Easy Fixes to Get Rid of Bedhead

Hollie Shirley / Hair & Skincare Editor

Most of us have at some time or another, woken up with what can only be described as a ‘mess’ on top our heads.

You know the feeling, your hair is sticking out in all directions, frizzy and unruly. It’s especially frustrating if you have just washed and styled your hair the night before. Bedhead is most common in those who wash their hair at night in an attempt to save time in the morning, but it happens to all of us, especially if we move around a lot at night – you’ll toss and turn several times and your hair follows the pressure in which it is being pushed at. The angle in which your hair is being pushed is highly likely to be the way in which it looks when you awake in the morning.

Fortunately, you don’t need to completely restyle your hair every morning, there are some tips to help to prevent bedhead and how to quickly fix it.

woman-holding-her-messy-brown-hair

Switch to silk bedding

Silk bedding, especially pillowcases are a great first step to preventing bedhead in the first place. Silk won’t absorb the oils in your hair, keeping it moisturised, and it won’t snag or pull at your hair, reducing the risk of bedhead while you sleep. If you want extra protection for your curls or want to preserve a blowout, investing in a silk hair wrap will help keep your style in place overnight without needing to use pins or hair ties.

Protective and Preventative Styles

If you are a regular straightener, you may find straightening your hair before bed reduces the amount you need to do in the morning, especially if you are wrapping your hair before hitting the pillow or sleeping on a silk pillowcase. Similarly, try an overnight hairstyle such as braids, twists or these styles from our blog, they will help to keep your hair in place overnight.

Ensure your hair is fully dry

Wet hair is the main culprit of bedhead. Your hair is most vulnerable to breakage and split ends when it’s wet. Because of this, going to bed with damp hair puts it at great risk of breaking and splitting as you toss and turn at night. That is why it is important that you dry your hair (air or blow dry it) before you go to sleep. By drying your hair before going to bed you will save time in the morning and reduce bedhead overnight. If you have no time to completely blow dry or air dry, you can wrap your hair in a microfibre towel or T-shirt overnight as the fibre is much less abrasive.

Brush your hair before bed

It’s important to detangle your hair before bed as it is crucial in preventing bed head. Brushing your hair also helps to hydrate your hair too, by distributing the oils from the root to tip, keeping it more healthy. Additionally, if you have used products on your hair during the day, this will help to break down the products used on your scalp and your hair strands so built up won’t occur.

woman-brushing-blonde-hair-in-mirror

Keep your hair moisturised

If you are suffering from bedhead regularly, it could be down to how dry your hair is. using a leave-in overnight treatment can help keep this in check. Utilising a leave-in conditioner before bed allows the moisturiser to penetrate into your hair longer, which in turn leaves your hair hydrated and smooth in the morning. use your favourite overnight mask and wash off in the morning. Alternatively, you can also use coconut oil, argan oil and olive oil – just ensure your bedding is protected by using a shower cap overnight.

Fixing Bedhead

If you wake up with bedhead, don’t panic. there are some simple tips you can use to fix the situation without washing your hair all over again.

  • If you have an unruly fringe, blow-dry your fringe into place with a small round brush and set it in place with hair spray. tie the rest of your hair back to disguise the rest.
  • if you are wanting to wear your hair down but don’t want to restyle all your hair, section off the crown of your hair and blow-dry it downwards – touch up with your straighteners if needed. There’s no need to touch the bottom half of your hair.
  • Use styling products like argan oil and pomade to smooth any areas that are trying to go their own way.
  • Embrace that you might not be able to get your hair into the style you wanted today and tie it up. for example, my front sections of hair tend to do their own thing regularly, so on days where I have no time to deal with the straighteners, I will rope braid the front section of my hair out of my face and tie it up.
  • For short hair, splash a handful of water onto your hair, towel dry, and add styling products to keep it in place.
  • Try to avoid completely washing your hair more than three times a week, as every time you do you are removing the natural oils from your hair, meaning it will be drier, and more prone to bed head. When you do, make sure to follow up with a leave-in moisturising treatment.
  • Switch your towel to a microfibre one instead of using a cotton one. This will cut frizz down as the fabric is smoother and flatter.

 

Hollie Shirley
Hair & Skincare Editor

Hollie Shirley is SILKUP’s hair and skincare editor. She’s obsessed with all things hair care and results-driven skincare, that is kind to the environment and your wallet. She has a weakness for limited edition eyeshadows and is always testing out the newest and greatest deep conditioners. Hollie has a passion for hair and is studying Trichology, working towards becoming a Member of the Association of Registered Trichologists.