For many women, hair extensions and wigs have become a lifesaver to help refresh the everyday look easily. The variety of hair extensions has brought more options and at the same time transformed every woman into an expert in the art of care-taking. However, the question of how to sleep with hair extensions on always confuses many people. Should I sleep while wearing my clip-in extension? Is it ok to wrap it with a scarf if I move my head a lot when sleeping? It is important that you can both preserve your hair extensions properly and get a comfortable sleep. In this article, Anka Hair will give you all the information you need about sleeping with hair extensions on. 

Can you sleep with hair extensions?

how to sleep with hair extensions

First and foremost, you can sleep with hair extensions. Though it may sound a bit troublesome, all problems can be solve with proper consideration. There are many types of hair extensions and wigs, you will have to notice that some are safe to sleep with and some are not. 

Clip-in extensions are not supposed to be worn while sleeping

Clip-in hair extensions – as it is called –  contain a number of clips that are hard and not made for sleeping. The clips can cause discomfort or hurt your scalp as well as get tangled up with the hair and turn it into a complete mess in the morning. You do not have to sleep with your clip-in hair extensions since they are so easy to remove and reattach. Take your clip-in off before bed and attach it again in the morning to preserve your hair extensions and get the best sleep.  

What types of extensions are safe to sleep with?

Except for removable hair extensions such as clip-in or wigs – which are recommended to take off before bed, most other hair extensions are safe to sleep with. For example, keratin hair extensions and tape-in hair extensions are semi-permanent methods. While keratin hair uses hot or cold fusion technique to attach to the real hair, tape-in hair extensions use tape. The attachment, therefore, is quite solid and hard to break. As long as you attach them properly and the bonds are secure, sleeping or rolling over your bed is completely safe. 

The same goes to other types of semi-permanent methods such as sew-in or weft hair extensions. Since the uninstallation would require lots of effort, removing it everyday before bed would be impossible. You can rest yourself nicely without having to take it off. 

How to sleep with hair extensions

how to sleep with hair extensions

Even with semi-permanent hair extensions that are claimed to be safe to sleep with, there are things that can go wrong. Some people have bad sleeping habits. They roll over a lot in their sleep and wake up with a bunch of frizzy hair. Others share their beds with partners or children or pets who can unknowingly lay on the hair extensions. These are all external effects that you cannot avoid but can surely be minimized. 

Ponytails and braids

The best way to prevent tangling, especially if you are wearing a very long hair extension is to secure it in a braid. Everyday before bed, use a detangling-specialized brush to gently brush your hair thoroughly and then make a loose braid. It can not only keep your hair neat but also prevent tangling caused by your partner or yourself. Braiding your hair extension before sleeping can help form a natural wavy hair in the morning. You can customize the volume by braiding it tighter or looser. 

If you have a medium or short hair extension, tie it with a band or make a simple ponytail to keep it out of the way when you are sleeping. Remember to always brush your hair beforehand to remove any knots and tangles. Do not tie your hair too tight it can cause tension and discomfort. 

Hair cap and scarf

There is an easier way to protect your hair extension: Put it in a hair cap made for sleeping. A sleeping hair cap is often made of satin or silk – a fabric with a smooth, wrinkle-free texture that will help limit tangles during your sleep. Tie your hair or braid it if you want to and put the cap on top of it. 

If you do not want to have curly hair when you wake up because of the braids, use a silk scarf to wrap your hair. No matter if you choose a hair cap or a scarf, it is best not to use one that is made of cotton since cotton absorbs your hair’s moisture, makes it dry and frizzy. 

Pillows and pillowcases

You have just read it: Cotton fabric absorbs moisture and makes your hair dry. That’s why you need to pay attention to your pillows and pillowcases fabric. Satin or silk pillows are essentials for your hair care routine. Sleeping with a satin or silk pillow may reduce friction that can make the cuticles rough and broken. 

What to consider when sleeping with hair extensions

how to sleep with hair extensions
  1. Never sleep with wet hair extensions. Wet hair tends to get tangled up easier and can become a total mess in the morning that takes hours and hours to detangle. So before braiding your hair or wrapping it in a scarf, make sure the hair is completely dry. If you can not wait for it to air dry, use a blow-dryer at low to medium temperature. 
  2. A tight ponytail or braid hurts. Use a snag-free hair band and tie your hair just enough to keep it in place. If you tie your hair or braid it too tight, it can cause not only tension and damage to your scalp but also a discomfortable feeling. 
  3. Conditioning your hair extension overnight is advisable. Regardless of what types of hair extensions you are wearing, occasionally conditioning overnight will be good, making it more shiny and healthy. After brushing your hair, apply a suitable amount of hair serum or essential oils to the hair strands, avoiding contact with the roots and scalp. Then wrap your hair extension with a scarf or put it under your sleeping cap. In the morning, you will find your hair extension more supple, silky and smooth. 

It is true that hair extensions always need special care and sometimes you can not treat it the same way as normal hair. But now, with the information that Anka Hair provides, at least you will be able to confidently go to sleep with your hair extensions without any worries. Need more advice on wearing and caring for hair extensions? Feel free to contact our team NOW for the best support you can have. 

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