Hair extensions are fantastic for adding volume and length to hair. However, they do require proper care so they can retain a high quality and beautiful appearance for a long time. In this regard, one of the important things you need to learn is how to care for them while you are sleeping. Many kinds of extensions are meant to be worn for long periods so you obviously need to sleep with them on. What is the right way of doing this without causing damage? And what kinds of hair extensions should you not sleep in? Read on to find out everything you need to know.
Can You Sleep with Hair Extensions?
The answer to this question is yes and no. There are two main types of hair extensions – permanent and temporary. If you have the permanent variety, which includes weaves and tape-ins, it's perfectly fine to sleep with them. On the other hand, if you are using temporary hair extensions like clip-ins or ponytails, you absolutely have to take them off before going to bed.
Permanent hair extensions are made for long-term use. With proper care, they can last for several months. During this period, you basically treat them like your own hair, especially since they are attached to your head. You can wash them, condition them, and certainly sleep with them. Temporary hair extensions, however, are simply not intended for extended wear and must be removed before sleeping.
How to Take Care of Extensions When Sleeping?
If properly installed, most hair extensions are very comfortable to wear. In most cases, you might not even remember that you are wearing them. However, you do have to be mindful of your extensions, especially during bedtime. To ensure that they still look as fabulous in the morning, you need to incorporate some hair extension care routines into your nighttime ritual.
First, depending on the texture of your hair extensions, use either a brush, a wide tooth comb or your fingers to remove any tangles from your extensions.
Then, put your hair into a silk bonnet. This will protect the strands from friction as you sleep and also prevent them from becoming frizzy through the night. Alternatively, you can switch to using silk pillowcases. The soft texture of this material will not cause as much friction as cotton fabrics. Also, it will reduce the risk of tangles or matting, even if you tend to move a lot in your sleep.
If you don't mind waking up with gorgeous waves – which is something many women aspire to have – you can use the technique of braiding your hair before sleeping. A loose braid will do for the purpose of protection. However, if you want to have more discernible waves in the morning, you can make the braids a little bit tighter. Use a silk scrunchie to secure the ends.
What Types of Hair Extensions Are Not Recommended to Sleep with?
Clip-in hair extensions and ponytails are classified as temporary hair extensions, and you must never sleep while wearing them. First of all, they are not fastened as securely onto your hair as permanent extensions. It's only the clips that are keeping them in place. While these would suffice for daytime use, the clips would move around as your head lays against the pillow. The pressure might even unsnap the clips and dislodge the extensions altogether. When you wake up in the morning, your extensions might be all over the bed. Even worse, they might even sustain a lot of damage.
Another reason why clip-ins are not recommended for sleeping is because it can be very uncomfortable. Let's say you are a very quiet sleeper and don't move around at all. Still, the hardness of the clip will be digging into your scalp all night. This is not only uncomfortable but might also cause irritation or on your skin.
It is also absolutely forbidden to sleep with any kind of hair extension that is wet. This is a sure way to invite tangles and frizz into your hair. In a worst-case scenario, sleeping with wet hair extensions can encourage the growth of bacteria, which can lead to infection and all sorts of scalp problems.
Final Thoughts
High quality hair extensions can last for several months. To maximize their lifespan, be sure to take good care of them not only during the day but also at night. If you practice the right care procedures for your hair extensions while sleeping, you will have to spend a lot less time untangling and preparing them when you wake up in the morning.
