How to Sleep Comfortably with Your Box Braids

Box braids are a popular hairstyle that many people enjoy wearing. However, keeping them in good condition can be challenging, especially when it comes to sleeping with them. In this article, we’ll discuss tips and tricks on how to sleep with box braids to protect them and extend their lifespan.

5 Ways to Sleep with Box Braids at Night

Sleeping with box braids, especially after a fresh installation can be a struggle, and mess up with sleeping habits. Incorporating a nighttime care routine should also be an essential part of sleeping with box braids, care tips such as:

Hydrating your hair before bed is an important part of maintaining healthy box braids. Apply a leave-in conditioner or light oil to your hair, being sure to focus on the ends of your braids, where the most damage tends to occur. This will help to keep your hair moisturized and prevent breakage and tangling while you sleep.

Wash your braids frequently to eliminate dirt, oils, product buildup, and oil accumulation. A protective hairstyle doesn’t mean zero care routine, in short, it can be damaging to your hair without adequate maintenance 

Difficulty sleeping with box braids, Here are a couple of ideas to try out:

1. Protect your Braids with a Pillowcase

Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can cause friction between the braids and the pillow, leading to frizz and tangles. To avoid this, use a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase. These materials are smoother and less likely to cause friction, helping to protect your braids as you sleep. Simply put your hair in a loose ponytail or bun and go off to bed.

2. Wrap your Braids with a Silk or Satin Scarf

Covering your braids up in a silk or satin scarf is another way to sleep comfortably while maintaining the longevity of the box braids. Make sure to wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf before going to bed.

This can be accomplished by folding the scarf into a triangle and placing it gently at the forehead area with the ends dangling at the side of the face. At the nape of the neck, take the ends and tie them off in a delicate knot, lifting the braids as a result.

The scarf can also be worn around your shoulders, one side being longer than the other. Take the scarf’s short end and encircle your strands’ middle lengths. After that, knot the scarf. Take the long scarf portion that is still hanging, and wrap it around your braids until you get to the ends.

Your braids’ ends should be tied off with the scarf.

3. Sleep in a Loose Ponytail or Braid

Sleeping with a loose ponytail or braid is another way to keep your box braids protected while you’re fast asleep. This will lessen the possibility of knots and frizz and keep the braids in place. Make sure the braid or ponytail is not too tight since this can push on your hair and harm your braids.

It is advisable to use a silk or satin scrunchie rather than a metal one because metal hair accessories run the risk of damaging braided hair and changing the way they look.

4. Use a Satin or Silk Bonnet or Hair Cap

A satin or silk bonnet or hair cap can also be useful for protecting your box braids while you sleep. These materials will help reduce friction between your hair and your pillow, keeping your braids smooth and tangle-free.

Using your hands, divide your hair into two equal portions down the middle. Cross the first section of your hair over your head in the back. Hold the section’s end against your forehead next. Keep it in place, grab the second section of braids, and cross it over the first section at the back of the head.

Put a hair tie at both sections’ ends to secure them, then cover your head with a bonnet or a scarf.

5. The Top Bun Method for Longer Length

The battle is significant for braids that are longer. This top-bun technique is effective and is best suited for people with long braids.

At the top and back of your head, divide your hair into two portions to do this. To create a loose bun, gather the top piece of your hair between both of your hands and start to twist and wrap it around itself.

The hair tie holds the bun in place. If the braids at the roots of your hair are feeling tight, simply draw them down to release the strain. At the back of the head, divide the remaining braids into two equal portions and cross them over one another, bringing them over to the front of the bun and securing the ends with the hair tie. Afterward, cover your head with a bonnet or wrap it with a scarf.