How to Prevent Damage from Tape Hair Extensions While Sleeping
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1. Brush Your Extensions Before Bed
Tangles and knots are the biggest enemies of tape hair extensions. Brushing your hair before bed helps to remove any product build-up and prevent tangling overnight.
How to brush correctly:
Use a soft-bristle brush or a loop brush (designed for extensions) to avoid pulling on the adhesive.
Start from the ends and work your way up to prevent putting stress on the bonds.
Be gentle! Tugging too hard can loosen the tapes.
2. Sleep With a Loose Braid or Ponytail
Leaving your hair loose while you sleep increases the chances of tangling and matting. A loose braid or low ponytail helps keep the extensions secure and reduces friction.
Best styles for sleeping:
- A loose side braid (helps prevent pressure on the adhesive).
- A low, loose ponytail (use a silk scrunchie to avoid tension).
- Two loose braids (if you want soft waves the next day).
Avoid tight hairstyles, as they can pull on the tape bonds and cause them to slip.
Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich
3. Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases create friction, which can cause hair to tangle and the tapes to loosen. A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction and helps your hair glide smoothly while you sleep.
Why silk or satin?
- Reduces static and frizz.
- Prevents dryness by retaining moisture.
- Less resistance = fewer tangles and less pulling on the tapes.
Investing in a good silk or satin pillowcase will make a noticeable difference in the longevity of your extensions.
4. Avoid Sleeping With Wet Hair
Sleeping with wet hair (extensions or not) is a recipe for tangling and damage. Water weakens the adhesive bonds and makes your extensions more prone to slipping.
What to do instead:
- If you wash your hair at night, make sure it’s fully dry before bed.
- Use a heat protectant if you need to blow-dry.
- Avoid excessive heat to protect both your natural hair and the extensions.
5. Protect With a Silk Scarf
If you tend to toss and turn at night, wrapping your hair in a silk scarf or sleeping with a silk cap (not the height of attractiveness, we know) can provide an extra layer of protection.
How to wrap your hair:
- Gently gather your hair into a loose bun or braid.
- Wrap a silk scarf around your head and secure with a knot at the top.
- This keeps your extensions from rubbing against your pillowcase and getting tangled.
6. Use a Lightweight Hair Oil Before Bed
Dry ends can lead to tangling and split ends, so a few drops of lightweight hair oil before bed can help keep your extensions soft and manageable.
Best oils for hair extensions:
- Argan oil
- Jojoba oil
- Coconut oil (only a tiny amount, too much can make the tapes slip)
Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, avoid the adhesive bonds, as oil can weaken them.
7. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Even with the best care, tape hair extensions need regular maintenance to stay in place and looking their best. Aim to visit your hairstylist every 6–8 weeks for a touch-up or reapplication.
Signs it’s time for maintenance:
- Slipping or exposed tapes
- Tangling at the roots
- Matted or dull-looking extensions
Caring for tape hair extensions while you sleep doesn’t have to be complicated. If you brush your hair before bed, whip it into a braid or ponytail, and use a silk pillowcase, you can significantly extend the life of your extensions. A little bit of night time TLC goes a long way in keeping your hair looking fresh, full, and healthy!
For better hair days (and nights), try these tips tonight and wake up with great hair.