Choose a sleep covering that feels comfortable.
Leave room for your hair and skip tight bands.

Choose a bonnet to tuck your hair away

A bonnet holds loose lengths inside without a nightly knot. Choose enough depth for your hair to rest loosely. If the hair pushes the band off or you have to squash it in, try a deeper bonnet rather than a tighter band.

Choose a scarf if you can tie it comfortably

A scarf lets you adjust the wrap, but you need to reach and undo the knot. Choose enough fabric for the ends to meet without stretching. If tying behind your head is awkward, try a slip-on bonnet or use a pillowcase alone.

Choose a pillowcase if you dislike head coverings

A smooth pillowcase gives your hair a surface to rest on while leaving it loose. Match the case to your pillow’s size and tuck in its envelope flap or close its zip. Position any fastening away from where your hair rests.

The band or knot presses

• Take the covering off if it pulls, pinches or hurts.
• Check for a folded band, trapped hair or a bulky knot against the pillow.
• Refit it loosely, then lie in your usual sleeping position and turn your head.
• If it still presses, use a pillowcase alone.

The scarf keeps slipping off

• Open it fully and smooth out folds before wrapping again.
• If the ends barely meet, use a larger scarf.
• If spare fabric bunches under the knot, try a smaller one.
• Keep the knot away from the spot you lie on.
• Switch to a bonnet or pillowcase if it only stays on when tight.

Check the inside as well as the fabric name

• Satin describes the weave, so read the fiber label too.
• Feel the hair-facing surface and seams for rough edges or snags.
• Choose a smooth hair-facing surface and a band that lies flat; follow the maker’s fitting directions.
• Check washing and drying instructions before buying.

Keep a clean, dry option ready

• Wash a used covering or pillowcase when it smells stale or has visible product residue.
• Use its care instructions and let it dry fully before reusing it.
• Keep a clean, dry spare handy.
• Choose an item whose care directions allow machine washing if hand washing will be hard to keep up with.

Keep conditioner in your wash routine

Rinse-out conditioner helps with slip and detangling on wash day. Choose one that leaves your hair manageable without feeling coated, then use its stated amount and rinse it out. A new bonnet is no reason to change a conditioner that already works.

Browse rinse-out conditioners. Tell the consultation what you want from a conditioner and what you disliked about previous ones.

Use leave-in where your hair needs it

If your lengths remain rough or tangled after washing, try a small amount of leave-in on those areas. Check whether yours goes on damp or dry hair, and let damp hair dry before covering. Skip extra product if your hair already feels comfortable.

Browse leave-in conditioners. Your drying routine and preferred finish help guide a leave-in recommendation.

Fit a bonnet around dry, loose hair

This method shows how to put loose hair inside a roomy bonnet and check the band. Keep the hair loose at the roots. In the morning, lift the band clear and support the lengths so they can fall out without catching.

Wrap and fully undo a square scarf

For adults wrapping dry, loose hair, use a plain square scarf and keep your face and neck clear. Skip pins and hard fasteners. Check the knot against your pillow, then untie it fully before lifting the scarf off in the morning.

Wash and dry the fabric

Use the hand-wash or machine-wash method allowed for your item. Rinse away detergent and dry it by the permitted method. Feel the thicker seams and folded edges before putting it away or using it again.

Finish drying before you cover your hair

Leave time after washing for the roots and inner lengths to dry as well as the surface. If they are still damp, keep the bonnet or scarf off and continue drying. This guide shows how to arrange loose hair for air drying.