Beauty sleep is real… but your hair needs a nighttime routine too. After a long day, there’s nothing more tempting than diving straight into bed, burrito-wrapping yourself in the duvet, and calling it a night. But before you drift off into dreamland, there’s one important thing you shouldn’t ghost: your hair.
Just like your skin thrives on a nighttime routine, your mane, especially if you wear human hair extensions – needs a little after-hours TLC too. A proper nighttime hair care routine helps you wake up with smoother, shinier, healthier-looking hair (and fewer knots that feel like personal attacks).
Whether you’re rocking your natural hair, clip in hair extensions, or permanent hair extensions, this guide will walk you through the ultimate prep-protect-rehydrate routine to keep your tresses looking flawless while you sleep. Ready? Let’s tuck your hair in properly.
The Ultimate Nighttime Hair Routine: Prep, Protect, Rehydrate
Think of your nighttime hair routine as a three-step ritual. Simple, effective, and totally worth the effort.
1. Prep Your Hair for Bedtime
Rule number one: never go to bed with tangled hair. Ever. Knots can turn into breakage and matting overnight, especially if you’re wearing permanent hair extensions like tapes or bonds.
Before your head hits the pillow:
- Gently detangle your hair using a proper hair extensions brush
- Work in sections so no strand gets left behind
- Start from the ends and slowly move upward (your extensions will thank you)
Adding a light spritz of a moisturising hair mist can make detangling easier and reduce friction, particularly helpful for Remy hair extensions, which deserve gentle handling to preserve their cuticle alignment.
2. Protect Your Hair While You Sleep
Once detangled, it’s time to lock everything in place. Sleeping with loose hair can cause friction, tangling, and unnecessary stress on your extensions. The solution? Protective hairstyles.
Some easy, extension-friendly options include:
-
Single or Double Plaits
Simple, effective, and bonus: you’ll wake up with soft waves. Tight braid = tighter wave. -
Low Bun
Perfect if braiding isn’t your strong suit. Keep it loose at the nape of your neck to avoid tension. -
Low Ponytail
Add extra hair ties down the length to secure your strands from root to tip.
To take protection to the next level, switch to silk or satin pillowcases, scrunchies, or a bonnet. Less friction = less breakage = happier hair.
3. Rehydrate Like a Pro
Hydration is the secret sauce to healthy hair, but it’s especially important for hair extensions, which don’t receive natural oils from your scalp. That’s why moisturising products should be non-negotiable in your routine.
Shampoo & Conditioner for Hair Extensions
Using the wrong products can dry out your extensions faster than you can say “split ends.” Opt for sulphate-free, nourishing formulas designed for extensions.
A deeply hydrating shampoo cleanses without stripping, while a lightweight conditioner makes detangling easier and keeps both your natural hair and permanent hair extensions soft and manageable.
The Best Brush for Hair Extensions
Brushing hair extensions isn’t a one-brush-fits-all situation. That’s why using a brush designed specifically for human hair extensions makes all the difference.
The Wet One is designed to glide through knots without tugging on bonds or clips. It’s gentle, effective, and even safe to use in the shower – making it a staple for both your wash day and nighttime routine.
Weekly Deep Conditioning Mask
If your hair (or extensions) has been through it – bleach, dye, heat, repeat – a weekly deep conditioning mask is essential.
Rich ingredients like avocado oil, coconut oil, honey and botanical extracts penetrate the hair fibre, restoring softness, shine and elasticity. It’s the ultimate reset button for dry or damaged human hair extensions.
Nighttime Routine for Clip In Hair Extensions
Important reminder: never sleep in clip-in hair extensions.
Here’s how to care for them properly at night:
- Gently remove each weft
- Detangle them individually using a hair extensions brush
- Lightly mist with a moisturising spray
- Store them in a protective bag or box, away from sunlight and humidity
Unlike permanent methods, clip in extensions don’t need frequent washing, but when they do, using extension-safe products will keep them looking fresh and silky for longer.
Extra Tips for Healthy Hair & Extensions Overnight
Want to make sure your routine is truly working? Keep these tips in mind:
- Use only sulphate-free leave-ins, oils and treatments
- Stay consistent – results don’t happen overnight
- Invest in silk accessories wherever possible
- Use high-quality tools designed for Remy hair extensions
- If you wear permanent hair extensions, be extra gentle to protect bonds and prevent matting during sleep
Conclusion:
A solid nighttime hair routine is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your hair and hair extensions – and to wake up feeling effortlessly put together. Prep it. Protect it. Hydrate it. Your hair (and future you) will be very grateful. Now that you’ve nailed the routine, explore the right hair care products and accessories, experiment with protective styles, and give your gorgeous tresses the beauty sleep they deserve.