Should I put my hair up before putting it in a bonnet?

Should I put my hair up before putting it in a bonnet?

Today’s video is a simple one, but something I get asked very often is how to put on a bonnet and the best ways to preserve your curls at night. With naturally curly hair, it’s best to protect your curls at night in order to prolong your wash days.

There are several ways to protect your curls at night, including:

  • Satin or silk bonnet
  • Pineapple with a scrunchie + satin/silk pillowcase
  • Satin/sill hair scarf or wrap

Satin or Silk?

Both are great for protecting your curls, and it’s really personal preference and which material you like more. In my opinion, satin feels more slippery and glossy, and is more cooling. Silk is very soft and has more of a dull appearance. Silk is natural fiber and satin is a synthetic weave.

How to Find the Right Bonnet

Finding the right fitting the bonnet is like finding the right bra. It can be tough when ordering online or buying the in store because it’s hard to tell the size.

It’s important to get the right so your curls so it’s effective. If your bonnet is too tight, your curls could be smushed against your scalp and become mis-shaped.

If it’s too big, your curls will fall and not be held up on top of your head. It can also slide off when sleeping if it’s not snug enough against your hairline.

If you have very long, thick hair, look for an extra-large size. If you have short or low density hair, you should be fine with a regular size.

I also look for bonnets that do not have a thick headband design around the rim, because I find those to be uncomfortable to sleep in.

Should I put my hair up before putting it in a bonnet?

How to Properly Put on a Bonnet

  1. Flip head upside down
  2. Hold the bonnet open with both hands
  3. Hook the bonnet at the nape of your neck
  4. Stretch the bonnet downwards, over your the length of your curls
  5. Press the ends of your curls up towards your scalp to gather it into the bonnet
  6. Situate the bonnet and ensure all curls are tucked in

Pineapple or no Pineapple?

If you do not prefer to wear a bonnet, the next best option is to wear your curls up on top of your head using a satin/silk scrunchie. This is called a “pineapple” in the curl girl community because of the appearance. This protects the inside layer of your curls since just the underside is touching the surface of your pillow. It’s highly recommended to still sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase with this method.

  • Satin bonnets from Amazon, 4 pack
  • Satin pillowcase from Amazon, 2 pack
  • Get 15% off MYKsilk with code GENA15
  • Satin scrunchie set from Amazon
  • Invisibobble hair ties from Amazon

Should I put my hair up before putting it in a bonnet?

Which way do you prefer to sleep with your curls? Have you found the right bonnet?

Should I put my hair up before putting it in a bonnet?

Benefits of wearing a hair bonnet

Any action you take to protect your hair can result in better manageability and maximum growth potential. Products meant to moisturize and strengthen your hair, such as leave-in conditioners and hair oils, can have an even greater benefit by adding an evening bonnet to your routine. Even styling techniques can provide better, longer-lasting results by simply keeping your head covered overnight.

Protect your style

Depending on your hair type, the style you choose may be intended to last for several days. This is especially true for expensive, intricate hairdos that require hours in the salon chair. Wearing a bonnet to bed is a great way to extend the life of your look, holding curls in place and reducing the number of hairs escaping from your braids.

In some cases, the bonnet may even be an easy way to help create your style. If you have curl-resistant hair but want to achieve delicate waves or lifted, bouncy looks that other hair types enjoy, try applying a quality curl cream before wrapping your hair around soft rollers in the evening. Cover with a bonnet before bed and let your hair soak in the curl-promoting product while protecting it from overnight friction against your pillow and see what your hair is capable of when you wake.

Prevent breakage and frizz

We tend to move around in our sleep, and silk pillowcases are a trendy option to reduce the damage this can cause to our hair. While a silk pillowcase can be an expensive investment, bonnets offer a cheaper alternative that provides similar results.

Keeping your hair close against your head reduces the chance of tangling in your sleep, allowing it limited movement and preventing breakage when you brush it in the morning. It also keeps your strands from rubbing against your pillow, potentially lifting the scale cells of your hair’s cuticle layer and exposing them to damage. Minimizing the potential for this friction prevents breakage, lessens frizz, and allows your hair to show off its natural shine. Add a pre-shampoo hair mask or scalp mask to your routine to start your tresses off with a supple texture, then let your bonnet seal in all the benefits.

Lock in moisture

Dry hair is the most susceptible to damage, and the cause of most of our hair frustrations, so moisturizing is an important step in any hair care routine. As we sleep, moisture in our hair can be pulled by our bedding, leaving it to evaporate as our heads move. Wearing a bonnet keeps that moisture in your hair where it belongs, locking it in to be reabsorbed by your hair as you sleep.

How to wear a bonnet to bed

Overnight bonnets have been a haircare staple for centuries, locking in moisture and style while sleeping. All hair types can benefit from this practice, whether you have tight curls or fine, straight hair. A nighttime bonnet can be useful to anyone, but there are a few universal rules you should follow, and there may be some differences in how you should wear it, depending on your goals and hair type.

Make sure to choose the right bonnet

Hair bonnets come in various styles and fabrics, so it’s important to choose one that offers the comfort and protection you need while matching your hair goals. Satin and silk-lined bonnets will be the most gentle on your hair; choose one that fits snugly at the band without being too tight. If you have thicker hair, you may want a bonnet with more interior space to give your strands some breathing room.

Pair the bonnet with your favorite products

A bonnet on its own is great for your hair, but you can maximize the impact by adding your favorite leave-in deep conditioners or scalp treatments before you put it on. If you have hair that tends to over-produce oils, spritzing on some dry shampoo before putting on the bonnet can leave your tresses looking fresh and clean in the morning, without the common chalky residue and static buildup.

Prepare your hair

The hair prep you do before putting your bonnet on for the night depends on your hair type, length, and the results you want. If your hair is coily or curly, a simple curl cream application can leave you with manageable curls when you wake. If your hair is long, braiding and wrapping it on the top of your head before donning your bonnet will offer a more comfortable sleeping experience and better breakage protection. Play around with different techniques until you find the one that meets your needs.

Enhance bonnet benefits

A nighttime bonnet is just one piece of the optimal hair care puzzle, but it’s a cost-effective and low-maintenance addition to your routine. To really maximize these benefits, pair your bonnet with hair products tailored to fit your unique needs. Take the Prose hair consultation today to get your customized formula and give your hair the care it deserves.  

What does your hair need to thrive? Take the consultation to find your formulas.

How do you prepare your hair for a bonnet?

Prepare your hair If your hair is long, braiding and wrapping it on the top of your head before donning your bonnet will offer a more comfortable sleeping experience and better breakage protection. Play around with different techniques until you find the one that meets your needs.

Should I wear my hair up in a bonnet?

Not to sound dramatic, but hair bonnets are as essential as oxygen. Wrapping your hair up in a protective cap helps to extend the life of hairstyles, prevent frizz, and retain moisture while you get your Zzzz in. Sleeping without one can dry your hair out, cause breakage, and disrupt your style.