Fashion

How To Wake Up With Prettier Hair

by Raven Ishak
hair, beauty
RichLegg/E+/Getty Images

Being able to find a routine in waking up with amazing, voluminous hair is what dreams are made of. But having that fantasy come true is never going to happen, right? Think again. As you're falling asleep in the comfort of your bed, there are things you could be doing to achieve gorgeous locks while you get some Zs. Talk about the easiest multitasking ever.

Ever since I decided to stop dyeing my hair over a year ago, I've been trying to find ways to keep my locks healthy while still looking pretty. That means deciding not to use heating tools as often and using hair masks as much as I can. Not having to go to the salon has been a complete time saver, and my hair feels thicker and doesn't break as often. Because of this lifestyle change, I decided to look up even more new ways that I could continue to make my hair strong and beautiful. After some research, I have found that you could kill two birds with one stone by doing a few hair styling tricks all while you're sleeping. If you've been trying to find new ways to get your hair looking fabulous, look no further than these sleep-hair tips below.

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil, $9, Amazon

If I could adopt coconut oil and make it my own, I would in a heartbeat. There's something so subtle and sweet about this product because it truly feels like it nourishes your body/hair in ways others can't. The cool thing about coconut oil is that you can literally use it for anything and everything. But, this article is about hair, so let's stay focused. This product has been proven to be the only oil that can fully penetrate the hair; plus, it smells amazing and it will make your hair look super healthy. From the ends all the way up to the root, cover your hair with a good amount of oil, wrap it with a T-shirt, and count your sheep. To add extra nutritional benefits, add some avocado or honey into a bowl with the oil and mix everything together to create a deep conditioning treatment for your hair. When you wake up, wash it out in the shower, and you will have luscious locks all day long.

2. Braid Hair Overnight

While heating tools are pretty amazing, they can do a lot more harm than good when it comes to your beautiful tresses. Instead of damaging your hair every morning with the curling iron, fall asleep with a braid in your hair and wake up to bouncy, beautiful curls. According to Women's Health, Alex McGinn, associate sales development manager at Refinery29, said, "I French-braid my wet hair on nights when I shower before bed. As it dries overnight, it creates a smooth, mermaid-wave texture for my otherwise frizzy hair. I find that this added texture helps my hair hold a curl more easily." Alex then continues to use a curling iron on some pieces of her hair to redefine them, but if you're looking for a more natural look, leave your hair as it is and use a styling spray to keep it in place.

2. Dry Shampoo

Refresh + Care, $6, Walgreens

Another great product that every lady should have is dry shampoo. It will soak up all those nasty oils and make your head of hair feel fresh and oil free. Even though this hair product is great to use right before you style your hair, there's actually a better way to use it that you probably haven't thought of before? Before you go to bed, spray dry shampoo in your roots and let the pillow-tossing do its work. When you wake up, your hair will already be oil free and you won't have to deal with getting rid of the white powder because you already did that in your sleep. But if you're looking to add a little bit more texture into your hair, add dry shampoo to your roots and twist your strands into a braid. This can create textures and volume at the same time.

3. Silk Pillow Cases

Silk Pillowcase, $17, Amazon

One of the best things you can do for your hair is by getting rid of your cotton pillows and switching them out for silk pillowcases instead. The cotton fabric on your pillows can be too tough for your hair and can create breakage and frizz — and no one wants that. Even one of our own writers praises how awesome silk pillowcases are. Lying on silk pillows will not only give your hair the ultimate treatment, but it can make your skin less irritable, which of course, is another reason why you should get this pillowcase.

4. Go To Sleep With Dry Hair

Unless you're doing a full hair-mask treatment, try not to go to bed with wet hair. When your hair is wet, it's very fragile and is prone to breakage and split ends. But if for some reason you have to, there's a right way to do it. According to Byrdie, Creighton Bowman, celebrity hairstylist, said to loosely wrap your hair up in a bun with a scrunchie. This can prevent any marks or dents in your hair. But if you don't have a scrunchie, cut up a sock and use that instead. It will work just as well.

5. Brush Out Your Tangles At Night

Before you hit the hay, make sure you detangle your hair so it does not break in the middle of the night. According to Byrdie, Mary Puffer, Byrdie Weekend Editor, said, "This trick is especially useful if you have long, fine hair like I do. It might be the last time of day you feel like fixing your hair, but I’ve found that brushing out tangles at night with the help of a conditioning spray can result in amazing morning hair."

6. Use A Silk Scarf

ERIC PIERMONT/AFP/Getty Images

If you have natural, textured curls, then a silk scarf is your best friend. According to Refinery29, Larissa Green, Social Media Editor, said, "The technique I use is called pineappling. All you’ve got to do is gather your hair on the top of your head. Then, you take your silk scarf and wrap it around the base. (This method got its name because the top of your head will look like the leaves of a pineapple.)" The trick to this hair treatment is that the scarf has to be silk. If you use cotton, it can strip the oils away from the hair and that is a beauty no-no.

Your hair should be treated like the princess that it is. It's delicate and needs as much attention to maintain it that way. Thankfully, there are ways to take care of your hair while you sleep. After a few of these treatments, your luscious locks will be feeling beautiful and healthy in no time.

Image: Getty Images; Giphy (3)