Top Tricks To Avoid Bed Head: How To Not Wake Up With Messy Hair

Home » How To Prevent Bed Head » Top Tricks To Avoid Bed Head: How To Not Wake Up With Messy Hair

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow Top Tricks to Avoid Bed Head: How to Not Wake Up with Messy Hair PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Christine George and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Before Bed
    • |
  • At Night
    • |
  • In the Morning
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Christine George and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 96,347 times.

There’s nothing worse than waking up late only to look in the mirror and find your hair has whipped itself up into a frenzy overnight. Dealing with bed head is frustrating, and it can take time away from what you really want to do in the morning: sleep! The trick to conquering messy hair when you wake up is to prevent it before it even happens, so you can try a few different methods to keep your hair calm and tangle-free throughout the night.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Before Bed

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Dry your hair before you go to sleep. 1 Dry your hair before you go to sleep. Going to bed with wet hair can cause your luscious locks to tangle and snarl as you sleep. If you shower at night, use a hairdryer to dry your hair before you lay down. If you like to let your hair air dry, take a shower a few hours before you go to sleep to avoid bed head.[1]
    • Going to bed with wet hair can also make your bedding moldy and gross. It’s best just to sleep with already dry hair.
  2. Step 2 Brush your hair well before you hop into bed. 2 Brush your hair well before you hop into bed. If you go to sleep with tangles, you’ll probably wake up with them, too. Run a brush through your hair (unless you have naturally curly hair) to get the snarls out before you head off to dreamland.[2]
    • If you have naturally curly hair and you don’t brush it, you don’t need to start now.
    • Always brush your hair from the ends up to the roots to avoid ripping or tearing any tangles along the way.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Scrunch in a leave-in conditioner to tame frizz. 3 Scrunch in a leave-in conditioner to tame frizz. If your hair is frizzy when you wake up, it might be crying out for some moisture. Before you go to bed, scrunch a leave-in conditioner into the ends of your hair (not the roots). The extra moisture should help to tame the frizz and keep your hair looking silky and smooth.[3]
    • Putting conditioner near your scalp can make your hair look greasy, so keep it down on the ends of your hair.
  4. Step 4 Hold short hair in place with a bandana. 4 Hold short hair in place with a bandana. If you have shorter hair, this one’s for you. Fold a bandana in half to make a triangle shape, then tie it over your hair and behind your ears. The bandana should hold your hair in place overnight to prevent clumps from sticking up in the morning.[4]
    • Plus, this can prevent frizziness from your hair rubbing against your pillowcase.
  5. Step 5 Pull long hair into a top knot to keep it from tangling. 5 Pull long hair into a top knot to keep it from tangling. For a simple solution, pull your hair into a loose bun on the top of your head and tie it up with a hair tie or a scrunchy. Leave it slightly loose so you don’t make a mark in the center of your hair, then take it down in the morning.[5]
    • This is also a great way to protect your curls overnight if you’d like to wear your hair curly in the morning.
  6. Step 6 Braid your hair to create loose waves. 6 Braid your hair to create loose waves. Split your hair down the center and pull each half into a classic braid. Secure your style with hair ties, then go to sleep. When you wake up, you can undo your braids to reveal your beachy waves.[6]
    • To amp up your waves even more, spray a little bit of sea salt spray on your hair before you head out.
  7. Step 7 Wrap curly hair in a shirt or a silk scarf. 7 Wrap curly hair in a shirt or a silk scarf. Flip your hair upside down and wrap a cotton T-shirt or a silk scarf around it. Stand upright and make sure your hair is tucked underneath, then tie the shirt or scarf in the back of your head to keep your hair contained while you sleep. Bonus points if you can keep it on all night![7]
    • Keeping your hair in a silk scarf is great for keeping your curls moisturized, and it can help keep them springy and bouncy the next morning.
    • If you tend to toss and turn, you might have a tough time keeping something on your head all night. Give it a try to see how it goes.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

At Night

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. 1 Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. It might seem like a luxury, but using a satin or silk pillowcase really can help you wake up with better hair. That's because they don't create as much friction as cotton pillowcases, so your hair won't frizz as much in your sleep.[8]
    • If you have a silk robe, you can put that over your pillow instead.
    • Using a silk pillowcase is great for naturally curly hair, since it won’t dry out your curls like a cotton pillowcase.
    • If you want to go all out, you can even buy silk sheets—but that really is a luxury!
  2. Step 2 Use a neck pillow while you sleep. 2 Use a neck pillow while you sleep. To take the pillow totally out of the equation, try sleeping on a neck pillow instead. Since the pillow only touches your neck and shoulders, there’s less chance that it will mess up your hair as you sleep. Plus, it can give you some relief if you’re having neck pain.[9]
    • If you find sleeping on a neck pillow uncomfortable, don’t do it. It can be an adjustment, though, so give it a try before you knock it!
  3. Step 3 Run a humidifier in your bedroom. 3 Run a humidifier in your bedroom. The extra moisture in the air can help moisturize your hair and leave it looking smooth when you wake up. As a bonus, using a humidifier can be beneficial for your skin and sinuses, too.[10]
    • This is especially great for curly hair, as it can add a little bit of moisture and hydration to your locks.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

In the Morning

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Tamp down your hair with a little bit of water. 1 Tamp down your hair with a little bit of water. Fill up a spray bottle with water from the tap and lightly spritz your hair all over, focusing on the areas that look messy or crumpled. Use your hands or a brush to smooth out your hair and give it a little bit of a polished look before you go.[11]
    • Try not to make your hair dripping wet, or you’ll have to deal with letting it dry throughout the morning.
    • Use warm or lukewarm water if you take a shower—hot water will create more humidity, which will make your hair frizz.[12]
    • If your hair looks oily, use dry shampoo to revive it.[13]
  2. Step 2 Curl or straighten your hair if you have time. 2 Curl or straighten your hair if you have time. If you wake up and your hair isn’t cooperating, giving it a bit of a style might help. Use your straightener or curling iron to put the oomph back into your locks before you head out the door. You can even give your roots a quick dry with a hair dryer to add some volume back into your hair, too.[14]
    • You can also use your heat styling tools to refresh your curls or straight hair from the day before if you need to.
  3. Step 3 Throw on a hat or a bandana to cover it up. 3 Throw on a hat or a bandana to cover it up. If you just can’t be bothered with fixing your hair, a surefire way to get going is just to cover it all up. A beanie, a baseball cap, or a bandana can add a funky accessory to your outfit and complete your look.[15]
    • If you have longer hair, you can pull it into a bun or a high ponytail instead.
  4. Step 4 Rock the messy... 4 Rock the messy look if you don’t want to deal with it. If all else fails, rub a little bit of mousse into your palms and puff up your hair by the roots. The messy look is always in, so you can just say you’re going for that “just woke up and rolled out of bed” look. Be warned, though: this isn’t a great one for a professional setting.[16]
    • The bed head style is one often sought after by people with short hair. If you already have bed head, you’ve achieved the look all on your own!
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Should I use a satin pillow? Christine George Christine George Master Hair Stylist & Colorist Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty. Christine George Christine George Master Hair Stylist & Colorist Expert Answer Sleeping on a satin pillowcase will create less friction than using a cotton pillowcase. That's great if you want to maintain your hairstyle for a couple of days without it going frizzy, and it's also great for curly hair. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 17
  • Question I have a satin pillowcase, and still get frizzy hair. What should I do? Phoebe Phoebe Community Answer Try braiding your hair before you go to bed. It can be super helpful to wake up and your hair will be less knotty. You can also use a brush and simple detangler. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 19
  • Question What if I don't have any satin or silk pillow cases and I find the neck pillow uncomfortable? moonie moonie Community Answer You can still take measures to prevent bedhead, such as brushing your hair before sleep and using a humidifier to keep your room humid. They might not be as effective though. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 10
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Brush your hair from ends to roots to avoid ripping or tearing any tangles. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Tame Messy Morning HairHow toTame Messy Morning Hair Sleep With Wet HairHow toSleep With Wet Hair Protect Short Hair While SleepingHow toProtect Short Hair While Sleeping Sleep with Wet Curly HairHow toSleep with Wet Curly Hair Sleep with Straight HairHow toSleep with Straight Hair How toProtect Your Hair While Sleeping How toWrap Short Hair Is Sleeping in Braids Bad for Your HairDoes Braiding your Hair at Night Actually Have Benefits? Sleep with Curled HairHow toSleep with Curled Hair Wrap Your Hair in a Scarf for BedHow to Wrap Your Hair in a Headscarf Before You Sleep Straighten Your Hair OvernightHow toStraighten Your Hair Overnight Protect Hair from WindHow toProtect Hair from Wind Wrap HairHow toWrap Hair Scrunch Your Hair OvernightHow toScrunch Your Hair Overnight Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://slashedbeauty.com/7-ways-prevent-bed-head/
  2. ↑ https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-to-prevent-bed-head/
  3. ↑ https://www.sleep.org/prevent-bedhead/
  4. ↑ https://www.mattressadvisor.com/prevent-bed-head/
  5. ↑ https://slashedbeauty.com/7-ways-prevent-bed-head/
  6. ↑ https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/a16526/how-to-wake-up-with-great-hair/
  7. ↑ https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-to-prevent-bed-head/
  8. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.nawho.org/how-to-get-rid-of-bed-head-fast/
More References (7)
  1. ↑ https://slashedbeauty.com/7-ways-prevent-bed-head/
  2. ↑ https://www.purewow.com/beauty/how-to-fix-bed-head-hair
  3. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.purewow.com/beauty/how-to-fix-bed-head-hair
  6. ↑ https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-to-prevent-bed-head/
  7. ↑ https://www.sleep.org/prevent-bedhead/

About This Article

Christine George Co-authored by: Christine George Master Hair Stylist & Colorist This article was co-authored by Christine George and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty. This article has been viewed 96,347 times. 69 votes - 67% Co-authors: 8 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 96,347 Categories: Hair Care
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 96,347 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Christine George Co-authored by: Christine George Master Hair Stylist & Colorist 69 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 8 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 96,347

Quizzes & Games

What’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizTake Quiz Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Tame Messy Morning HairHow toTame Messy Morning HairSleep With Wet HairHow toSleep With Wet HairProtect Short Hair While SleepingHow toProtect Short Hair While SleepingSleep with Wet Curly HairHow toSleep with Wet Curly Hair

Featured Articles

150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the Holidays

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Random Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune Generator

Featured Articles

Hilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?What’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw QuizWhat’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizAm I Balding QuizAm I Balding QuizTake QuizAre You a Big Spoon or a Little Spoon QuizAre You a Big Spoon or a Little Spoon QuizTake QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Hair Care
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --573

Tag » How To Prevent Bed Head