A Guide to the Best Nightcaps

Is your hair always tangled and frizzy when you wake up? Or is your pillow always covered in hair oil? Nightcaps are a staple to have as bedmates to protect your hair while sleeping.

If you’re looking for the best nightcap, we have the best recommendations for you! Continue reading to find out what to look for in a nightcap and the best products to try.

The Best Sleep Caps

What is a Nightcap?

Nightcaps, sleeping caps, or sleep bonnets were originally used by men and women to keep the hair warm and protected from the low temperature at night. Even bald men can be seen wearing nightcaps because they were used as a tool to keep their dignity.

Right now, you’ll notice that nightcaps are mostly worn by women to protect their hair from environmental stressors and tangling at night. It’s often made of silk or satin to reduce friction, damage, tangling, and split ends.

The purpose has shifted from warmth and fashion to health and protection, but many nightcaps are designed to be stylish. Some can even be worn outdoors like a beanie or bonnet. Sleeping caps can also improve your sleep quality!

There are different kinds of nightcaps based on the material they use. The most common type is the satin or silk cap which keeps the hair moisturized and voluminous. The soft construction also aids in maintaining curls better than cotton and polyester nightcaps.

Chemo nightcaps are made of bamboo to avoid hair loss. They are comfortable on the scalp and forehead, so they won’t irritate the skin and make it clammy.

Benefits to Using a Nightcap

Nightcaps are a must-have for sleeping. Why are they so great? Let’s take a look at the benefits of using a nightcap.

Makes Your Hair Look Healthier

Satin doesn’t absorb the natural oil from your hair, which means it stays hydrated while you fall asleep. Compare that to a cotton cap or pillowcase that might strip your hair of its moisture from the roots to the tips, making it look poofy.

Dry hair is prone to further breakage and split ends, so a nightcap will protect your hair from all of that. It will also keep your locks fresher and beautiful!

No Need to Style in the Morning

Because you won’t have a bedhead in the morning, then you can achieve that “woke up like this” hairstyle! It saves you several minutes of brushing through your hair or applying numerous serums and mousse products to keep your hair in place.

Sleeping with a nightcap on also helps women who have to wake up super early just to un-kink their hair. Go out with your natural hairstyle and keep those heat-styling tools in the drawer!

Grows Your Hair

Damage during bedtime is the primary suspect for hair that doesn’t grow out. Wearing a satin nightcap can minimize the breakage to allow your hair to grow longer at a quicker rate! You can also try using a sleeping bonnet after applying castor oil for the scalp to absorb all the ingredients.

Protects Your Hairstyle

Curly, kinky, or coiled hair usually requires more maintenance. A small amount of friction can already cause breakage, so a good nightcap will prevent all of that. It’s also perfect for bleached hair to avoid further dryness. A nightcap will keep the natural oil left in any chemically-treated hair.

Any hairstyle where you’ve invested too much money and time will need protection from friction, so a nightcap will come to the rescue. It will help you preserve it until a special occasion comes, like a prom or a wedding!

How to Properly Use a Nightcap

Putting on a nightcap may seem straightforward, but following this step-by-step guide will guarantee that you’ll wake up with better-looking hair

1. Brush your hair thoroughly to distribute the oils.
2. Flip your head upside down
3. Hold the nightcap with your hands and hook it at the back of your neck if there’s a hook.
4. Stretch it downwards until the tip of your hair.
5. Twist your curls to your scalp or simply gather them toward the head.
6. Secure the nightcap and insert any strands of hair that are left outside.

What to Look for in a Nightcap

Don’t add to your cart unless you know the factors to consider when buying a nightcap!

The Right Size

Most nightcaps have a one-size-fits-all feature because they include adjustable straps or elastic bands to stay secure whatever the head girth is.

However, not all sleeping caps can carry very thick hair. You also need to consider the length of the bonnet. If you have straight and flat hair, this isn’t a problem. But for those with long, coiled hair, braided hair, and voluminous hair, get a larger nightcap with an oblong shape.

There’s also a downside to getting a bonnet that’s too large for the head. Your curls may fall and not be held on the top of your head. They may slide off while you sleep, making them prone to damage.

Comfortable

A good nightcap will feel light on the head. It shouldn’t be too thick and heavy so that it disrupts your sleep or gives you bad posture. Choose a nightcap that feels soft on the head so that it does not irritate the scalp, forehead, and back of your neck.

Some users do not like the thick headband design of nightcaps around the rim because they feel uncomfortable.

Breathability is also an essential aspect of comfort. The outer layer of a sleeping cap should allow air circulation to avoid sweating at night.

Stays in Place

Sleeping caps should improve the quality of your sleep. But those that are too tight or loose may do the opposite.

Get a nightcap that perfectly fits your head without the garter putting too much pressure on it or the adjustable buckle hurting the back of your head. Make sure it’s not too loose that it slips off when you switch sleeping positions.

Material

Sleeping caps should be double-layered to ensure their durability.

The best material for the lining of the sleeping cap is silk. However, it can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, a satin sleeping cap will prevent friction on the hair to keep it soft and protected.

For the outer layer, opt for a bamboo viscose material. This will keep your head in the right balance of coolness and warmth without sweat! It offers air circulation so that the scalp can still breathe.

Your Hair Type

Women with straight or flat hair won’t have a problem choosing the best nightcap because almost all the products can cover the whole hair. However, if you have kinky, coiled, braided, or curly hair, pick a larger and longer sleeping bonnet!

If your hair is chemically treated or bleached, it’s also best to use a satin sleeping cap to avoid dryness and breakage.

Your Hair Length

The longer your hair, the longer your nightcap has to be. If you have short or medium hair, a bonnet that stands firmer is ideal. However, longer hair requires a baggy or slouchy design for a nightcap.

Some nightcaps can be as long as 24 inches to keep the hair flowing back without being clumped together inside.

Now that you know the factors to consider when buying a sleep cap, here’s a list of the best nightcaps for you to try!

A Sleeping Cap is a Must-Have!

Sleeping caps have evolved to keep your hair moisturized and protected at night with different colors and styles available. Choose one from our recommendations that will suit the needs of your hair!

We hope our tips will help you wake up well-rested with a good hair day. Leave your inquiries in the comments below! And for more awesome sleeping tips, check out our guide to the best satin pillowcases!

Photo credit: StoryTime Studio/Shutterstock; InesBazdar/Shutterstock;
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