
Beauty sleep does wonders for the skin, but until now we hadn't considered the overnight magic it could offer our hair. Before bed, we slather on moisturizer, spot treat zits, and pat on eye cream to banish bags—so why shouldn't we take similar measures for our strands? After all, waking up to a good hair day is the equivalent of getting that extra shot of espresso for free. Here, find the quick and easy ways you can get healthier, better-looking hair overnight.
1. Apply an overnight hair treatment. Living Proof's Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector ($28) is a total game-changer for fighting everyday damage. It smoothes and adds shine to hair as you sleep with a potent amino acid blend, as well as time-released conditioners and antioxidants. It can be used on damp or dry hair, is totally pillow-safe, and thanks to its ultra-light, lubricious formula, won't weight hair down. At night (or even throughout the day) apply it from root-to-tip, then use a flat bristle brush for even application. You can also finger comb it if it's more convenient (or that brush is just too far away from your nightstand to grab).
2. Don't sleep with your hair back if it's wet. Damp's okay, but don't even think about turning in with a dripping ponytail. "When you tie wet hair back, it stretches up to a third of its length," explains Tim Rogers, hairstylist and creative director of Living Proof. "When you anchor the hair like that, it can cause tension breakage. If it's wet at the nape or the ends, make sure to towel dry and extract as much moisture as possible. " And as much as we laugh at the thought of scrunchies, Rogers maintains a velour one is the way to go when tying it back at night. (Just be sure to keep 'em around for bedtime use, only.)
3. Use a silk pillowcase. The smoothness means less abrasion on the hair. Translation: no damage! "The more friction you engage in as you move around at night, the more your hair can get roughed up," says Living Proof's resident hair scientist Eric Spengler. "Additionally, if you perspire, it won't give you the wrong kind of bedhead with those kinks."
Slip Silk Pillowcase Standard/Queen, $79; sephora.com.
4. Keep brushing to a minimum. Remember when your mom told you to brush 100 times before bed? You can permanently nix that idea. Excessive brush strokes cause breakage, especially for fragile hair, and basically ruins your strands. (Ugh, mom!) "Brush it enough so that there are no tangles—AKA the minimum amount of times to achieve the look you're seeking," advises Rogers. When it comes to choosing a before-bed brush, don't use anything made of metal. Rogers swears by a boar bristle paddle brush like Mason Pearson's Handy Bristle Brush ($230).
5. Sleep with your hair in braids. Plaits will not only give you even texture and soft waves, but will keep your hair from harmful tangling. "Pippi Longstockings had the right idea—she was a fox," says Rogers. "If you braid your hair with Night Cap Overnight Perfector into braids, it will have a nice wave pat when you wake up. It's essentially a pre-style. You take it down in the morning and you're ready to go."
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
I’m the associate web editor at Marie Claire. I love to while away the hours at coffee shops, hunt for vintage clothes, and bask in the rough-and-tumble beauty of NYC. I firmly believe that solitude can be a luxury if you’ve got the right soundtrack—that being the Rolling Stones, of course.
-
Tia Is Launching Fertility—and Preparing for a Post-Roe America
As women's healthcare startup Tia was gearing up to debut fertility care and a new clinic, the Roe v. Wade leak prompted CEO Carolyn Witte to accelerate plans to offer medication abortions, marking the most defining moment yet for the company.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich
-
The Cannes Film Festival 2022: The Best Red Carpet Looks
Here's what everyone wore for the festival's 75th year.
By Sara Holzman
-
Why the Royals Have to Adhere to Strict Dining Rules, According to an Etiquette Expert
Imagine the infamy of sticking your pinky out when drinking tea, LOL.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Experts Explain How to Make Your Bikini Wax Less Painful
It all starts with preparation.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 26 Best Sunscreens Ever for Your Face and Body
Formulas to stock up on, stat.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 10 Best Supplements for Skin to Add to Your Daily Routine
From glow-boosting gummies to acne-fighting pills.
By Samantha Holender
-
The 18 Best Mascaras, According to Marie Claire Editors
"It feels like I've been searching for the perfect mascara since birth, but I think I've finally landed on a keeper..."
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The 50 Best Hairstyles for Thin, Fine Hair That Never Fall Flat
Fake-it-'til-you-make-it volume.
By Tatjana Freund
-
The 10 Best Eyeshadows for Darker Skin Tones That Will Make Your Eyes Pop
Palettes, pigments, and shimmers with incredible color payoff.
By Taylore Glynn
-
The Andie MacDowell Renaissance Is Upon Us
The '90s icon has always done things her own way. Now, the world is finally catching up to her.
By Sara Stewart
-
The 14 Best LED Light Therapy Face Masks Worth Every Penny
Masking at home: So hot rn.
By Taylore Glynn