Sleep masks for hair care: prevent breakage and control frizz

Ever wake up and wonder what went on with your hair overnight? The frizz, the breakage, the tangles—it's almost like you had a fight with your own pillow. While bedtime routines are filled with face creams and cosy pyjamas, hair care often gets left out of the equation. Here's where sleep masks come into the frame.

Think of eye masks as your shield against frizzy hair. These awesome sleep accessories do more than block out light; they prevent breakage and leave your brittle hair looking luscious by morning. Here's everything you need to know about how they work and why your hair deserves this overnight treatment.

Why your hair needs a sleep mask

Hair is more vulnerable at night than most realise. Tossing and turning on a cotton pillowcase can lead to friction, which damages hair strands over time. Combine that with exposure to dry air or leftover product build-up, and you've got a recipe for frizz and breakage. Here's where sleep masks step in:

• Keeps your hair hydrated: When your hair cuticle rubs against the pillowcase, the constant friction pulls its moisture away, leaving your strands dry and brittle. Sleep masks, especially those made from silk, help lock in hydration by protecting your hair from the elements. This can make a huge difference if you have dry, damaged, or color-treated hair.

• Prevents split ends: Split ends are one of the most frustrating hair issues, and they can often get worse overnight as hair rubs against the pillow. A sleep mask creates a barrier that helps protect the tips of your hair from constant movement, reducing the likelihood of split ends.

• Reduces tangles: Who has time to detangle a mess of knots first thing in the morning? Sleep masks help keep hair from tangling while you sleep. By reducing friction, they allow your hair to stay smooth and more manageable, so you can spend less time fighting with your hair and more time enjoying your day.

What makes a good overnight hair mask?

When choosing a sleep mask that supports both restful sleep and better hair health, it's all about the materials and thoughtful design. Here's what to look for:

• Material: Opt for masks made from silk or satin. These smooth fabrics minimise friction for fine hair, reducing the risk of hair breakage and frizz while feeling luxurious against the skin.

• Breathable and lightweight design: A good sleep mask should be breathable to prevent overheating during the night. Lightweight fabrics keep it comfortable to wear for hours without straining the head.

• Adjustable fit: Masks with adjustable straps ensure a snug yet gentle fit, staying in place without pulling on your hair or creating tension.

• Durability: Look for eye masks that maintain their softness and structure even after multiple washes so you can enjoy the benefits over the long term.

• Gentle on skin and hair: Hypoallergenic materials are a plus, as they're kind to both sensitive skin and different hair types.

Tips to maximise your hair care routine

Pairing a sleep mask with a few smart bedtime habits can make a world of difference for your thick hair. Here's how to elevate your routine:

• Switch to a silk pillowcase: Silk pillowcases, like the ones from Drowsy, work wonders alongside sleep masks by creating an ultra-smooth surface for your hair. These materials help reduce friction even further, preventing tangles and frizz. Plus, they're gentle on your skin, making them a win-win addition to your bedtime setup.

• Brush gently before bed: Before slipping on your sleep mask, take a few moments to detangle your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristle brush to gently remove knots without causing damage. This also helps spread the natural oils from your scalp down to the tips of your hair, keeping it hydrated and shiny.

• Hydrate and protect: If you sleep in a room with dry air, it can strip moisture from both your hair and skin. Consider running a humidifier overnight to keep the environment balanced. A hair routine before bed is also vital. Use shea butter for textured hair or coconut oil on wet or dry hair to rehydrate your damaged hair.

Embracing the sleep mask lifestyle

Life's busy, and it can be easy to overlook the little things that make a big difference in our beauty sleep. Adding a sleep mask to your nighttime ritual is a simple way to protect your hair from the damage that can happen while you sleep. If you're ready to take your hair care to the next level, Drowsy silk eye masks are the perfect choice.

Designed from high-quality 22 momme mulberry silk with an adjustable fit and a total blackout design, they wrap around your hair, keeping it protected all night. Choose among the bold Royal Blue Silk Sleep Eye Mask, the subtle Sunset Pink Silk Sleep Eye Mask, the elegant Damask Rose Silk Sleep Eye Mask, and many more colours. Pair your silk eye mask with a Drowsy silk pillowcase for the best results.