Can I sleep with a natural hair wig? 5 helpful tips to help you maintain your wig while you sleep
There are several reasons that might make you want to sleep with your natural hair wig. You might have had a long and exhausting day, or you could be feeling worn out. Perhaps you have guests at your house, or you are a guest somewhere, and you don't have a proper stand for your wig.
So, taking it off before sleeping can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you're with a friend, partner, or a family member. But dear, you should know that if you're using a natural hair wig, you need to change some of your bedtime routines and add a few new steps to your daily routine.
So, the answer to the question that just crossed your mind:
Can I sleep in a natural hair wig?
Certainly not!
Although it may be incredibly tempting to sleep without the hassle of removing it after a long and tiring day, it's strongly not recommended. Sleeping in it will likely leave you waking up with a wig full of tangles and knots, making it harder to style the next day.
This happens because the friction between the wig and the pillow can cause the hair to tangle. So, sleeping in a natural hair wig can significantly decrease its lifespan. Hence, this leads to the second question:
Why shouldn't I sleep in a wig?
Wearing a wig while sleeping leads to:
1. Scalp Irritation
Sleeping in a wig can cause the accumulation of oils and sweat under it, leading to scalp irritation. This means you'll have to wash the wig more frequently, which will decrease its lifespan.
Sleeping in a wig can cause the accumulation of oils and sweat under it, leading to scalp irritation. This means you'll have to wash the wig more frequently, which will decrease its lifespan.
2. Tossing and turning throughout the night will lead to friction, tangling, and damage to your natural hair wig.
While you toss and turn on your pillow, your wig's hair will rub against it, causing wear and tear. This wear and tear will result in significant damage to the wig's hair that cannot be repaired over time. Additionally, it will lead to significant tangling of the wig's hair.
Even those who don't toss and turn during sleep and can wake up in the same position they fell asleep in will likely notice tangling in the wig after sleeping.
However, there might be times when you have no choice but to sleep without removing it. While we never recommend this as a daily practice, if you find yourself in this situation, it's essential to follow some necessary tips to protect your wig from damage and minimize any potential harm to it.
5 Essential Tips for Protecting Your Natural Hair Wig While Sleeping
1. Purchase a Wig Specifically Designed for Sleep
Do you always sleep with a wig and find it challenging to take it off before bedtime? If your answer is yes, then you should consider getting a wig designed explicitly for nighttime wear, commonly known as a "sleep wig.
Investing in a wig for nightly use is a wise choice. Having a wig designated for sleep helps preserve the wig you wear daily, keeping it safe from frizz and tangling. This way, you can maintain its quality for a more extended period, ultimately extending its lifespan.
What are the advantages of a sleep wig?
- The inner lining of a sleep wig is made from soft bamboo material, providing warmth and comfort throughout the night.
- The wig's hair is incredibly soft, which means it won't tangle during the night, and it won't have any morning bedhead issues. This makes you ready to start your day with confidence.
- It's a more abbreviated style, preventing you from overheating during the night. This also prevents the buildup of sweat and oils on your scalp and natural hair since you can easily move the hair away from your face and neck.
- Sleep wigs are available in various natural hair colors, offering you multiple choices.
- They come in short and practical styles, as longer styles are more likely to become tangled.
2. Wrap Your Wig in a Silk Scarf or Bonnet:
Whether your wig is made of natural or synthetic hair, it is prone to damage during sleep due to excessive friction, as we discussed earlier. This friction can lead to hair breakage, deterioration, hair loss over time, as well as tangling and dryness.
To protect your wig from this friction, lay the hair flat on your head, use hairpins to secure it in place, and then wrap your head with a silk or satin scarf. This will keep the hair in place and shield it from friction.
Wrapping your wig in a silk scarf before bedtime also helps to secure it, preventing tangling resulting from friction and minimizing damage.
3. Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase Cover
Silk pillowcase covers have become extremely popular because they help maintain the healthy appearance of natural hair, and the same holds true for natural hair wigs. The smooth surface of a silk pillowcase cover works wonders for your wig.
So, consider investing in a silk or satin pillowcase cover. If your scarf slips off during the night, the wig will remain protected from friction and tangling.
If you use a silk or satin pillowcase cover during sleep, you may not need to wear a scarf on your head.
4. Carefully Comb Your Wig in the Morning
Before starting your day, take out the comb specifically designed for your wig. Gently comb through your wig to remove any tangles and knots. It's best to place the wig on a designated stand and start combing. If you encounter areas with tangled hair, use a bit of water and conditioner. Let it sit on the hair for a few minutes and then comb through it again gently.
5. Braid it
If your wig's hair is long, try putting it into a loose braid to prevent tangling. This method is an excellent way to maintain hair consistency and keep it in good condition without tangling.
In summary:
After learning about the potential damage that can occur when sleeping in a wig, and despite the precautions we've discussed to protect your wig while sleeping through the mentioned tips, it's advisable not to sleep in a wig too frequently. Regardless of the preventive steps you take, continuous sleeping in a wig will inevitably shorten its lifespan and lead to faster deterioration than necessary.