Does sleeping with hair extensions hurt?
If your hair extensions are bothering you while sleeping, then here are a few ways to fix it.
I’ll cover what to do if it’s been hurting and talk about all the possible problems.
I’ll also give you some tips to take care of your extensions so that it doesn’t hurt you when sleeping.
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Can you sleep with hair extensions in?
If they are clip-in hair extensions, then I suggest taking them off before sleeping.
However, if you have permanent types of hair extensions like tape-ins, hand-tied wefts, fusions, etc, then you have to wear them for a few months.
So you can and have to sleep with permanent hair extensions. They’re permanent and there’s no way around it.
Why do my hair extensions hurt? Check to see if everything is normal first
If it is hurting, you want to first evaluate the reason for it hurting while you sleep.
However, please know that having fresh hair extensions always cause some amount of discomfort.
If you are very sensitive to pain, then your scalp might hurt for a few days.
Most people feel like their hair has been tied very tightly and they feel a pulling sensation.
This is normal because your scalp needs some time to get used to the hair extensions and the added weight.
This will go away in a few days.
However, if the pain and discomfort don’t go away in 4 days, then please evaluate your hair extensions and check for the following problems:
1. There is a buildup in your scalp
If you have noticed that the irritation has started after some time of having the extensions in, then there is a chance that there is a product build-up in your scalp.
Please wash your hair and make sure that there is no residual shampoo or conditioner.
Wash it thoroughly to remove all the leftover product in your hair.
Ensure that you are using a shampoo and conditioner that is suitable for extensions.
2. You are allergic
Some people are genuinely allergic to hair extensions.
Please get this checked.
You could be allergic to the glue that is used to fix the extensions to your hair. Or you may be allergic to the metal of micro rings in the extensions.
This is however very, very rare.
3. Hair extensions are too tight
If after a few days of getting extensions, your head still hurts, then there is a chance that the hair extensions may have been fitted in too tightly or it was bonded to your hair too close to the scalp.
This will cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
If the pain is not going away or becoming better in 3-4 days, then please go to a hair stylist and get this sorted out quickly.
4. Hair extensions are too heavy
We all have different hair textures and different types of hair.
If your hair is very fine (thin strands) and they’ve attached thick strands of hair extensions, your scalp might take longer to adjust to the hair extensions.
You may need to go back to your hair fitter/hair stylist and get this rectified.
How to ensure that your hair extensions don’t hurt while sleeping? – 7 easy tips
If you are sure that none of the above problems apply to you, then read further.
1. Wash your hair carefully and regularly
You have to be very gentle with your hair because you have hair extensions in.
Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner and wash your hair preferably in the morning so that it dries before you sleep.
Make sure that you rinse out all the product before you leave the shower.
Condition well at least once a week.
Your hair shouldn’t be too dry and needs to be hydrated and moisturized in order to remain healthy and not cause any problems.
2. Air-dry your hair
If you are washing your hair, please ensure that you do it in the morning. This will give it sufficient time for it to dry.
I would suggest not blow drying your hair and limiting blowdrying because this can lead to breakage.
It could also irritate your scalp.
If at all you are in a rush and you need to blow dry your hair with extensions in, please use a heat protectant spray or put the hairdryer on the cool setting.
If both of those options aren’t viable, then keep the blow dryer at least 1 foot away from your hair while blowdrying and do not use high heat – this will melt the Keratin bonds.
3. Never sleep with wet hair
You should never wet your hair and then go to sleep.
Hair is very fragile when it’s wet and your hair extensions can get detangled while sleeping.
Wet hair is also very delicate and you can get a lot of breakages if you sleep with wet hair.
Please ensure that your hair is bone dry before sleeping.
4. Detangle your hair before sleeping
Buy a detangling brush and make sure that your hair is detangled before sleeping.
Do not use a brush with plastic bristles or those bristles with nodules at the end – those will damage your hair.
You need a good brush like this that will help you detangle your hair easily.
Knots can make matters worse.
Be very gentle when you are detangling your hair as you don’t want to pull the extensions.
Do not start brushing from the roots – this will pull out your hair.
Instead, hold sections of hair tightly with your hand, and with your free hand brush the tips of your hair.
You always want to start at the ends and work your way up.
5. Wear a protective hairstyle
I usually tie my hair up in a satin scrunchy very loosely at the top of my head.
If you have very long hair, you can tie it loosely in a bun.
You can also braid your hair.
These protective hairstyles will keep your hair from tangling while you sleep.
6. Invest in a satin pillow-case
A satin pillowcase was a game-changer for my hair.
I suggest this to anyone who wants to be gentle with their hair.
Normal polyester or cotton has rough fibers which cause friction and cause knots and wear and tear of the hair.
7. Store the extensions safely
If they are clip-ins and you take them out before sleeping, then detangle the extensions and store them in an air-tight box when you are not using them so that they do not collect moisture.
I hope this helps.
Frequently asked questions
How to sleep on the first night with hair extensions?
If they are clip-ins, take them out and put them on in the morning.
Store them in an air-tight container to avoid moisture seeping into your hair extensions.
If you have permanent hair extensions, you will have to sleep with them in for a few months, but don’t worry – the pain and discomfort will subside.
If you want gently beach waves, then braid your hair loosely in 1 or 2 braids. This will also help your hair and extensions not detangle when sleeping.
If you keep the braids tight, then you’ll get very wavy hair in the morning. This is a hack a lot of women use to get those nice tight waves.
If you love your straight hair and are comfortable with it being just the way it is, sleep in a protective hairstyle like a hair bun at the top of your head using a satin scrunchy.
If you are feeling pain and discomfort, please know that this is normal and will take 3-4 days to go away completely.
Can you sleep with hair extensions in a bun?
Yes!
This is a very good protective hairstyle for sleeping with hair extensions and it will ensure that your hair doesn’t become frizzy or get detangled.
It’s very safe and totally recommended.
Make sure that you use a satin scrunchy because this will help not cause friction. Additionally use a satin pillowcase.
Your hair and hair extensions will thank you.
How long does it take for hair extensions to settle?
It takes 3-5 days for the pain and discomfort to go away.
It all depends on how sensitive your scalp is, what kind of hair extensions were used, and how close they are to your scalp.
Additionally, your scalp needs time to get used to the added weight, so it’s totally normal to feel some pain and discomfort in the first 3-4 days.
