Sleeping with long hair offers some pretty particular challenges. Some people worry about being choked by their own hair, some simply can’t sleep with long hair, others wonder how to sleep with long hair and not get it tangled.
But don’t worry. There are definitely ways to sleep comfortably with long hair while protecting it from damage. Let’s have a look!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are so-called provision links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I can earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Long hair sleep bonnet
Probably the best-known way to take care of your hair while sleeping is the bonnet. So it’s not surprising that it also exists in a variant for very long hair. These bonnets are usually made from either silk or satin. Both fabrics reduce friction for your hair, which makes your hair tangle less and loose less moisture.
Some people don’t like the look, but if you can get over that, a long hair sleep bonnet might just be the best way to sleep with long hair for you.
You can get the bonnet from the picture here!*
How to put on a bonnet with long hair
So maybe you’ve gotten yourself a sleep bonnet for long hair already. But now you gotta know how to put long hair in a bonnet.
Honestly, the easiest way is to bend over and let your hair fall into the bonnet. Then slowly pull it up, “folding” your hair in.
Alternatively, you could make the overhead braid (see below), and drop that into the bonnet.
Related: How long is too long for hair? Here’s how to decide!
Slap
A “SLAP” or satin lined cap is a long hair sleep cap. For me personally, this is the easiest way to sleep comfortably with long hair. You simply put the SLAP on when going to bed and make sure that all your hair is in it.
For me, this long hair sleeping cap works quite well, and it comfortably fit all my hair. (You can read my full SLAP review here!)
Some people report issues with the rubber band of their sleep cap for long hair losing elasticity quickly, or not all of their hair fitting in.
If you’re wondering how to put long hair in a sleep cap – see above for the tips on how to put on a bonnet with long hair. The same principle applies!
You can order a SLAP here!*
Braiding long hair for sleep
If you are simply looking for some easy hairstyles for long hair to sleep in, and don’t want to spend too much time, braiding is your friend! Braids protect your hair from tangling while at the same time preventing you or your partner from lying on your hair. If you’ve ever experienced that, you know how painful that can be!
Depending on the position you usually sleep in, you’ll want to use one of the following sleep braid options.
Side braids
Side braids are a perfect sleeping hairstyle for your long hair if you sleep on your back. You can make one or two, just test out what works better. A single braid is less work, so that’s what I would choose.
The overhead braid
If you’re a side sleeper like me, side braids won’t work for you. But a normal 3-strand-braid doesn’t work too well either because it can get in the way when you’re moving around. The solution for this is to make an “overhead braid”.
Basically, you make a normal 3-strand-braid, but instead of braiding down on your back, you braid it overhead, away from your head. This does look a little weird when you stand up straight, but it’s the perfect long hair sleep braid!
Your hair points away from your body, so you definitely won’t lie on it!
Long hair sleep bun
Another way to tie long hair for sleep is to wear a simple sleep bun. The important thing is to make your bun right on top of your head so that it’s not in your way while sleeping.
My favorite long hair sleep bun is a variation of the hairstyle in the video below. For sleep, I make it on top of my head, as already mentioned. And, I don’t use a pencil but instead a smooth, and not too pointy hair stick, like this one.*
While you would have more hold with a hair fork, I find those too pointy and therefore slightly too dangerous for sleep.
Related: What is a hair stick & how to use it
Sleep rollers for long hair
Do you know what you could also do with your long hair? Sleep in rollers! This will both work to keep your hair from tangling and to give you some texture.
(Obviously, if you have curly hair already, this might not be the best option for you. Simply check out these tips on how to sleep with curls and not ruin them!)
Some rollers, like this one*, work even better on longer hair rather than on shorter locks.
Silk cloth
Lastly, you could also use silk cloth to wrap your long hair for sleep. This is a perfect option for anyone trying to straighten their hair without heat or keeping their hair sleek.
All of the tips above will also help you sleep with long hair extensions – same principles apply!
Did you like these long hair sleep ideas?
If you enjoyed these tips for long hair sleep styles, then please share this. And have a good night’s sleep!
*These links are so-called provision links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I can earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
