Ponytails and buns are great hairstyles when you’re on the go, but they’re not so great when you’re trying to get some sleep. Your hair can get damaged in many ways while you’re sleeping, and according to experts, it could even lead to the loss of your lovely locks. Here’s what can happen to your hair if you sleep with it in a bun or ponytail every night.
You can get split ends. If you sleep on your side or shift around a lot during the night, anything tightly secured on top of your head will tug at your strands. This constant pulling can cause the ends of your hair to split.
It can cause breakage. “When the hair is pulled tightly from the root, it can actually create tension that will weaken the hair follicle and eventually cause breakage,” according to hairstylist Tippi Shorter.
It makes your scalp oily. Tightly securing your hair on top of your head also makes it more difficult for sebum to travel down its natural path along the hair shaft, which is key for keeping an oily scalp in check. As a result, the oil gets trapped within each strand and follicle, which leads to inflammation and excess sebum production (aka an oily scalp).
How To Keep Your Hair Safe During The Night
Avoid tight elastic bands – they can cause breakage. Use scrunchies or fabric-covered elastics instead since they’re gentler on your hair.
A loose braid, with your hair braided into a single braid down the back of your head, is a fairly safe hairstyle for sleeping. The braid can help to prevent tangles and breakage. If you have thick, curly hair, braiding it will also help to prevent puffiness when you wake up in the morning.
If you want to be extra careful with your hair, consider braiding your hair before bed and then putting on a silk sleep cap or scarf. This will ensure that no damage is done to your hair while you sleep.
Another great option is using a silk pillowcase, which has many other benefits besides just keeping your hairstyle intact while you sleep. For example, if you have sensitive skin then this could be an excellent choice because it’s made from natural fibers which are hypoallergenic (not known to cause allergic reactions). You will also feel cool throughout the night since silk wicks moisture away from your body.
Don’t forget to check our post on getting rid of dandruff.
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