My 5-Step Nighttime Hair Care Routine (aka my hair's bedtime story )
Hi friends! 💖
There’s something so comforting about having a nighttime routine, right?
It’s like telling your body (and soul) that it's time to wind down, recharge, and get cozy.
And while skincare often gets all the attention in the nighttime self-care world, I truly believe our hair deserves just as much love before bed. 💁♀️✨
Over the years, I’ve experimented with allll kinds of products and routines—some worked, some... not so much (let’s not talk about that one time I slept with coconut oil and ruined my pillowcases forever 🙈).
But now I’ve finally found a hair care ritual that feels nourishing, simple, and kind. And today, I’m sharing it with you! 💕
So grab a cup of tea, wrap yourself in a fuzzy blanket, and let’s walk through my 5-step nighttime hair care routine.
Spoiler alert: It’s gentle, soothing, and a little magical 🌙✨
✨ Step 1: Brushing Out the Day
Before anything else, I always start by gently brushing my hair. Not just to detangle, but to literally brush out the day. Whether it’s been in a messy bun, a braid, or doing its own thing in the wind, my hair deserves a little TLC.
The tiktok girly have pressured me into getting a nice boar bristle hair brush and I hate to admit it- but it is unfortunately very worth it…hair brushing was something I saw as a chore or just a mundane self care task life brushing my teeth. Now I have 2 of the brushes😅 one for in my purse ( so I can brush my hair at any time) and one for at home. I’m sorry but I’m truly obsessed.
I always start from the ends and working my way up helps avoid breakage (and saves me from that ow ow ow situation).
Pro tip: I like to turn on some chill music or a calming playlist and my diffuser while I brush—it's like turning my bathroom into a tiny spa. 🧖♀️
💧 Step 2: Scalp Serum or Oil Massage
Okay, this step is pure magic. I use a lightweight scalp serum or a little bit of hair oil (depending on what my hair’s craving) and give myself a mini scalp massage. It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of the routine—it feels soooo relaxing, and it helps stimulate circulation and hair growth.
I warm a few drops between my palms and gently press it into my scalp, using my fingertips (never nails!) to massage in little circular motions. If you’ve never done this before, I highly recommend it—it’s like a lullaby for your scalp. 💤💆♀️
🌿 Step 3: Leave-In Conditioner or Moisturizing Spray
Next up: hydration! Especially if you have dry or damaged ends like me, this step is a must. I spritz a lightweight leave-in conditioner or a nourishing hair mist from mid-length to ends. Think of it like a bedtime drink of water for your strands. 💦 My bff recently put me on to Sol Del Janeiro’s Milky Leave In Conditioner and when I tell you it smells like I just walked into an ice cream shop omg its heavenly.
Not only does it help with softness and shine, but it also makes my hair smell amazing—which is oddly comforting when I’m dozing off. (Is it just me? 😂)
🐚 Step 4: Protective Styling (aka “bed braids”)
Here’s the thing: I used to wake up with a bird’s nest on my head.
Seriously.
My hair would get so tangled and frizzy overnight, and I didn’t know why—until I discovered the magic of protective styles.
Now, before bed, I gently twist or braid my hair. A loose braid, two pigtail braids, or a pineapple bun (for my curly-haired friends!) works wonders. It keeps my hair from rubbing against the pillow, reduces frizz, and gives me super cute waves the next day. Win-win!
Bonus: If I’m feeling ✨fancy✨ I’ll use a satin scrunchie instead of a regular hair tie. Way gentler on the strands and totally adorable.
🌙 Step 5: Satin Pillowcase = Game Changer
Okay, I saved the simplest step for last—but it might be the most powerful. Switching to a satin or silk pillowcase changed everything. Not only does it feel luxurious (like I’m sleeping in a rom-com hotel bed), but it helps reduce friction, breakage, and frizz.
Plus, it’s better for your skin too! So basically... satin pillowcases are the unsung heroes of the nighttime beauty world. Trust me on this one. 💅✨
Final Thoughts 🌸
My nighttime hair care routine isn’t just about products or pretty results—it’s about taking a few minutes to slow down and care for myself.
It’s a ritual. A love letter to my hair.
A soft reminder that I’m worthy of gentleness, even on days when I feel frazzled or chaotic or like I didn’t get anything done.
So if you’ve been neglecting your strands (no judgment—we’ve all been there), consider this your sign to start small. A little brushing. A little braid. A little love.
Your hair (and future self) will thank you. 💖
Sweet dreams, beautiful souls. ✨🌙
With love and softness,
xoxo
