After a long day, it’s very tempting to pass out on the bed without giving much attention to your hair, but this is not good.
Therefore, to ensure your hair is not damaged at night, here are some easy protective hairstyles for sleeping:
1. Space Buns

Popularized by Star Wars in the late 70s, space buns are a great protective hairstyle for sleeping.
This style involves tying up 2 high buns on each side of the head.
It is a great way to tuck away your hair while in bed. For looser hair textures, you can wrap the buns in a circular motion to form curls by the time you wake up.
2. Loose Bun

With this simple protective style, all you need to do is tie up your hair and wrap it into a bun.
Make sure it is not too tight as it could make you uncomfortable while sleeping and may cause scalp damage.
This style keeps the hair off your face hence preventing products from transferring to the face.
3. Braided Bun

A braided bun is easy and quick and will most definitely get the job done. It’s a good one for those days you are completely worn out.
This simple style can be achieved both when you have braided hair or loose hair.
With loose hair, start by creating a regular ponytail then braid it and proceed to wrap it around.
4. Twisted Top Bun
This one has quite the procedure but it ties and keeps everything at bay for the night.
Here’s how to do a twisted top bun :
- Step 1: Hold your hair in a high ponytail
- Step 2: Split the ponytail into two sections and tie them into a knot
- Step 3: Tighten the knot then create a second one
- Step 4: With the remaining strands, wrap them around the knot and secure them with a hair tie
5. Classic Loose Plait
Don’t have the patience for an intricate style? Try the classic loose plait.
It’s good for your scalp as it does not apply too much tension.
Begin from the middle of the head with an easy braid downwards till you reach the end of the strands.
Just like in the video, if you have long and straight hair, you may have to secure the ends with a scrunchy to prevent it from unravelling.
6. French Braids

This one is easy to braid down and take out.
Aesthetically, it is pleasing so you can look good even when asleep. (Not that it’s very necessary but why not?)
A huge plus if you ask me. It takes 2 simple steps.
- Step 1: Part your hair into two halves on the left and right.
- Step 2: Braid down each section to resemble two cornrows.
That’s it!
7. Bantu Knots
This gem is a great style, especially for kinky hair types.
Bantu knots originated from southern Africa. This style has been used for centuries to embody beauty.
This cute hairstyle holds up throughout the night and gives glorious curls when taken out.
8. Large Twists
Trying to be more adventurous? Try large twists.
There are several options, you can do jumbo two or three-strand twists. Not only are they good looking, they are very simple to do.
They also last long and can be worn out during the day or taken out to give you juicy curls.
9. Overnight Rollers
This is a convenient hack to curl up your hair without using heat.
Dampen your hair with some mouse or crème and divide your hair into sections to which you install the rollers.
The rollers may be tricky to sleep with so after rolling your hair you can use a hair wrap, made of silk or satin to cushion your head.
10. Curl Ribbons
Curling ribbons are a great alternative to heat when it comes to giving your hair springy and bouncy curls.
Simply wrap your hair around the ribbon and go to bed. By dawn, you will have stunning curly strands.
11. Loose braids
This one takes quite a while to complete depending on the size of braids you choose to make.
The smaller you go the longer it takes but you are guaranteed hair protection and preservation of your hair follicles.
You can try them on those days when you’re energetic like the weekend and by the time you are done, you will be pleased with the results for sure.
12. Fishtail Braid
This style is quite intricate and is great for keeping your hair protected as you sleep. A fishtail braid can be done at the back or even at the side.
Fishtail braids may look intimidating to make but I can assure you anyone can do it. Here is a good video tutorial on how to do a fishtail braid.
In summary:
- Part your hair into two even sides, the right and the left.
- Take a small portion from the outer part of the right section.
- Pull the portion onto the left side and tuck it under the section on the left side and repeat the same with a portion from the left side.
- Keep alternating with that pattern till you complete the hair.
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There you go! In a nutshell, in this article we’ve covered the following easy protective hairstyles for sleeping:
- Space buns
- Loose bun
- Braided bun
- Twisted top bun
- Classic loose plait
- French braids
- Bantu Knots
- Large twists
- Overnight rollers
- Curl ribbons
- Loose braids
- Fishtail braid
Before you leave, which of these protective hairstyles is your fav? Let us know in the comments.