How to Use a Bonnet for Curly Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bonnets are must-have hair accessories for curly haired girls. Wearing a bonnet to bed helps preserve your curls overnight. The soft fabrics protect strands from friction and prevent tangles. Bonnets also lock in moisture to keep hair hydrated.

Using a bonnet properly is key to reap the benefits for your lovely locks. This article will explain how to correctly put on a bonnet for curly hair. You’ll also learn tips for keeping it secure all night and how to select the right bonnet for your texture and lifestyle.

Why Curly Hair Benefits from Bonnets

Bonnets are traditionally associated with silky straight hair. But they can be game-changers for curly coils too! Here’s why bonnets are great for curly hair:

• Prevents tangling and knots – The smooth lining glides against curls to avoid tangles as you toss and turn. This saves you detangling time in the morning.

• Locks in moisture – The bonnet creates a protective barrier that prevents hydration from escaping curls overnight. This stops your hair from drying out.

• Maintains style and definition – A bonnet keeps curls tightly coiled together. When you wake up, your wash and go or twist out will still be intact.

• Reduces frizz – The friction-free environment inside a bonnet means less disturbance to the cuticle. You’ll wake up with smoother, frizz-free strands.

• Protects delicate strands – Curly hair is fragile and prone to hygral fatigue from nighttime humidity. A bonnet shields strands from the elements.

• Prevents split ends – Tossing and rubbing against a cotton pillowcase can cause splits and breakage. A bonnet creates a protective barrier.

• Saves money – Less tangles, moisture loss, and breakage means you can stretch times between salon visits!

How to Put On a Bonnet for Curly Hair

Putting on a bonnet properly ensures all your lovely curls stay protected inside while you sleep. Follow these simple steps:

1. Hold the Bonnet Open

• Place both hands inside the bonnet near the elastic edge.

• Gently pull outward to expand the bonnet and open it up.

• Stretch the elastic band as wide as you can.

2. Flip Hair Upside Down

• Bend forward so all your hair falls over your face.

• Let your curls flow down toward the floor.

• Lean your head inside the stretched open bonnet.

3. Pull the Back Edge to Your Nape

• Hook the back elastic band of the bonnet onto your nape.

• Position the band so it sits smoothly across the nape of your neck.

• Adjust the band so it’s centered and not bunched up.

4. Stretch the Front Edge Over Your Hair

• Pull the front elastic of the bonnet down to catch all your hair inside.

• Make sure the front band rests cleanly along your hairline.

• Check that no curls are poking out.

5. Gather Hair Into the Crown

• Reach into the bonnet and gently scrunch up your curls.

• Cup sections in your hands and push hair upward.

• Pile all your hair on top of your head.

6. Tuck in Any Loose Pieces

• Check around the perimeter of the bonnet for any escaped tendrils.

• Use your fingers to gently tuck strands back inside.

• Secure with bobby pins if needed.

And you’re done! Your curls are now safely tucked inside your bonnet for overnight protection.

Tips for Keeping Your Bonnet Secure All Night

To keep your bonnet in place and avoid waking up with exposed hair, use these handy tricks:

• Tie ribbons tightly – If your bonnet has front ribbons, tie them snugly in a bow at your hairline.

• Use hair pins – Secure with bobby pins or clips around the edges of your bonnet.

• Wrap a silk scarf – Tie a silk scarf around the bonnet to hold it in place.

• Pile curls on top – Having hair gathered high near the crown prevents slipping.

• Buy the right size – Get a bonnet that properly fits your head to avoid loosening.

• Choose non-slip fabrics – Satin and silk bonnets stay put better than slippery silk.

Having to frequently readjust your bonnet interrupts sleep. Use tricks like these to keep it securely in place all night.

Choosing the Right Bonnet for Your Curls

Not all bonnets are created equal! Pick a bonnet designed to nurture curly hair by following these tips:

Look for Satin or Silk

Satin and silk linings provide slippery, friction-free environments perfect for curly hair. The smooth textures prevent tangles and knots. These fabrics also retain moisture to keep hair hydrated and soft.

Ensure a Secure, Non-Damaging Fit

An ill-fitting bonnet won’t properly protect your strands. Measure your head and choose a bonnet size that fits snugly but doesn’t strain hair at the edges. Avoid bonnets with elastic bands that could pull out strands.

Buy an Extra Large Bonnet for Lots of Length

If you have very long curly hair, opt for an oversized or extra long bonnet. This provides enough room to accommodate all your lovely locks without leaving ends exposed.

Get Extra Width for Big Curls

For ample curls, dense hair, or large afros, pick an extra wide “jumbo” bonnet. This ensures there’s sufficient space to contain substantial volume.

Choose Durability Over Fashion

While fun prints and embellishments are cute, focus on finding a quality bonnet that will be gentle on hair. Check seams to ensure they won’t rub and look for tightly stitched elastic edging.

How Often to Wear a Bonnet

Aim to wear your bonnet as frequently as needed to protect your curls overnight. Here are general guidelines based on lifestyle:

• Every night – Wear a bonnet nightly if you have very fragile, damaged, or color-treated hair. The extra protection preserves your investment.

• After styling – Pop on a bonnet after any salon visit to maintain your fresh curls, coils, blow out, etc.

• As needed – If your hair is relatively healthy, you can wear a bonnet only when needed, like during travel or humid weather.

• Always when wet – Never sleep with damp hair unprotected – this is when strands are most vulnerable.

Listen to your curls – if you experience more tangles, knots, and breakage on unbonneted mornings, your hair needs the extra nighttime TLC.

Caring for Your Bonnet

Follow these care tips so your bonnet stays in great shape wash after wash:

• Hand wash only using a gentle cleanser – don’t machine wash bonnets.

• Let air dry thoroughly before storing to prevent mildew.

• Store bonnet in a breathable cotton bag – avoid sealing in plastic.

• Inspect regularly for holes, torn seams, or damaged elastic.

• Replace bonnets at the first sign of wear – don’t wait for total failure.

• Invest in multiples so you always have a backup ready.

With occasional washing and prompt replacement as needed, your bonnet should provide years of reliable curl protection.

Troubleshooting Common Bonnet Problems

Having issues with your bonnet routine? Try these solutions:

Bonnet slides off at night: Your bonnet is likely too big. Measure your head and buy a snugger fitting size. Also pile hair on top of your head and use securing tricks.

Bonnet leaves dents or lines: The fit is too tight and putting pressure on your hair. Size up for a roomier bonnet that doesn’t compress hair.

Elastic pulls out strands: Poorly constructed bonnet. Look for tightly sewn casings and elastic bands that don’t directly touch hair.

Curls lack definition in the morning: Bonnet is too big or loose and allowing curls to unset. Choose a tighter fitting size and tie ribbons snugly.

Flat spot on part or crown: Hair wasn’t piled high enough before bonneting. Tease the crown area for more lift before putting on your bonnet.

Hairends up tangled anyway: Fabric may not be a smooth texture like satin or silk. Stick to slick, friction-free linings. Also, bonnet could be too big for all your hair.

FAQs About Using Bonnets on Curly Hair

Still have questions about successfully integrating bonnets into your curly routine? Here are some commonly asked questions: