No More Tossing and Turning: How to Stop Bed Hair

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bedhead
Author Name: Beth Rush
Date: Thursday February 6, 2025

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The main characters in movies seem to wake up with perfect hair straight from their slumber. Reality is a little more challenging than that, especially when you have sleeping problems and an inconsistent haircare routine. However, there are ways to stop bed hair and hairstyles for bed to wake up a little more fabulous.  

What Causes Bed Hair?

People get bedhead or tangled hair when they wake up due to an imbalance in hair moisture. While too much of it can make a greasy mess, too little can leave your hair utterly exposed to friction. Coupling that with sleep movements and conditions, tossing and turning is bound to make your hair a little more disheveled. 

How to Stop Getting Bed Hair

When discussing how to stop bed hair, the best way to do so is through prevention. Improving your shower routine and sleeping routine can do wonders. 

1. Condition and Moisturize Hair

Hair products like conditioners and oil are important when you shower, as they provide enough emollience to balance out your hair moisture. If your hair is dehydrated, consider using a leave-in conditioner that you can keep on for hours. Jojoba oil is also a great essential oil when you’re reducing frizz and taking care of dry spots. 

Extra tip: Skip products loaded with chemicals. Bedhead shampoo is ironically bad for your hair despite promising thick and healthy hair upon waking up, as it contains sulfates that smell weird and generate frizz.

2. Dry Your Hair Before Sleeping

If you sleep with your hair wet, you’re almost guaranteed bed hair after. Consider taking showers in the morning or afternoon if it will work better for your schedule. If you’re set on taking evening bath sessions, schedule it a few hours before turning in. Use a towel to absorb every drop of water. If you need to sleep quickly, a hair dryer is your best friend. 

3. Comb, Brush and Detangle

Aside from drying your hair, make a mental note to comb and brush it. Whether you have straight or curly strands, detangling is a must to remove frizz. Remember to section out your hair and take time, especially when dealing with thicker locks. Finger comb for any lingering knots and call it a night afterward. 

4. Find a Good Pillowcase

A good pillowcase can be a difference-maker in how your hair looks in the morning. Silk and satin are the most recommended materials, as your hair simply slides through the fabric, minimizing friction and reducing worries of breakage. Aside from protecting your hair, it’s also pretty gentle on the skin. 

5. Change Your Sleeping Position

Another potential way to stop bed hair is to find a more convenient sleeping position. Most people toss and turn, so lying down differently or with different support might just be the key. Sleeping on your stomach is ideal as your hair would have less contact and, as a result, less friction. If you sleep on your back, consider investing in a neck pillow. Aside from keeping hair safe, it also helps relieve neck pain and improve sleep. 

6. Keep the Room Cool

Keeping yourself cool and comfortable can create less sleep movement. The ideal temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, as it’s not too hot or cold. These levels of humidity are also better for your hair. However, you should always consider your natural climate. If it’s a little on the colder side, turn the heat up.

a guy sleeping

Bed Time Hairstyles

Want to learn how to get rid of cow licks? Hit two birds with one stone by trying out some hairstyles for bedtime. Aside from stopping hair matting in bed, you can ensure you wake up with a chic hairdo for the rest of the day. 

1. Silk Scarf Wrap

Had a good hair day? A silk scarf wrap can help you maintain your luscious locks until the next day. All you have to do is to tuck everything under a silk scarf or handkerchief. Ensure the size is enough to keep your hair a little loose inside. Those with longer hair can put their locks in a bun. Wrap the ends together and secure them with bobby pins before you head to bed. 

2. Loose Plait

If you have ever wanted a few beach waves, consider using a loose plait. Section out your hair into three and start braiding them as normal. Try to weave it as slowly and loosely as possible. You can push up the braid in between to make the chunks larger. From there, you can grab a silk scrunchie and tie up your work. 

3. Heatless Overnight Curls

The heatless overnight curls are a more elaborate hairstyle for sleeping with damp hair. Roll a piece of fabric around before putting it on like a headband. Section out your hair and twist each piece around your roll. Once you’re done, you can secure it with scrunchies and head to bed, hopefully with less tossing and turning. 

4. Twisted Rope Braid

The twisted rope braid is one of the most straightforward hairstyles you can try to protect your hair when sleeping. Start by putting your hair in a ponytail. Then, divide it into two sections and twist them around each other. Tie it up once more and go to sleep. You can try out loose and tight braids to see what suits your style. 

5. Pineapple Hair

Curly-haired people rock the pineapple hair in and out of the bedroom. This hairstyle refers to keeping curly hair up and away from your face and neck. As a matter of fact, it can also help with getting rid of bed hair, as the updo keeps your hair all bunched up in one place. Simply gather your hair into a high ponytail and tie it up. 

Bonus: Sleep Caps

If you’ve ever wondered how to stop getting bed hair for guys or people with short hair, sleep caps are pretty much the simplest solution. They can help add a definite barrier between your hair and everything else, no matter how much you toss and turn.

sleeping on your stomach

Toss the Tousling Habits

Once you learn how to stop bed hair, there’s no going back to morning bedheads. You’ll be ready to start the day with a gorgeous crown of locks and utmost confidence. Follow us for more tips and tricks!

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