Expert tips to protect your hair from damage while sleeping

Your hair can be notoriously prone to breakage and damage especially while you sleep. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do before you sleep so that you wake up with locks that people will envy. Beauty and hair expert Janet Fernandez tells you what to do.

• An overnight solution can be excellent to treat the dry and broken ends of your hair. Take 4-5 drops of lemongrass oil on your hands and apply it to the ends of your hair to moisturise the hair shaft. Then tie a bun before you go to sleep. You can also try applying peppermint oil to your hair.
• You may just want to avoid leaving your hair open while you sleep as doing it may damage your hair. If your hair is straight, tie a loose ponytail so that your hair doesn t turn frizzy by morning. If your hair is long and you like knotting it, make sure it is not too tight as it might pull the hair strands and lead to breakage. If you have curly hair, you can try a high bun on the top of your crown (and not sideways or back) so that it doesn t interfere with your sleep and holds shape till morning. Also, remember not to use elastic bands to tie your hair. That band can put undue stress on your hair and damage the hair shaft.
• Before you turn in for the night, brush and comb your hair. Use a wide toothed comb and brush your hair gently from the tips to the roots. This will help move the natural oils from your scalp to the tips.
• You can also wrap your hair in a silk scarf or a cloth made of gentle fabric and open it the next morning. Doing this will protect your hair from damage.
• Also do not sleep with wet hair and only go to bed when your hair is almost dry to ensure that you sleep with tangle-free hair.
• You may just want to swap the cotton pillowcases for the silk or satin ones. The cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair and also lead to knots. The smooth surfaces of a silk pillowcase can keep your hair tangle free and silk is not as absorbent. Here are expert tips for selecting the right pillow to sleep peacefully.

Monsoon is almost here, so follow these monsoon haircare tips to protect your tresses.

Image source: Getty Images

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