Here's why your hair needs a nighttime routine too
From silk pillowcases to overnight masks and scalp serums, a nighttime hair routine might just be key to waking up to stronger, shinier, and healthier hair every morning.
Social media, beauty gurus, and influencers have convinced us that our skincare routine should evolve with the seasons—and sometimes even the time of day. We have a carefully curated daytime routine and a dedicated nighttime routine, adjusting each step to our skin’s needs, from vitamin C serums in the morning to retinol and overnight masks before bed. But when it comes to our hair, why do we hold back? Yes, we have elaborate pre-wash rituals, in-shower treatments, and heat-protectant regimens, yet for some reason, we haven’t updated our approach to include a nighttime hair routine.
While our skin gets the luxury of overnight repair and nourishment, our hair is often left to fend for itself. Friction against pillowcases, sleeping on damp strands, and environmental stressors can all contribute to breakage, dullness, and frizz. The truth is, your hair is working even when you’re asleep—but it could work harder for you if you gave it a little TLC before bed. A few thoughtful steps at night can transform how your hair looks and feels by morning, giving it the same care we so diligently give our skin.
Protecting hair while you sleep
Hair growth doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. In fact, studies show that it can actually accelerate during sleep. A study in the Journal of Dermatology found that melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, peaks at night and can extend the growth phase of hair follicles by up to 30 per cent. Put simply, your sleep time is the prime time for hair regeneration.
Beyond growth, sleep also boosts blood flow to the scalp, delivering nutrients that your strands need to stay strong and healthy. This is where a nighttime hair routine comes in. When you apply a nourishing leave-in, a lightweight oil, or an overnight mask, you’re giving your hair the tools it needs to soak up moisture and repair damage while you sleep. Think of it as your hair getting a spa treatment without you even leaving your bed.
Protecting hair while you sleep
You know all the ads and reels about switching to a satin pillowcase? Yeah, that's not just another advertising gimmick. Your hair is in its most vulnerable state at night. And tossing and turning on a cotton pillowcase causes friction, which can lead to damage aka tangles, breakage, and split ends. Silk or satin pillowcases—or even a simple silk scarf—can help your strands glide smoothly through the night, reducing damage and frizz.
Sleeping on damp hair is another big no-no. It might seem harmless, but it's a recipe for fungal growth, which can lead to scalp irritation, dandruff, or even more serious issues over time. Making sure your hair is dry before bed is a simple habit that pays off in the long run, plus it can pretty much guarantee you wake up to a good hair day.
Incorporating overnight treatments
This is where your hair can really thank you. Overnight leave-ins, oils, and hair masks give your strands the chance to absorb hydration and nutrients for hours uninterrupted. Oils rich in antioxidants, like argan, marula, or jojoba, smooth frizz, restore shine, and leave hair feeling soft by morning. Overnight masks, meanwhile, can repair dryness and strengthen strands from the inside out.
Unlike quick morning applications, overnight treatments get time to sink in fully. It’s the difference between a fleeting moment of softness and hair that actually feels nourished, resilient, and ready to style. Over time, this consistent care can make a visible difference in texture, strength, and overall hair health.
Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum, ₹4,200
Oribe Gold Lust Restorative Night Crème for Hair, ₹11,937 approx.
Fable & Mane HoliRoots™ Hair Oil, ₹3,159
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, ₹2,430
Why scalp care matters
We often think of haircare as a surface-level thing, but healthy hair starts at the scalp. Overnight scalp treatments, like serums or oils, can boost circulation, balance oil production, and support follicle health. Gentle scalp massages before bed feel indulgent but also stimulate blood flow, which can strengthen roots and even encourage growth.
Botanical ingredients like rosemary oil, long used in traditional haircare, are now being studied for their potential to improve hair density. Incorporating these treatments into a nightly routine means you’re not just pampering your hair—you’re taking care of it from root to tip.
Augustinus Bader The Scalp treatment, ₹7,700
L'Occitane Scalp Protection & Soothing Night Serum, ₹3,400
Forest Essentials Keshanta Advanced Hair Growth Serum, ₹3,150
Making nighttime haircare simple
A nighttime hair routine doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Even just brushing your hair gently before bed, applying a nourishing oil or leave-in, switching to a silk pillowcase, and giving your scalp a quick massage can make a difference over time.
Ultimately, hair deserves the same attention we give our skin. A thoughtful nighttime routine isn’t just about looking good—it’s about giving your hair the care it needs to stay strong, healthy, and shiny. Because when it comes to beauty, the work you do while you sleep can be just as important as the work you do while awake.
Lead image: Getty Images
Also read: Do hair growth serums really work?
