If you’re pressed for time, braid wet hair gently and definitely make sure it’s dry or damp by bedtime to avoid damage while you toss and turn.

Choose a leave-in conditioner that’ll suit your hair type. Ask your hairstylist for recommendations. In general, thicker hair can handle heavier products. If your hair is finer, opt for less leave-in conditioner. If leave-in conditioner hasn’t worked well for use, use an anti-frizz spray instead. It’ll offer the same benefits: less frizz, braids kept intact, and moisturized hair. But anti-frizz spray is much gentler on your locks. [7] X Research source

Fabric-covered hair ties make it more comfortable to sleep in braids, too. No more waking up to random hair yanks in the middle of the night!

Buy a silk or satin pillowcase from online shops, superstores, or beauty shops. Alternatively, you can wear a satin sleep bonnet or silk scarf to bed. As an added bonus, satin sleep bonnets and silk scarves can actually help your braids stay intact through the night.

For loose curls, create a single fishtail braid down the back of your head. Don’t pull tightly on the braid. Instead, let it sit loosely. When you wake up, tousle your hair with some hair spray, and you’ll have beachy waves. For crimped curls, create three rope twist braids down your neck. Wake up and apply some sea salt spray to add even more texture to your look. To create tight curls, create multiple french braids all around your crown. Braid them tightly against your scalp. Wake up, throw on some hair spray, and you’ll have flirty, tight coils. For box braids, a preventive braided style, book an appointment with your stylist. Not only is this look completely beautiful, but it’ll also help with length retention. Plus, box braids last up to six weeks! Keep in mind that different hair can experience totally different outcomes. Keep experimenting to find a style that you absolutely love.