I get asked this question so much, “What’s the best curly hair nighttime routine?” And I don’t blame you, I had the same question when I started my curl journey! Now that I’ve explored so much for curl care, I’ll be honest, your nighttime curly hair routine makes or breaks your curls. You can style them perfectly during the day, but if you sleep on them wrong? You’ll have to style again by morning.

As a curly hair stylist in Jacksonville, I’ve helped educate hundreds of curlfriends on how to protect their hair overnight – whether they’ve got waist-length curls or a soft shoulder-length wave.

I’ll tell you the same thing I tell them, you don’t need a 10-step nighttime routine. Most of the work happens during the styling phase. But if you want that styling to actually last, you need to invest in satin/silk.

So… What Should You Actually Do With Your Curls at Night?

There are a few solid options depending on how long your hair is, how much natural volume you have, and how wild of a sleeper you are. The good news is that texture doesn’t really matter here and all of these nighttime methods work no matter how you style your hair.

Here are the three nighttime curl routines I recommend to my clients (and what I do myself):

4. Silk Pillowcase

Then, of course, we have the classic silk pillowcase. This is a great safety net, but I recommend it as backup, for if your bonnet falls off in the night (or if you know you’re a wild sleeper).

If you’re not doing anything else to protect your curls, the pillowcase won’t save them because you’ll still flatten your curls. But it’s still better than cotton, which can cause frizz, dryness, and breakage.

For you parents out there, silk pillowcases are also great for kids. Most little ones won’t keep a bonnet or scarf on, and their hair is usually thinner and shorter. Don’t drive yourself insane trying to keep them in a bonnet. A silk pillowcase and gentle products every other day is plenty good enough.

A Few More Side Notes…

Special Note For If You Have Extensions

If you’ve got curly extensions, you’ll need more space. Go with an extra-long satin bonnet or a stretchy turban you can tuck the hair into. You’ve got way more length and volume to protect, and you don’t want it hanging out getting smushed or tangled overnight. I always walk my extension clients through nighttime care, because it makes a huge difference in their extension’s longevity.

Let’s talk morning care. Do You Need to Refresh?

Not if you styled it right the first time! I don’t preach refreshing curls every morning, because for most of us that’s not realistic for our lifestyle. If your wash day routine is solid and you’ve protected your hair overnight, you shouldn’t have to.

But if you’re feeling dry or frizzy, you can do a light mist with water and a leave-in conditioner. Just enough to revive those curls. And if you haven’t read it yet, my blog post on curly styling tips breaks down how to style your hair based on your lifestyle and goals.

How Often Should I Wash My Bonnet or Scarf?

As often as you wash your pillowcase. That’s my rule of thumb. If you use a lot of product, weekly is best. I tend to wash mine every 2–4 weeks. But definitely don’t go months without cleaning it! That product buildup can undo all the good you’re doing for your curls at night.

Your Nighttime Curly Hair Routine Can Be Simpler Than You Think!

If you take one thing away from this, let it be this — preserving your curls overnight doesn’t need to be complicated, just consistent. A few smart choices (hello, satin!) and the right styling method can help you get way more out of your wash day. If you’re in Jacksonville and want personalized curl education, product recommendations, or just someone to show you exactly what works for your hair and lifestyle, come see me for the Signature Curl Experience. We’ll talk through it all, from sleep routines to styling goals — and you’ll leave feeling confident AND looking gorg!