8 Nighttime Hair Care Rituals for Radiant Hair

We’ve all heard about the benefits of beauty sleep, which include healthier-looking skin, a brighter complexion, and minimal dark circles appearing under your eyes. But what about your hair? It turns out that there are more than a few nighttime hair care rituals that can help you wake up to healthier, shinier strands. Interested? Adopt one (or all) of these eight bedtime rituals to nourish your hair for softer, silkier, more radiant hair by morning.

Nighttime Hair Care Ritual #1: Apply an Overnight treatment

Before you hit the hay, apply a leave-in hair treatment and let your strands soak up the nourishment all night long. Try a nourishing leave-in treatment or conditioner, such as the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Treatment, which is formulated with protein to fortify and nourish strands. By applying the leave-in product at night, you give it more time to replenish hair with moisture. To use, wash your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Conditioner in the evening, dry your hair partially, apply the protein treatment, then wrap hair in a loose bun or braid to sleep. Expert tip: Use a thin elastic or a cushy scrunchie to avoid any kinks.

Nighttime Hair Care Ritual #2: Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase

As unnecessarily luxurious as it may sound, sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase can be beneficial for your hair. Not only do silky pillowcases feel amazing, but they’re also super soft and gentle on your hair. If sleeping on a cotton pillowcase hasn’t been cutting it, try making the switch!

Nighttime Hair Care Ritual #3: Apply a hair oil or serum

Don’t let a fear of greasy hair make you shy away from oil-based hair care products. Oils are incredibly versatile: they fight dryness, tame frizz, nourish ends, and add a shiny, silky touch to hair. More importantly, when used correctly, you won’t end up with oily strands. Our rec? Try an oil-based hair serum. Apply the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Deep Nourishing Treatment Serum onto the mid-lengths and ends of hair at night—being sure to avoid your roots—for soft, nourished hair in the morning.

Nighttime Hair Care Ritual #4: Use a humidifier

A dry climate, especially in the winter months, can wreak havoc on hair (and skin!) that’s already prone to dryness. If that sounds like your situation, think about investing in a humidifier to run in your room at night to help put moisture back in the air and keep everything hydrated. Too sticky outside to use it in the summer? A cool mist humidifier is another option.

Nighttime Hair Care Ritual #5: Indulge in a mask

Few things feel better than a relaxing shower before bedtime. Take yours up a notch by using a nourishing hair mask after you shampoo. We love the L'Oréal Paris EverCreme Renourishing Butter, which intensely nourishes and smooths strands. To use the mask, apply it from lengths to ends after you shampoo with the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Shampoo, then twist your hair back as you cleanse the rest of your body. Leave it on for just three to five minutes, then rinse out thoroughly.

Editor’s note: On days when you aren’t using the mask, pair the same shampoo with the L’Oréal Paris EverCreme Deep Nourish Conditioner to complete your hair care system.

Nighttime Hair Care Ritual #6: Sleep in a braid

Overnight waves are basically the best thing since sliced bread. Hear us out: You can quickly braid your hair before bed—and wake up with beautiful, natural-looking waves. There’s also no heat involved, so you don’t have to give heat damage a second thought. Give it a try—we’re betting you’ll be a convert. Simply braid your hair, then hit the hay. Keep in mind that if you use multiple braids you’ll end up with tighter waves, while a single, looser braid will translate to looser waves. We love both looks, so it all comes down to your plait preference! 

Nighttime Hair Care Ritual #7: Wear a sleep cap

If you’re trying to protect your blowout (or your hair in general) while you sleep, consider wearing a sleep cap. It may sound old-fashioned, but sleep caps really do work to protect your hair overnight. Don't have a sleep cap? Try wrapping your hair up in a silk scarf for a similar effect! 

Nighttime Hair Care Ritual #8: Sleep on dry hair

Sleeping on wet hair can be uncomfortable, and it may not be the best for your locks. Your hair is at its most fragile when it's wet, so rubbing sopping strands against a pillowcase repeatedly doesn’t sound like the best idea. If you don’t have the time (or energy) to blow-dry your hair before getting into bed, pat it dry with a soft T-shirt instead of a towel.

All of this talk about sleep has us thinking about nights when we just don’t get enough. Since that definitely happens from time to time, here’s How to Fake a Full Night’s Sleep with Your Beauty Routine.