The Perfect Nightly Haircare Routine: Wake Up to Beautiful, Healthy Hair
The Perfect Nightly Haircare Routine: Wake Up to Beautiful, Healthy Hair
I am sure, by the end of the day you just want to collapse into bed — but if you’re serious about keeping your hair strong, shiny, and effortlessly beautiful, a little nightly care goes a very long way.
Think of it like brushing your teeth: small, regular habits prevent bigger problems later on (split ends, dryness, breakage — no thank you!).
So, let’s talk about the perfect nightly haircare routine — designed especially for our UK climate, where central heating, dampness, and chilly winds can really test your hair’s resilience.
Step 1: Gently Detangle Before Bed
First things first — always brush your hair before bed, but be kind about it.
Use a
wide-tooth comb or a
detangling brush (like a Tangle Teezer) and start at the ends, working your way up.
This prevents unnecessary tugging and breakage, and it also distributes your scalp's natural oils down the hair shaft, helping to hydrate your hair naturally overnight.
Pro Tip: If you have curls or textured hair, finger detangling might be your gentlest option!
Step 2: Apply a Nourishing Leave-In Treatment
Overnight is the perfect time to let a product work its magic.
Use a lightweight
leave-in conditioner, a few drops of
argan oil, or a specific
overnight treatment like
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum if you’re feeling fancy.
Focus mainly on your mid-lengths and ends — this is where most of us see dryness and damage.
Bonus: If you're growing your hair or heat-style regularly, an overnight bond-repairing treatment (like Olaplex No.8) can be a game-changer.
Step 3: Choose the Right Hairstyle for Sleeping
Leaving your hair completely loose at night can actually cause friction and breakage as you toss and turn.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Loose plaits (braids): Ideal for most hair types. Keeps it protected and gives you soft waves by morning.
- Low ponytail: Very loose, using a silk scrunchie to avoid tension or dents.
- Pineapple updo: For curly girls, gently gather curls at the crown with a loose silk scrunchie to protect your curl pattern.
Whatever you do, avoid tight styles — they can cause tension and even lead to hair thinning over time.
Step 4: Sleep on Silk (Seriously!)
If you’re ready to level up, invest in a silk or satin
pillowcase.
Cotton pillowcases can rough up the hair cuticle, leading to frizz and dryness. Silk allows your hair to glide smoothly while you sleep, helping it stay moisturised and reducing tangles.
Tip: A silk bonnet is another brilliant alternative — especially if you’re really serious about protecting a blow-dry or defined curls overnight.
Step 5: Refresh Your Scalp (Optional but Gold)
If you're struggling with an itchy, dry scalp (especially during the colder months), a light scalp serum can work wonders.
Something like
The Inkey List’s Salicylic Acid Scalp Treatment is brilliant for keeping your scalp healthy without making your roots greasy.
Apply sparingly and massage in for a few seconds before bed — it’ll feel like a mini spa treatment for your scalp.
Final Thought: Consistency is Key
You don’t have to go "full spa experience" every night — even just brushing gently and tying your hair loosely can make a real difference.
But if you stick to this simple routine most nights, you’ll notice:
- Softer, shinier hair
- Fewer split ends
- Less morning frizz
- Stronger, healthier growth over time
A few minutes of care before bed = waking up closer to your dream hair.
(And honestly, isn’t that worth it?)
