Hair loss is one of those things that always feels like an uphill battle. Brushing, shampooing, and even sleeping is necessary, but they seem to increase shedding by causing friction.

In this article, Dr. Ankur Singhal, India’s leading hair transplant doctor, has suggested 6 measures to keep your hair from falling out while you sleep.

Dr. Ankur Singhal is the Medical Director of Regrow Hair Clinic. He is a renowned hair transplant doctor in India. 

Moreover, Dr. Ankur specializes in hair transplant procedures and excellent cosmetics like Dense Hair Implantation and FUE.

Making some lifestyle changes to your bedtime routine, rather than counting your losses (literally), can make a huge difference. For starters, it can protect your hair from damage ( A lot of hair damage happens at night).

Because your epithelial hair follicle stem cells are activated while you sleep, proper hair care will significantly aid the overall hair growth process.

Choose a pillowcase made of silk or satin

Silk pillowcases are frequently discussed, and for a good reason.

Compared to cotton, the smaller silk fibers reduce friction from rubbing your scalp against the pillow (essential if you’re a tosser-and-turner).

Cotton pillowcases also absorb moisture from your hair, leaving your strands dry, frizzy, and vulnerable to breakage.

2. If your hair is wet, don’t sleep with it wet

Although there are few things more satisfying than slipping into freshly washed sheets, keep in mind that wet hair is at its most vulnerable.

If you shower at night, make sure to thoroughly dry your hair to avoid tugging and breakage while you sleep.

Excessive heat is also bad for thinning hair, so allow yourself an extra hour or two to let your hair air dry.

3. Apply a hair mask to your hair overnight

In the morning, hydrated strands mean less breakage throughout the day.

Overnight hair masks are an excellent way to provide much-needed nourishment and moisture to your hair. “It’s similar to sleeping with a night serum on your face,” says Dr. Ankur Singhal.

“Many essential ingredients in overnight hair masks improve hair elasticity, hair integrity, and help move down the hair’s outer surface layer for shinier, more manageable hair.”

4. Apply scalp treatment to your hair

Aside from hair masks (which are typically applied to your strands), a treatment applied directly to your scalp can also be beneficial.

“Scalp treatments can help you sleep better,” says Dr. Ankur Singhal. “They contain ingredients that promote the growth of healthy hair cells.

A Hair Control Treatment is an excellent way to strengthen hair follicles that have become weakened. If you prefer a more natural approach, apply aloe vera or coconut oil.

5. Before going to bed, detangle your hair

Those with thinning hair may dread brushing it, but according to Dr. Ankur Singhal, detangling your strands before bed will reduce hair loss over time.

“Tangles can turn into dreadlocks while you sleep, causing more to emerge when you have to brush your hair in the morning,” he says.

This process will also increase blood circulation (which will aid in hair growth while you sleep) and distribute natural oils from the scalp through the hair, making any friction to the strands during sleepless nights damaging.

6. Never wear a nightcap or tie your hair up

Tight ponies are one of the hairstyles that can be damaging to your hair. When they’re worn to bed, however, the damage is multiplied by two. 

While it may appear to be innocuous, having your hair up for several hours can put a strain on your scalp, resulting in traction alopecia.

If you absolutely must get your hair out of your face, try a loose braid (secured with a soft rubber band instead of an elastic) to reduce pressure and prevent tangles—also, it’s a great way to wake up the next day with heatless waves.

Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Ankur Singhal advises against wearing sleep caps (unless they’re made of silk).

“They can be too tight on the head and rub in one area,” he says, “pulling hair out from the roots and damaging your hair follicle.” 

“It also goes against the idea that you want to sleep with as little friction as possible.”