Do you take care of your hair during the day but just leave it open at night? Then this post is just for you! At night, the epithelial layer of your hair gets into action. So, the right hair care at night not only prevents your hair from being damaged but also helps to promote hair growth.
Should you tie your hair at night? This is a commonly asked question. However, there is no universal answer to this, and you need to consider your hair type and length. So, if you have short hair, it is better to sleep with open hair. This allows air circulation in the hair and scalp and lets you rest comfortably. Sleeping with your hair down saves it from breakage and helps to avoid hair frizziness. But if you have long hair, Ayurveda suggests keeping your locks tied to prevent tangled hair that can damage the hair shaft.
Haircare tips during sleep time:
Avoid sleeping with wet hair
Damp hair weakens the hair roots and enables hair to break easily. So avoid washing your hair at night. But, if you need to wash it, ensure you have dried it well before bedtime.
Brush your hair
Haircare experts at Vedix suggest brushing your hair well before going to sleep. While brushing your hair, start from the roots and slowly comb down to detangle the hair. A wide-toothed neem wood brush is recommended to brush the hair at night.
Massage
Massage your scalp and hair with warm Ayurvedic oil. This will improve blood circulation, strengthen the root and tips, and balance your elevated doshas. You can do this 2-3 times a week.
Serum treatments
Bedtime is the best time to nourish your hair naturally. For a natural serum treatment, use plain aloe vera gel and apply it to your hair before bedtime. Avoid silicone-based serums that build up in your scalp over time.
Go easy on hair
Avoid tight hairstyles while sleeping. Also, remove all hair clips and other hair accessories before hitting the bed. All these can save your hair from vigorous friction that can create hair loss and alopecia in the long run.
Tie your hair right
If you have long hair, tying a loose braid around the nape of your neck is a good way to sleep without damaging the hair. If you have straight hair, sleeping with a braid can give you nice natural curls in the morning. However, avoid tying your hair too tightly, or it may damage the hair roots. Prolonged hair root damage can lead to traction alopecia. Instead, try tying your hair loosely in a ponytail or braid that doesn’t damage it.
Wear a sleep cap
Wearing a sleep cap is also a great idea to keep your curls safe. A silk or satin hair cap prevents friction with the pillow and keeps the curls damage-free.
Opt for a good pillowcase
Check your pillowcase and avoid ones that are too harsh on your hair. Cotton pillowcases absorb hair moisture, leaving hair frizzy and prone to damage. You can consider using a silk or satin fabric pillowcase that is more gentle with your hair.
While it is important to take care of your hair during the day, it is equally important to care for your hair at night. To ensure the health of your hair, Ayurveda also recommends practicing a good sleep routine, eating well, and staying hydrated to balance all your doshas.
If you are looking for customized Ayurvedic hair care products, explore a customized Ayurveda hair care regimen that helps you in picking the right product by analyzing your hair type, doshas and tailor-make products for you.
(The author is Dr. Sridevi Gaddam, Lead Formulator at Vedix)