There are lots of risks associated with leaving hair wet and dry naturally. Wet hair, especially if you plan on going to sleep with it, is susceptible to severe breakage. Hair is weak when it is wet, so any type of friction can cause it to break.
So, what is one solution when at the end of a long day you decide to wash your hair and then want to go to sleep without drying it? A satin bonnet.
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Is a Satin Bonnet Good for My Wet Hair?
After a tiresome workday where you may be sweaty and dirty, it’s logical that you’ll want to shower before going to bed. But is going to bed with damp hair a good idea? Honestly stated, it’s never a great idea to go to bed with wet hair for several reasons. These include:
- Wet hair is especially weak and subject to breakage.
- Similar to wet clothing, wet hair is the perfect ground for bacteria to breed and this can lead to irritations and infections.
- The pillowcase you use may cause friction increasing the risk of split ends, breakage, and damage in general.
Considering the risks, does this mean you absolutely cannot go to bed with wet hair? No, the satin bonnet is decidedly one of the best available choices. Placing wet hair in a bonnet is the best way to protect your wet hair from damage and breakage as well as from bacteria, infection, and even getting a cold.
Still, if you want to wear a satin bonnet on wet hair there are several recommendations to follow so that you don’t accidentally harm your hair.
- Never wear a satin bonnet over hair that is soaking wet.
- Using a towel, gently dry your hair and allow for some air drying. Then wear your satin bonnet.
When placing your hair in a bonnet, it should be damp and never soaking wet. This can also be more comfortable to sleep on.
See also: What to do With Wet Hair After a Shower?
When Wearing a Bonnet, Is There a Right Way to Do So?
Wearing your bonnet correctly is important for sleeping with damp hair. Even if putting on a bonnet may seem simple, you need to be aware of a few things to avert any damage. Try these steps to get the best for your hair when wearing a satin bonnet.
- Bend over and position your head upside down. In this position, your hair should fall in front of you.
- Using two hands, open your bonnet.
- Position the bonnet at the nape of your neck.
- Pull the satin bonnet downward covering the length of your draped hair.
- If your hair is long, push the ends toward the scalp so they enter the bonnet.
- Pull the bonnet securely on your head.
There will be varying styles of bonnets, so choose one that will remain in place during wear. Bonnets with elastic are great because they will grip your head.
It’s important that your bonnet is neither loose nor tight when wearing it with wet hair. A loose bonnet may slip off during the night during sleep. A tight bonnet may give you a headache and may lead to hair loss.
What Should My Bonnet Be Made Of?
When selecting a bonnet, carefully consider the material it is made from. Satin or silk bonnets are ideal for protecting damp hair. For the best solution, use a silk or satin pillowcase together with your bonnet. These are great materials if you have delicate or fine hair.
Satin bonnets are especially beneficial as they aid in preventing breakage, and keeping hair smooth and soft. Using satin will help prevent your hair from becoming textured, drying out, or thinning due to stress.
Furthermore, satin benefits help keep hair moisturized throughout the night, so if you blow-dry a lot, this may be a terrific idea. Your hair remains hydrated much longer.
How Will My Hair Turn Out If I Let It Dry in a Bonnet Overnight?
If your hair is permed or naturally curly, a satin bonnet will help you maintain its curls. Your hair will not become wild and unmanageable. If your hair is straight, it will remain straight.
Often, we assume that a bonnet will function better on curly hair because it can help maintain curls and reduce frizz. But straight hair has the same benefits, so using a bonnet is fine regardless of your hair type.
See also: How to Sleep With Permed Hair?
Are There Other Methods to Use If I Sleep with My Hair Wet?
If you don’t want to wear a bonnet, or don’t have one on hand, you can try a few other methods for sleeping with wet hair.
If your hair is long enough you can loosely braid it, use a loose ponytail, or a relaxed twist using a soft, relaxed scrunchy. You could also opt for a protective serum for your hair type.
See also: Why are Satin Scrunchies Good for Your Hair?
Can I Wear My Bonnet in the Shower?
Shower bonnets exist, however, silk and satin bonnets will not protect your hair from getting wet in the shower. So, if you are wearing a bonnet to keep your hair dry, this is not the kind of bonnet you want.
Can Wet Hair Be Put in a Satin Bonnet?
Yes, you can. Also, consider that if you have a clean pillowcase, wearing a bonnet can help it stay clean. Generally, when we sleep, oils, dirt, dead skin flakes, and perspiration are transferred to our pillowcases. A bonnet will help keep that pillowcase cleaner longer.
Silk bonnets offer the same benefits as satin bonnets do. Silk is a beautiful material that is soft and will avoid friction with your hair while you sleep. With both silk and satin bonnets, hair remains smoother, so it is easier to manage.
Wearing a satin or silk bonnet will minimize hair breakage and split ends, help in retaining moisture and contribute to your hair’s health. Oils and any conditioners you use will stay in your hair longer. A bonnet substantially reduces any friction with cotton or cotton-blend pillowcases and hence will protect the hair cuticles.
If you have never used a bonnet before, but like the idea of occasionally not drying your hair before bed, now is as good a time as any to experiment with a satin or silk bonnet on damp hair.
