Hair extensions are usually useful in reviving your hairstyle to something envious. But in order to make them last long, it is important to have a factual answer to ‘can you sleep with hair extensions.’ The answer is yes, but as underestimated as the situation is among the users, it is important to note that a higher percentage of damage occurs when you sleep.
Without the proper protection the hair extensions rub against each other leading to tangles, frizz, breakage and untameness. Hence, to keep the extensions looking perfect for long, it is important to follow certain practices before slumbering away.
Why It’s Important to Avoid Certain Practices When Sleeping With Hair Extensions On
Since extensions are considered to be an investment, it’s important to be attentive to the ways about how to take care of them properly. There are certain behaviors one should avoid before going to bed that will help the extensions to last long, reduce hair loss, and also prevent frizzy hair.
Don’t Leave Your Extensions Loose
Another thing that you should not do before going to bed with extensions is leave them unruly. Loose hair at night also increases the chances of tangles, especially for people who move around alot during their sleep. The unwanted friction from the pillowcase leads to tangles and matting, making your extensions hard to style the next morning.
At the same time, it is also important to avoid tight braids or buns as they can result in hair pulling and loose attachments. Try to opt for a loose hairstyle and silk scrunchies to prevent damage.
Avoid Sleeping With Wet Hair Extensions
Wearing a wet hair extension is also not recommended (much like the care routine for natural hair). Wet hair get more entangled and the moisture weakens the hold of the bond of the extensions hence, they slip off easily or break.
Also, it is advised to wash hair in the evening and ensure that the hair is thoroughly dried before settling to sleep. Low heat and air drying are the recommended drying methods with the low heat drying being suitable for individuals with lots of work to do.
Avoid Cotton Pillowcases
The texture of the cotton fibers on the other hand is abrasive and when combined with the weight of the hair extensions it may weaken hair strands and cause split ends, hair breakage and frizz. And that is something you wouldn’t want for your expensively new extensions.
So try and switch to a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials enable your hair to slide freely on the surface thus preventing friction that would otherwise lead to tangling and prevent accumulation of static which reduces manageability.
Don’t Skip Brushing Before Bed
One thing that you may consider leaving out before bedtime is brushing the hair extensions, but this is something that you should not do. Going to sleep with tangles will only make things worse when you thrash around during the night.
Therefore, it is recommended to use special wide to tooth comb or extension brush to remove tangles from your hair. It is advisable to start combing from the tips and gradually make your way up to the roots so that you don’t ended up pulling the extensions as well as putting stress on the natural hair.
Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Solutions
Sleeping with clip-in extensions is the worst nightmare of any stylist. Since these extensions use clips to hold the weaves in place, leaving them in while sleeping will cause much damage.
Hair breakage, scalp itchiness, and pinching. However, for permanent solutions like sew-ins and microbeads, pull your hair in a loose bun and cover it with a sleepcap.
Avoid Harsh Hair Products Before Bed
Anything that you put on your hair before going to bed, like oils, serums, or hairsprays that have a thick consistency are sure to affect your extensions. It means that these products can lead to dirt accumulation and unnecessary oiling in the scalp causing the extensions to look matted.
If you wish to moisturize your extensions before sleeping, ensure that you’re using a lightweight leave-in conditioner to prevent buildup. This helps keep the hair soft and easily manageable while minimizing hair tangling.
Conclusion
There is no problem with wearing hair extensions at night, but it is important to follow some precautions. You should not do, such things like leaving your extensions loose, going to sleep with wet hair, or using products that are very harsh on your hair.
With just a minimal amount of time and care for your extensions every night, you will wake up with them looking pitch-perfect!
