Wake up to Better Curls with an Overnight Hairstyle • The Curl Story

Before laying your curls down on a cotton pillowcase tonight and waking up to a crowning halo of frizz, try this!

“How are your curls not a complete mess in the morning?”

I’m often asked how it’s even possible to wear my natural curls every single day. It seems impossible to keep that wash-day definition going. But trust me, you don’t have to sleep sitting up! My biggest piece of advice for achieving multi-day success is to focus on curl preservation while you rest. Wearing your hair in one of these easy, loose updo hairstyles overnight is the simplest way to prevent frizz and curl separation caused by movement and friction. It’s the difference between a total restyle and a quick morning refresh.

Overnight Hairstyles

Whether you have long or short curly hair, here are two super simple and quick ways to wear your hair overnight.

01. The Loose Pull-through Bun

Best for: Medium Length or Long Hair, Wavy Hair, Curly Hair
What you’ll need: 1 Teletie ponytail holder or Invisibobble scrunchie

For this overnight hairstyle, I use a large-size Teletie ponytail holder or an Invisibobble scrunchie. This type of coily ponytail holder prevents creasing of the hair and gives a loose hold.

Begin by starting a high ponytail, but don’t pull the hair all the way through. Instead, leave a loose bun and the ends out. The trick is to keep the bun high at the crown of your head to keep your hair up and away while you sleep. Leaving the ends out also helps preserve their shape for more styling days ahead.

02. The Loose Twist up

Best for: Short Hair, Medium or Long Hair, Wavy Hair, Curly Hair
What you’ll need: Alligator Styling Clip or Claw Clip, Silk Scarf (optional)

This is my go-to look whenever I need a quick, protective updo, whether I’m washing my face, squeezing in an at-home workout, or tackling household chores. It’s a super simple way to keep your curls safely tucked away from friction and moisture.

For this style, I use alligator styling clips (with teeth) or a small/medium claw clip for the gentle hold. Simply gather your hair into a ponytail with your hands at the back of your head, around eye-level height.

Then, loosely twist your hair clockwise and lift the ends of your hair up to the crown of your head. Clip your ends at the crown of your head with one or two styling clips, depending on the length of your hair. This simple twist will keep your curls tucked in to prevent any movement from separating the curls while sleeping.

The Dry Shampoo Hack

If you find that your roots tend to get flat or shiny in the morning, try this! Incorporate a dry shampoo into your night routine for style longevity with this curly-friendly hack.

Target your roots and scalp before your hair is visibly greasy. Simply apply your spray or powder onto your roots right before you set your overnight updo. This allows the product to absorb oil overnight. You’ll wake up to roots that feel fresh and voluminous without sacrificing your curl pattern.

Recommended Post: Can I use dry shampoo powder on curly hair?

The Morning Magic: The Settle & Refresh

When you wake up, carefully take down your sleeping hairstyles and let your curls breathe. Don’t touch them yet! Give your hair about ten minutes to settle back down. You’ll quickly notice how much the curls drop and settle into place. They’ll require far less work than if you started refreshing immediately.

Once your hair has settled, you may notice just a few pieces around your face or crown need a boost. For quick styling in the morning, try this quick Morning Refresh Hack too! It’s the fastest way to smooth frizz and add immediate definition without rewetting your entire head.

The Cover-Up Tips

For both overnight updo styles, adding an extra layer of protection is highly recommended for multi-day success. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase, or wearing a protective accessory like a satin scarf, bonnet, or hair buff (my favorite) over your hair, will help keep those delicate baby hairs tucked in and relaxed throughout the night. These materials significantly reduce the friction and moisture absorption that standard cotton causes, which is the main culprit behind frizz and curl separation.

It truly only takes a couple of extra minutes to properly protect your curls. Just a small effort makes a huge difference, ensuring you get day after day of wearable, beautiful curls!