a protective style, ensure your hair is completely dry before untwisting.

If you put your hair up in a pineapple and remove the satin scrunchie or invisibobble, start by gently shaking your hair at the roots to allow your curls to settle in its natural state.

Apply a tiny amount of light moisturizer, curl refresher spray, or gel to your hair and scrunch in with your hands. You can also use a tiny amount of natural oils to seal in the moisture.

Avoid too much touch and manipulation with your fingers, as this will only lead to frizzy curls.

Conclusion

You’ll never have to wake up with messy curls again with these overnight curl-saving methods! By using one of the methods listed above, you can keep your curls defined and frizz-free all night long.

If you’re looking for more tips on how to style curly hair in the morning, check out our post on how to refresh curls the next day. With a little bit of know-how, you can keep your curly hair looking its best all week long!

We hope these tips have helped you learn how to style curly hair overnight and in the morning. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We love hearing from you.

What’s your favorite way to sleep on curly hair? Let us know in the comments below!