While everyone should take the greatest care to maintain their hair, those who have grey hair in particular should do so. You see, grey hair is more sensitive to injury, dryness, and discolouration than hair with full pigmentation. Right before bed and throughout your sleep is one of the most important times to give your hair the attention it needs. But many of us do grave errors every night that can harm our grey hair. In order to help you avoid them and wake up with happy, healthy tresses, dermatologists and hair stylists break those down here.
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6 Ways You’re Ruining Your Gray Hair at Night
1. Sleeping with Wet Hair
To maintain the health of your grey hair, it’s essential to ensure it’s completely dry before bedtime, advises dermatologist Aanand Geria, MD. Wet hair is more susceptible to damage, as it’s in a weakened state and prone to tangling, breakage, and split ends. Sleeping on wet hair can exacerbate these issues, leading to scalp irritation, dandruff, and even hair loss in severe cases.
2. Pillowcase Material Matters
The choice of pillowcase material can significantly impact the condition of your grey hair. Fabrics like cotton, linen, and polyester blends can create friction with your hair, causing breakage, particularly for fine strands, explains Geria. Opting for a smooth, soft fabric such as silk or satin can minimize friction, reduce tangling, and keep your hair smoother and less prone to damage. Additionally, silk and satin pillowcases help retain moisture in your hair, promoting overall hair health.
3. Pillowcase Color Consideration
Surprisingly, the color of your pillowcase can also affect your gray hair. Natural hair stylist Darrius Peace recommends using white or light-colored pillowcases, as gray hair can be sensitive to dyes in fabric. Darker pillowcases could potentially stain your hair, affecting its appearance negatively.
4. Gentle Hair Accessories
Avoid using damaging hair ties, advises Geria. Rubber hair ties and those with metal parts can snag and damage gray hair. Instead, opt for gentle alternatives like fabric or silicone hair ties without metal parts. Silk scrunchies are an excellent choice as they are soft and gentle on the hair, minimizing the risk of breakage.
5. Avoid Tight Hairstyles
Tight ponytails and braids can cause tension and pulling on the hair, leading to breakage and damage to the hair follicles, warns dermatologist Kristina Baumann. Opt for looser hairstyles secured with soft scrunchies or hair ties to prevent damage while keeping your hair out of your face. Consider using a silk or satin hair cap to further protect your hair while you sleep.
6. Prioritize Hair Care Products
Nourish your hair before bedtime by applying leave-in conditioner or hair oil to the ends, suggests Geria. This helps prevent dryness and breakage, especially important for gray hair prone to damage. Additionally, consider using overnight hair masks or scalp treatments occasionally to deeply hydrate your hair and scalp, promoting healthier and more lustrous gray hair.
