Sweet Dreams Curls: Tips for Sleeping in Curlers Without Discomfort

Dreaming of bouncy, voluminous vintage curls without the hassle of heat styling? Or perhaps your hair is like mine and does not respond to heat curling at all? Sleeping in curlers can be a great way to achieve those coveted waves without damaging your hair. But let’s face it, sleeping in curlers isn’t always comfortable. Here are some tips to help you get a good night’s sleep while waking up to beautiful, frizz-free curls, well, trying to anyways.

Choosing the Right Curlers:

• Size Matters: Select curlers that are the right size for the type of curls you want. Smaller curlers create tighter curls, while larger curlers create looser waves.
• Material Matters: Opt for soft, flexible curlers like foam or fabric-covered ones (DIY your own here). Avoid hard plastic curlers that can be uncomfortable and snag your hair.
• Headband Helpers: Headband curlers are a great option for a comfortable sleep, as they stay securely in place throughout the night.

Prepping Your Hair:

• Clean and Conditioned: Wash and condition your hair before setting it in curlers. Back in the 50s, it was common for ladies to set their hair once a week and just maintain their curls until it was hair washing day again. This ensures your hair is clean and manageable, allowing the curls to hold better.
• Detangling is Key: Gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage and ensure smooth, even curls.
• Moisture Matters: Apply a leave-in conditioner or styling cream to damp hair to add moisture and prevent frizz. I’d definitely recommend using a good setting lotion as well just incase your hair needs a little help; I personally love making my own using flax seeds (full recipe here), Poison Apple and Lottabody.

Setting Your Hair For Comfort:

• Sectioning is Key: Divide your hair into manageable sections for easier styling. However, the placement of your curlers can play a big part as to how comfortable you sleep. I don’t recommend placing many curlers on the side of your head as when sleeping on my side, they can get uncomfortable. I’d recommend placing as many curlers as high up on your head or as low down as you can to ensure a comfortable sleep.
• Start at the Ends: Begin wrapping the curlers around the ends of your hair and work your way up towards the roots.
• Securely Wrapped: Ensure the curlers are securely wrapped to prevent them from coming loose during sleep. You can do this by using bobby pins as needed. I’d also recommend wrapping your head, once fully curled, in a silk scarf to stop the curlers moving around and also the silk will reduce frizz and split ends.
• Sleeping Position: Try sleeping on your back to avoid flattening your curls. Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz. I’d also recommend using a very soft pillow; I personally use a feather pillow just for curler nights as the pillow is softer and cushions the curlers a bit more.

Additional Tips:

• Double Check Your Curls: Before going to bed, ensure all the curlers are securely in place and your hair is not tangled.
• Sleepy Time Beverage: if you are worried about falling asleep and staying asleep with curlers in, I’d recommend drinking a sleepy tea before bed to help you fall asleep as it can be pretty uncomfortable if you’re not used to it.
• Feel Free to Adjust if Needed: I’ve definitely tried to fall asleep and been kept up by one super annoying curler. Feel free to take out and redo a curler if it is causing you pain or discomfort; you don’t want to have your hair being pulled in the night.
• Find the “Sweet Spot”: Once you lay your head down on your pillow, shuffle around a bit until you find that one head position that is the most comfortable or “the sweet spot”, stay in that realm and try to sleep as best you can.
• Yes, You Do Get Used To It: I’ve been sleeping in curlers since I’ve been a kid so I’ve gotten used to it over the years. There are still some nights that are more uncomfortable than others but over time, you do get used to it.
• Combination is Key: If pinup and vintage hair is something you aspire to master, it’s worth finding a combination that works for you. Testing out different curlers, pillows and curling patterns can really make a difference over time.

By following these tips, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting curls without sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Sweet dreams and may bouncy curls await!

Blog details:
Photos by Red Leopard Photography
Pyjamas from Bed Head ‘Peach Blossom’ Pyjama Set
Head Scarf can be found in a multipack here
Curlers from here
Earrings from Splendette

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. This page contains affiliate links/codes which aids in funding future reviews.