How you sleep decides how long your braids look fresh. Seriously. Your pillow is either your braids’ best friend or their worst enemy.
The first night
Fresh braids can feel a little snug. Don’t pile them into a tight bun to sleep. Let them hang loose or put them in a low, loose ponytail. If your scalp feels tender, sleep on your back or your side and give it a night.
Wrap them every night
A satin or silk bonnet or scarf is the number one thing. Cotton pulls moisture out and rubs up frizz. Long braids? Get an extra-long braid bonnet so they fit all the way in.
No bonnet?
Use a satin pillowcase. Honestly, I tell everyone to have one anyway. If your bonnet slips off at night, the pillowcase has your back.
Keep the edges protected
Tie a scarf around your edges first, then the bonnet over it. That keeps your hairline smooth and your parts neat.
Do this every night and you’ll see the difference by week three.
Mz Purple
Quick answers
How should I sleep with braids the first night?
Keep them loose or in a low, loose ponytail, wrap them in satin, and sleep on your back or side if your scalp feels tender.
How do you sleep with braids without a bonnet?
Use a satin or silk pillowcase. It cuts friction and frizz even if you don't wrap your hair.
What's the best thing to sleep in with braids?
A satin or silk bonnet or scarf. For long braids, use an extra-long braid bonnet.
Ready when you are.