Should I Sleep With A T-Shirt: Hair Care

Sleeping with a t-shirt wrapped around your hair, also known as plopping, is a popular technique for people with curly hair. The method involves using a cotton t-shirt to dry curls instead of a towel, reducing frizz and absorbing more water. While some people find this technique effective for maintaining their curls, others find that sleeping with a t-shirt on their head is uncomfortable and that the t-shirt tends to slip off. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid sleeping with wet hair as it can cause breakage and frizz, but if necessary, there are ways to protect your hair, such as using a leave-in conditioner or tying your hair up.

Using a t-shirt to wrap hair before sleeping

Wrapping your hair in a t-shirt before sleeping is a great way to protect your hair, especially if you have curly hair. It is a popular technique used by many people to dry their curls with a cotton t-shirt instead of a towel. The thinner and gentler fabric of a t-shirt causes less friction, reduces frizz, and absorbs more water than a towel, resulting in bouncier and tighter curls.

Step 1: Prepare your hair

Shampoo your hair and ensure it is still damp before applying any hair products. You can use products like leave-in conditioners, oils, or creams, but instead of combing them through your hair, use a scrunching method to work the product in, starting from the ends and moving up.

Step 2: Position your t-shirt

Lay your t-shirt on a counter or chair with the end that has the sleeves closest to you. Then, flip your hair over so that it is pointing towards the centre of the shirt. Gather your curls at the crown of your head to provide lift at the roots.

Step 3: Tie the sleeves

Once you have flipped the shirt onto your head with the bottom of the fabric sitting at the nape of your neck, grab the sleeves and twist them. Tie the longer sleeves in a knot at the back of your head.

Step 4: Remove the t-shirt when hair is almost dry

It is recommended to remove the t-shirt when your hair is around 70% dry. Leaving the t-shirt on overnight can cause curls to dry out and may lead to frizz due to the friction of the t-shirt during sleep. Allow your hair to air-dry completely after removing the t-shirt.

Tips:

• This method works best for curly hair, as it helps define curls and reduce frizz.
• If you have wavy hair, you may find that sleeping with your hair down and refreshing it in the morning works better for you.
• Avoid sleeping with wet hair if possible, as it can cause mould to grow on your scalp, create dandruff, or damage your hair.
• If you do sleep with wet hair, use a silk scarf, bandana, or pillowcase to reduce frizz and prevent damage.

T-shirt vs silk scarf/bandana for sleeping with wet hair

Sleeping with wet hair is not ideal, as it can cause breakage and frizz. However, if you have no other option, there are some steps you can take to protect your hair. Firstly, it is recommended to dry your hair as much as possible before going to bed. You can do this by air-drying or using a hairdryer, especially on the underside of your hair, which is slower to dry.

You can then apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or cream to protect your hair and prevent frizz. Next, you have a few options to cover your hair:

T-shirt

Using a T-shirt to cover your hair while sleeping is not recommended, as it can be uncomfortable. However, some people use T-shirts to plop their hair, which involves wrapping the hair in a T-shirt to soak up moisture. This is usually done with dry hair, but some people also use this method with wet hair.

Silk scarf or bandana

Silk scarves or bandanas are a great option for sleeping with wet hair. They help to eliminate frizz and can be knotted to secure them in place. They are also comfortable and stylish. However, they may not be suitable for very long hair, as it can be difficult to fit all the hair inside.

Microfiber towel

Wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel is another option. These towels are designed for wrapping hair and often have velcro or buttons to secure them in place. You can also buy special hair-wrapping towels, which are more comfortable and breathable.

Silk pillowcase

Using a silk pillowcase can help prevent damage to wet hair by creating less friction. This method works better for straight hair, as curly or wavy hair may benefit from being tied up or covered.

In addition to these methods, you can also try braiding your hair or using foam curlers to create beachy waves or curls while you sleep. It is also recommended to use a waterproof pillowcase to protect your pillow from moisture, which can cause mold and bacteria growth.

Pros and cons of using a t-shirt to wrap hair

Using a t-shirt to wrap your hair has several benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons to help you decide if this method is right for you:

Pros:

• T-shirts are made of cotton, which is a gentle fabric that can help reduce frizz and absorb excess water from your hair without stripping away the natural moisture that prevents frizz.
• The flat surface of a t-shirt allows water to sink in and slide over your hair, preventing the roughing up of your cuticles that can occur when using a regular towel.
• This method is ideal for people with curly hair as it helps to reduce frizz and preserves your natural curl pattern.
• It is a cost-effective option, as you can use an old t-shirt instead of purchasing a new product.

Cons:

• It can be uncomfortable to sleep in a t-shirt, especially if it is tied tightly around your head.
• If you have long hair, it may be difficult to wrap it securely and comfortably with a t-shirt.
• T-shirts may not be as effective as other options, such as silk scarves or pillowcases, in preventing frizz and maintaining your hairstyle while you sleep.
• It is important to remove the t-shirt once your hair is around 70% dry. Wearing it overnight can cause curls to dry out and the friction of the t-shirt fabric can lead to frizz.

Overall, using a t-shirt to wrap your hair can be a good option for those looking for a gentle, cost-effective way to reduce frizz and preserve their natural curl pattern. However, it may not be the most comfortable or effective option for sleeping, especially if you have long hair.

How to tie a t-shirt on your head for sleeping

There are a few ways to tie a t-shirt on your head for sleeping. Here is a step-by-step guide for two methods:

Option A – Twist & Wrap

• Cut a straight line across your t-shirt, from the bottom of one armhole to the bottom of the other.
• Place the lower portion of the shirt over your head, with the finished seam along your forehead.
• Gather the excess fabric together at the back of your head and twist to keep it in place.
• Pull the excess fabric over the top of your head so that it wraps around your forehead and stays in place.

Option B – The “Plop”

• Cut a straight line across your t-shirt, from the bottom of one armhole to the bottom of the other.
• Place the t-shirt flat on a counter, stool, bed, or another flat surface, pushing back the top layer of fabric to expose the inside of the shirt while keeping the bottom layer flat.
• Bend over so that your hair is upside down, then place your hair on top of the shirt so that it piles up on the inside of the shirt.
• Grab the top layer of fabric and pull it up and over the back of your head. As you stand up, grab the bottom layer so that your hair stays scooped inside the shirt.
• Gather the fabric at the back of your head, twist it around, then pull the excess fabric back over the top of your head to secure the t-shirt.

T-shirt vs hair turban

There are several methods for wrapping your hair before bed, and the right one for you will depend on your hair type, your hair goals, and the materials you have available.

T-shirt

T-shirts are a great alternative to towels for drying your hair. The cotton used in t-shirts is softer and smoother than the cotton used in towels, meaning it won't catch on or break your hair strands. T-shirts are also more absorbent than towels, so they will remove excess water without drying out your hair. To use a t-shirt to wrap your hair, follow these steps:

• Use a clean t-shirt to gently squeeze excess water out of your hair. Avoid wringing or vigorously rubbing your hair.
• Place your head inside the t-shirt, with the head opening at your hairline.
• Twist and wrap the t-shirt around your head.
• For fine hair, keep the t-shirt on for 10-15 minutes. For thick or curly hair, leave it on for 20-25 minutes.

Hair Turban

Hair turbans are made from microfiber towels, which are much finer than human hair. They are highly absorbent, so they remove water from your hair without the friction that can cause damage. They are also softer and smoother than regular towels, so they won't snag or tear your hair.

Other Methods

There are several other ways to wrap your hair, including using a silk scarf or bandana, a silk pillowcase, or a special hair-drying towel or hair cap. You can also use a regular bath towel, but these are more likely to damage your hair than the other methods mentioned.

Frequently asked questions