Body
Written By Kristina Zhiteneva
We’ve all heard about bedtime routines for glowing skin, but what about your hair? If you’re not protecting those luscious locks before hitting the pillow, you might be setting yourself up for more split ends than beauty sleep. Let’s talk about one simple trick that could make all the difference: braiding your hair before bed. But is it just an old wives’ tale, or is there science to back it up? Spoiler alert—it works, and here’s why.
The Science Behind Hair Breakage
To understand why braiding helps, we need to take a quick dive into the science of hair breakage. Hair strands, like fine silk threads, are susceptible to friction, especially when rubbed against rough surfaces. Your pillowcase may seem soft, but as you toss and turn, all that friction can cause hair cuticles—the outer layer of the hair shaft—to lift. This results in frizz, tangles, and worst of all, breakage.
Studies suggest that the mechanical stress from sleeping without protective hairstyles can weaken the hair’s structure over time . When hair becomes tangled overnight, those knots can pull and stretch delicate strands, leading to snapping and splitting. Nobody wants to wake up with a bedhead disaster, right?
How Braiding Helps
Enter the humble braid. By securing your hair in a braid before bed, you significantly reduce the friction that occurs during sleep. Instead of individual strands rubbing against the pillowcase, the hair is contained and protected within the braid. This not only reduces breakage but also helps to maintain the hair’s natural oils by keeping it from drying out overnight .
What’s more, braiding is particularly effective for those with longer or finer hair types, which are more prone to tangling and damage. It keeps hair organized and knot-free without the need for daily brushing out a tangled mess. Plus, it’s a great low-maintenance way to wake up with those effortlessly cool waves.
Additional Benefits of Bedtime Braids
Still not convinced? Here are a few more reasons why you might want to make bedtime braiding a ritual:
Less Frizz: Braiding helps to keep the hair smooth and in place, preventing the dreaded morning frizz.
Defined Texture: Wake up with naturally wavy or curly hair without using heat tools.
Healthy Growth: Preventing breakage leads to healthier, longer hair over time. Who doesn’t want that?
Tangle-Free Mornings: No more waking up to a tangled nest that requires a combing session (or tears).
Pro Tips for Braiding Success
Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase: For extra protection, invest in a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials reduce friction even further.
Keep it Loose: You don’t need to pull your hair into a tight braid. A loose, gentle braid will still do the trick without putting stress on your scalp.
Oil it Up: Applying a lightweight hair oil before braiding can add an extra layer of nourishment, ensuring you wake up with shiny, moisturized locks.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
Braiding your hair before bed is a simple and effective way to prevent breakage, reduce frizz, and wake up with gorgeous, low-maintenance waves. If you want to keep your hair healthy without adding another step to your daily routine, this is the low-effort trick you’ve been waiting for. It’s like the beauty hack you never knew you needed—until now.
References
American Academy of Dermatology. (2023). "Hair Care: How to Prevent Hair Damage."
Asgar, S., & Khan, S. (2019). "Hair Health: The Benefits of Protective Styling." Journal of Trichology, 11(4), 20-30.
Green, L., & Stone, A. (2020). "The Role of Hair Care in Preventing Breakage." International Hair Science Review, 9(3), 42-51.
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Kristina Zhiteneva
