The best hair wraps for sleeping to protect your hair at nighttime

Wearing one of the best hair wraps for sleeping at night is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your hair against damage and breakage—especially if you are following the curly girl method and want to keep your locks in tip-top condition.

Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase helps reduce friction on our skin and, to some degree, out hair. But by covering your hair with a hair wrap or bonnet, you can really minimize damage to curls or hair that's prone to splitting. The less movement and mechanical wear your hair has to endure, the less damage and breakage will result. By wrapping it up, you're shielding it from a lot of friction—which is doubly helpful if you've got your hair in a protective style, like braids. Although hair wraps were originally intended for the curly and afro hair communities, all hair types and textures can benefit.

The good news is that there are so many great options on the market, both from bigger brands and smaller independent crafters—so My Imperfect Life's beauty contributor Ava Welsing-Kitcher has tested and compiled the the best hair wraps for sleeping to cater to all needs. Below you'll find choices for both longer and shorter hair, across a range of budgets to ensure there's something for everyone.

The best hair wraps for sleeping, tested by a beauty editor

• View color options at Sephora in the US (opens in new tab)
• View color options at Net-a-Porter in the UK (opens in new tab)

Most silk or satin hair wraps only have the slippery side facing outwards, and while the inner fabric is still softer than regular cotton, there can sometimes still be a little friction. But this isn't the case with Slip's hair wrap. Their pieces are crafted with their patented Slipsilk technology that’s developed over a decade to reach optimum shine, softness and durability, made with 100% mulberry silk. In fact, using an entirely silk hair wrap is one of our biggest curly hair tips, so this is a great choice.

Choose between a few different colorways—there's black, pale pink, and gray leopard with matching silk face masks to match. With a chic knotted front, you’ll be tempted to wear it out of the house with a pair of sunnies for some 50s glamour, too! This hair wrap is on the higher end of the price spectrum though, so if you’re not fussed about having silk or are vegan, then maybe go for a more affordable satin version instead.

Silke was one of the first brands to offer a silk wrap in the mainstream market. Known for their bold, poppy colorways (we love the vibrant option above!) and more recent pastel offerings, the knotted front is iconic in its own right—and we’re finding it hard not to buy four or five in one go.

With silk hair bands in matching colors to keep your ponytails snag-free (just make sure you use one of the best brushes for curly hair, too), it’s quite the colorful collection. Their hair wraps are fairly pricey, though, so it may be one to avoid if you've got a smaller budget.

• View all color options at Lilysilk in the US (opens in new tab)
• View all color options at Lilysilk in the UK (opens in new tab)

The first thing that grabbed us about this hair wrap was how beautiful the color options are. From the calm and serene light blue to the gently marbled lilac watercolor, the palette is so calming and there are several color options we have our eyes on. 

And shoppers are truly spoiled for choice: Lilysilk has countless hair wrap styles, with adjustable tie fronts or in a Korean ruched tie back style, but the classic pleated one is a great place to start. Made from 100% 19 Momme mulberry silk, it’s impossibly soft and gentle, meaning your hair will be as protected as possible while you sleep. 

• View all color options at The Big Silk in the US (opens in new tab)
• View all colour options at The Big Silk in the UK (opens in new tab)

Gorgeous color options aside, the Big Silk’s pastel and neutral offerings bring something that's not often seen in other hair wraps: an adjustable drawstring toggle. Anyone with a smaller- or larger-than-average head knows the pain of having your hair wrap slip off in the night, or to stretch uncomfortably over your forehead. So this is, therfore, a great option if you struggle with finding hair wrap sizes that actually fit you properly. 

Also counting celebrities like Jess Plummer and Love Island's Megan Barton Hanson as fans, it’s a must have whatever your curly hairstyle; whether you’re protecting curls and coils or a big bouncy blow dry overnight. It does retail at a higher price point and can only be hand-washed, so it requires having a little more more money and maintenance than other styles out there—but if you can spare it, it's a brilliant choice. 

At a mere £16, this is one of the best affordable options if you're on the hunt for hair wraps for sleeping that don't cost the earth. With so many different colors to choose from, including cute pastels, neutral tones, and dotted patterns, if you're in the mood for a shopping spree there’s no excuse not to treat yourself to a complete hair wrap wardrobe.

As for the specs, the front tie is adjustable, so if your hair is super thick, long, or in braids, it can expand to accommodate it all. For medium amounts of hair, it can also be tied and halved in size with still quite a lot of room—so it's probably one to avoid if your hair is very short as there'll be too much empty space.

Only Curls is a great hair care brand as it is, with affordable silk pillowcases and some of the best styling products for curls and coils, so why not do a bigger haul while you're there?