Why You May Want To Rethink Sleeping In A Bun At Night

Nightime routines are one of the most relaxing ways to wind down. After a hectic day, what's better than a warm bath, a face mask, and slipping on your cozy pajamas? While many of us have an elaborate nightime routine to help us sleep, our hair is often an afterthought. Those with short hair may simply hit the sack without a second thought, or perhaps wear a cap to keep it from sticking up in the morning, but long-haired folk need ways to keep tresses tangle-free while snoozing.

Sleeping with your hair loose can lead to a host of problems, per Bright Side. Not only will you wake up with knots, but the friction against your pillow can also lead to frizz and breakage. Oily strands against the face can also cause acne, for those who are prone to breakouts. So what are people with long hair to do at night? While the answer may be to tie your hair up in a bun, that can actually cause more damage than you think.

Sure, it's easy to toss your hair up in a messy bun before you go to sleep. It keeps flyaways from your face and you will even wake up with pretty, loose waves. However, Luxy Hair warns that keeping your hair up at night for hours can pull at your scalp and lead to breakage. Even worse, the constant strain can lead to hair loss, which is called traction alopecia, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association. If you damage your hair follicles over time, it won't allow regrowth and will eventually lead to permanent hair loss. While you may not notice any visible signs right away, over time, you might discover a receding hairline or hair loss in some areas of your head.

Additionally, many use elastic bands to tie their hair up, which can wreak havoc on your strands and scalp. Instead, gently secure your mane with a scrunchie, which is gentler on the hair. Choose one made of soft fabric that will act as a layer of protection against the elastic hair tie and prevent friction while you sleep. If you have to secure your hair at night, ditch that bun and try this easy hairstyle instead.

Sleeping with loose hair can be annoying, especially if you have Rapunzel-like length. Vidal Sassoon believes braids for your nightly shut-eye are one of the best ways to protect your mane. Plaiting your hair prevents it from tangling or breaking and as an added bonus, you'll wake up with effortless waves. Play with different thicknesses to achieve the look you desire. If you are going for loose, beachy ripples, make one big braid. Want bouncy curls? Try box braids or a mermaid braid starting from the top of your head. Secure the braids with a scrunchie so you don't end up with kinks in your hair.

To further protect your tresses, wrap your braid (or braids) in a silk scarf. This will prevent any friction against the cuticle, which is the outermost layer of your hair. If you just can't abide wearing a headwrap to bed, invest in silk pillowcases and sheets. Not only will you go to sleep feeling luxurious, you'll wake up with smooth, touchable locks.