How to Protect Box Braids and Cornrows at Night

Co-authored by Patrick Evan and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Box braids, cornrows, and other braids are a beautiful and expressive way to wear your hair. Although these hairstyles are pretty low-maintenance, they could still twist and snag while you’re sleeping, which can lead to frizz and breakage. Setting aside a few minutes to care for your braids every night can make a huge difference! Read on for the easiest ways to protect your braids at night and wake up with a smooth, gorgeous style.

Things You Should Know

Wrap box braids and cornrows in a silk or satin scarf to prevent frizz and breakage.
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent friction and keep braids secure.
Moisturize your scalp and prevent itching with grapeseed, castor, or tea tree oil.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Special Fabric to Protect Your Braids

1
Wrap a silk or satin scarf around your braids to keep your braids from moving. Use a large, 40 by 40 in (1.0 by 1.0 m) piece of fabric to completely cover your braids to prevent unwanted friction and frizziness overnight.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Ndeye Anta Niang
Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} Simply fold a silk or satin head scarf into a triangle and drape it over your head, with the larger point against the back of your hair. Make sure the scarf covers the edges of your braids. Take each end of the scarf back around your head to the opposite side, so they criss-cross in the back. Bring the ends up to the top of your head and tie a knot to secure the scarf in place.^{[2]
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- A “sock-style” scarf is an alternative option that goes over your braids like a sock or pillowcase. For this type of scarf, it’s easier to tie your braids up with an elastic before sliding the scarf into place.^{[3]
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- Some people prefer tying their braids up in a bun or knot before wrapping them with a scarf to help them stay in place. If you’d like to do this, aim for a looser updo that doesn’t strain the edges of your braids.^{[4]
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- If you have shorter braids, try using a silk bonnet. Simply place the bonnet on your head like a hat and tuck your braids inside.
2
Use a special bandana wrap if your braids are thick and long. If you have 5 to 6 long, coiled braids, it may hurt and put strain on your scalp to tie them up in a traditional silk scarf. Instead, use a large, square silk scarf with 2 long ties. Place the large square of silk along the back of your neck on top of your braids, then secure the 2 ties on top of your head. This keeps the edges of your braids nice and smooth even as you sleep.^{[5]
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- If you’re unsure about the best way to cover your hair, ask your hairstylist for recommendations.
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3
Sleep on a satin pillowcase to minimize frizz and prevent breakage. Visit your local home goods store or search online for a satin pillowcase to use instead of a typical cotton one. When your braids rub against a cotton pillowcase overnight, they may look frizzy in the morning. Switching to satin helps keep your braids looking fresh and beautiful each morning.^{[6]
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- Silk pillowcases can give you the same anti-frizz benefits as satin, but they’re often more expensive.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Choosing Beneficial Hair Products

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Blot nourishing oils along your braid line before bed.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Patrick Evan
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.} Mix 2 to 3 drops of grapeseed oil, Jamaican black castor oil, and tea tree oil in a small cup. Mix the oils together, then dip your finger into the mixture. Dab it along your hairline where your scalp is exposed, as well as between your braids. As a finishing touch, apply the oil to any visible sections of your scalp beneath your braids. Try to do this nightly to keep your scalp extra nourished and protected!
- Grapeseed oil helps lock in moisture.^{[8]
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- Castor oil helps strengthen hair while combatting dryness.
- Tea tree oil helps nourish roots and unclog hair follicles.
- Ask your hairstylist if they have any product recommendations for your specific hair type.^{[9]
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  Expert Source
  
  Patrick Evan
  Professional Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.}
2
Put a cleanser on your scalp for at least 5 minutes before heading to bed. Pour a grape-sized amount of scalp or shampoo cleanser onto a cotton ball, then blot the shampoo onto your scalp. Let the cleanser sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe it away with a clean cotton ball soaked in warm water. Try to do this every 3 days to keep your braids as strong and healthy as possible.^{[10]
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- If you are unsure what product to use, talk to your hairstylist about the best shampoo for your specific hair type.^{[11]
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  Expert Source
  
  Patrick Evan
  Professional Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.}
3
Dab some anti-itch oil on your scalp every 2 days. Soak the surface of a clean cotton ball with anti-itch scalp oil. Dab the mixture onto any exposed areas of your scalp, especially in areas that are irritated or itchy. Try to do this every 2 days to keep your scalp feeling soft and soothed before bed.^{[12]
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- This also prevents you from scratching or picking at your braids, which can damage them.
- Avoid drenching your braids in the oil. Ideally, you want to coat your scalp without soaking your braids.
4
Spray the surface of your braids with a soothing, anti-itch conditioner. This product helps reduce the temptation to scratch or pick at your braids while easing any potential frizz. For extra protection, spritz this product over your scalp, as well. Feel free to use this spray whenever your braids feel a bit dry.^{[13]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I keep my braids from unravelling at night?

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.

Ndeye Anta Niang

Hair Stylist & Master Braider

Expert Answer

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Covering your head with a scarf is probably the easiest option. That should keep the braids tight while you rest.
Question

What can I do to keep my hair from getting tangled if it isn't braided?

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.

Ndeye Anta Niang

Hair Stylist & Master Braider

Expert Answer

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In this case, you can just tie your hair in a high ponytail. Sleep in a way where your head isn't resting directly on top of your ponytail. This will prevent a good number of knots and tangles.
Question

For the best results, should I use leave-in conditioner or hair oil?

Patrick Evan
Professional Hair Stylist
Patrick Evan is the Owner of Patrick Evan Salon, a hair salon in San Francisco, California. He has been a hairstylist for over 25 years and is a Thermal Reconditioning Specialist, dedicated to transforming difficult curls and waves into sleek, straight hair. Patrick Evan Salon was rated the Best Hair Salon in San Francisco by Allure magazine, and Patrick's work has been featured in Woman’s Day, The Examiner, and 7x7.

Patrick Evan

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

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Both have their place. Depending on the client, I will usually recommend one or the other but sometimes both. If you think about skin care, you use a toner and a serum, not necessarily one or the other. The same goes for your hair. Sometimes you need a leave-in conditioner to equalize porosity, and the oil for nourishment.