We all need our beauty sleep—and extensions won’t stop that

We all need our beauty sleep, but if you’re rocking hair extensions, bedtime might feel like a tightrope walk between staying cute and waking up to a tangled mess. The questions start swirling: Will they tangle? Slip out? Will you wake up looking like a hot mess instead of a hair goddess?

But let’s get one thing straight. Your extensions should *never* come between you and a good night’s sleep. In fact, with the right bedtime routine, you can hit the sheets knowing you’ll wake up looking as flawless as when you went to bed. Whether you’re a side sleeper, stomach snoozer, or starfish sprawler, there’s a way to make your extensions work with your sleep style, not against it.

So, if you’re ready to become the queen of how to sleep with hair extensions without sacrificing comfort or style, you’re in the right place. We’ve got the inside scoop on keeping your locks in place, your mornings stress-free, and your hair looking salon-fresh—even after a night of tossing and turning. Ready to turn your beauty sleep into a true glow-up? Keep reading, because dreamy hair is just a few easy steps away.

 

Why prepping your hair before bed is a must

Alright, babes, let’s talk about why a little bedtime hair prep is absolutely essential—especially when you’re rocking extensions. We all know how important our beauty sleep is, but what you might not realize is how those precious hours can make or break your hair game.

Here’s the deal—when you sleep, your hair is at its most vulnerable. You’re tossing, turning, and creating all sorts of friction against your pillowcase. Without proper care, that can lead to tangling, matting, and even breakage—not exactly the look we’re going for! Now, throw hair extensions into the mix, and things get even trickier. Extensions are a fabulous way to add length, volume, and that extra oomph to your look, but they also require a bit more TLC to keep them looking their best.

Neglecting to prep your extensions before bed can result in some serious morning hair drama. We’re talking knots that are a nightmare to detangle, frizz that’s impossible to tame, and worst of all, potential damage to both your extensions and your natural hair. And let’s be real—no one wants to wake up looking like they’ve been through a windstorm.

But here’s the good news—with just a few simple steps, you can protect your extensions, keep them looking flawless, and ensure you wake up feeling as fabulous as you did when you went to bed. Whether you’re a seasoned extension-wearer or new to the game, prepping your hair before you sleep is non-negotiable. It’s the ticket to maintaining those advert-ready locks and making sure you get the most out of your extensions.

So, why is it so important? Because your hair deserves to be as pampered at night as it is during the day. By taking just a few minutes to prep before bed, you’re not only preserving the life of your extensions but also ensuring that your morning routine is as stress-free as possible. Think of it as an investment in your beauty sleep—because when you wake up with stunning, tangle-free hair, you’ll be feeling good all day long. 

 

The pre-bedtime prep

Before you dive into dreamland, it’s all about the prep. Trust us, a little effort before bed goes a long way in keeping your extensions looking flawless. Think of it as giving your hair a little TLC to make sure you wake up looking like a queen, not a tangled disaster. 

 

Step 1: Dry your hair, please!

This one's a non-negotiable, girl. Sleeping with wet hair is a big no-no, especially when you’re wearing extensions. Wet hair is more prone to tangling and breakage, and if your extensions are damp, they can lose their shape, weaken the bonds, or even damage your natural hair. So, before you even think about crawling into bed, make sure your hair is fully dry. If you’ve washed your hair before bed, gently towel-dry it with a microfiber towel to avoid friction, then either air dry or blow-dry your extensions until they’re completely moisture-free.

 

Step 2: Detangle, detangle, detangle

Don’t skip this step! Before bed, take a moment to gently brush through your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for extensions to avoid unnecessary pulling or breakage. Detangling your hair ensures that it’s smooth and ready for whatever sleep-friendly style you choose next. Trust us, this step is a game-changer when it comes to waking up with tangle-free hair.

 

Step 3: Braid it up, babe

Now that your hair is dry and detangled, it’s time to secure it in a way that’ll keep it protected overnight. A loose braid is a go-to option—it keeps your hair contained, prevents tangles, and even gives you beautiful waves by morning. If braids aren’t your thing, a low, loose ponytail or bun works wonders too. Just remember to use a soft scrunchie or fabric hair tie to avoid any unnecessary tension or breakage.

 

Step 4: Silk or satin pillowcases are a must 

Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase isn’t just a luxurious treat—it’s also a lifesaver for your hair. These materials create less friction than cotton, meaning less frizz, fewer tangles, and a much smoother result when you wake up. Plus, silk pillowcases are great for your skin, so it’s a win-win situation all around!

Remember, babe, the goal here is to make your extensions work for you, not the other way around. With these simple pre-bedtime steps, you’ll wake up with your hair just as stunning as when you first styled it.

 

Overnight essentials—your extension survival kit 

So, you’ve prepped your hair like a haircare queen and are ready to dive into your slumber. But what happens during those precious hours of sleep? It’s all about maintaining that protection throughout the night. Here’s where your overnight essentials come into play—the tools and products that’ll make sure your extensions stay looking fly until morning.

 

Silk bonnets and scarves

Like a princess, we’re all about that silk life, girlie. Wrapping your hair in a silk bonnet or scarf is one of the best ways to keep your extensions protected while you sleep. Not only does silk reduce friction (a major cause of tangles and frizz), but it also helps your hair retain moisture, leaving your extensions soft and sleek. If you’re not into the bonnet look, a silk or satin scarf works just as well. Simply wrap it around your head, covering your hair, and secure it before you hit the pillow. Your hair will thank you in the morning.

 

Sleep with a loose braid or ponytail

We mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating—keeping your hair secured in a loose braid, ponytail, or bun is essential for protecting your extensions overnight. This simple step prevents your hair from getting tangled as you toss and turn in your sleep. Just be sure to avoid anything too tight; a loose style will protect your extensions without causing unnecessary stress on the bonds or your natural hair.

 

Hydration is key—leave-in conditioners and serums

Just because you’re sleeping doesn’t mean your hair care routine takes a break. Before you wrap up your hair for the night, consider applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner or serum to keep your extensions hydrated. These products help maintain the softness and shine of your hair, ensuring you wake up with a head full of silky, touchable locks. Look for products that are specifically designed for extensions, as they’re formulated to lock in moisture and repair those strands.  

 

Use a silk pillowcase (yes, again!)

We’ve already sung the praises of silk pillowcases, but it is a MUST in every clean-girl household. If you don’t want to wrap your hair every night, investing in a silk or satin pillowcase is the next best thing. These materials are gentle on your hair, reducing the risk of breakage, tangles, and frizz while you sleep. Plus, they feel amazing on your skin, making bedtime that much more luxurious.

 

Wake up fabulous with a little nighttime TLC

And there you have it—not as bad as you thought, right? With these nighttime tips, you can keep your extensions sleek, shiny, and ready to make a statement every morning. Just think of your bedtime routine as your secret beauty weapon. It’s all about giving your extensions the care they deserve so you can strut out of bed looking like you’ve just stepped out of a salon. From the silky smoothness of a silk pillowcase to the gentle magic of a loose braid, these steps are your ticket to hair that’s as fabby as you. 

Just remember as you wind down for the night—a little extra love for your locks goes a long way. Treat your extensions to a bit of nighttime lovin’ and you’ll be greeted by flawless hair that’s ready to conquer the day. Sleep like a queen, wake up like a star—that’s the Lauren Ashtyn way!