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We sleep for an average of 8 hours a day and our hair can get caught up as we sleep. If your hair is natural (afro) like mine, you may need to pay a bit more attention to how you care for your hair as you sleep. Here are a few ways to protect your hair while sleeping:

Invest in a silk pillowcase

Investing in a silk pillowcase is one of the most simple ways to take care of your natural hair while sleeping. Silk is a gentle fabric that protects your hair from excessive damage and pulling while you toss and turn as you sleep. Silk pillowcases are also super comfy and they aid in a good night’s sleep, which is another good reason to invest in them. I have quite a few and I can’t imagine not sleeping on a silk pillowcase now.

Use a silk scarf and bonnet

Still on how amazing silk fabric is when it comes to hair care, invest in a couple of silk scarves and bonnets, and your hairline will thank you for it. Wrapping your hair in a silk scarf will keep it moisturised and protected as you sleep. Using a silk scarf, bonnet, and pillowcase at nighttime will do wonders for your hair.

Moisturise your hair before bedtime

It is important you moisturise your hair before you sleep. I usually moisturise my hair with Black Seed Oil and water mixture in a spray bottle just before I wrap it up in my silk scarf and bonnet. This keeps my hair soft and moisturised overnight.

Avoid tight protective styles

Tight protective styles damage hair, especially the hairline. It is best to ensure you avoid hairstyles that put excessive pressure on the hairline, especially when you sleep. Loose styles are best if you prefer not to sleep with your hair down. I prefer putting my hair in loose plaits and leaving them down but wrapped for bedtime.