Cotton and linen are naturally absorbent, and can pull moisture from your hair (and your skin) while you sleep. The natural fibres can also create friction and frizz, drying out the hair and causing damage, breakage and split ends.
A popular way to protect curly hair at night is to use a silk scarf. I tried this for a while, but I found I had to wrap and tie it so tightly to keep it on during the night. That my curls got flattened, especially at the front and back. And I kept waking up with headaches and marks on my forehead.
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Hi! Which one of these options is best to prevent hair loss along the hairline due to friction? My bonnet is starting to make my hairline recede ? looking for the best way to still protect hair without damaging my hairline, help please!
Such great tips! Ever since I follow your advice my hair has gotten so healthy and I get up in the morning, shake my curls (maybe refresh some single strands here and there at day 3) and go on about my day! I use the Silke London Hairtubans already, but what I am still missing is a silk pillow case ?
Thanks so much for this amazing blog post Gabriella, so much useful information! I have been using a silk pillowcase almost 2 years now thanks to you and have noticed a big difference in the condition of my curly hair. I would love love LOVE the silk hair wrap and scrunchies!! I have been wanting to purchase one for so long! Thank you for all your dedication and hardwork to educating the curl community x
A great blog, appreciation for you to make your writings helpful for such people like me who are looking for best haircare for curl and long hair too. But, I would like to know about the hair care ideas or tips to treat the dry and frizzy hair.
The silk pillowcase is the biggest game change I have found for myself and my daughter for reducing bed head. Makes such a difference. I would love the Silke London hair wrap to take it up to the next level! Thanks for the post Gabriella
Loved the article and watched your video! I have been eyeing the silke turban for a while and will have to try it out. Been using a satin scarf instead at night which tends to move around a lot. Thank you for all your articles, you have changed my hair and confidence.
I love your blog, newsletters, and videos, and have learned so much while transitioning from blowing out my natural curls, to embracing them. I would be delighted to win the silk turban & scrunchies!!
Thanks Gabriella for all of the wonderful info all in one place. I have been wearing my hair curly for almost 4 years and you have been a big part of that journey ? I would love to try the slip pillowcase. I have been using a satin one but now see the great benefits of a silk pillowcase.
Great post, I started using the puff cuff following an older post and it honestly has made such a difference to my next day curls I have volume and pineapple stays put. Would love to try a Silke pillowcase!
Thanks as always for your posts Gabriella. I brought the silke turban, puff cuffs and pillowcase based on your recommendations. My pillowcase could do with being replaced so would love to win one. Either way, grateful for all your social media content x
I love the Silke London hair turbans for this, so I think they would have to be my preferred option as opposed to a silk pillowcase, along with one of the Silke London scrunchies for gently piling my hair on the top of my head before covering with the turban. Your discount code for Lookfantastic has been a massive help for purchasing these products, thanks!
I have been sleeping on silk pillowcases for years and will not sleep without them. Satin refers to a type of fabric weave. Traditionally silk was used for satin fabric but in modern times and in order to offer a cheaper option, polyester satin is what is more readily available and what most people think of when they hear the word satin. If you want to make sure you are getting a high quality silk pillowcase that will hold up well look for the silk momme weight. Anything 19 momme and up will be a great option. If it has a satin or charmeuse weave even better for no friction.
She was actually getting better the last few months only waking 2-5 times (and short awake time only, she would fall back asleep quickly). However, the last month she wakes every hour, and then takes about 30 mins to get back to sleep.
She cannot find a position to sleep that suits her (even nursing doesn't work) and she refuses my husband's help. She cries within 30 secs or so if no one goes in and she is staning and crying within 1 min (not hysterical but upset).
I do not believe in the Ferber Method, but I am at wit's end and I work FT. She is not sick and not currently teething and nothing unusual going on in the house. I am beside myself and do not know what to do. Please help.
A baby sleep regression always feels extra hard after a few weeks or months of better sleep. But the good thing is, having had that better it also makes it easier to get back on track. So let's see how to make things better again!
I'll briefly talk you through the 10 month sleep regression first. Next we'll talk about how baby separation anxiety, a completely normal developmental milestone around this age, is likely at play and how to tackle it.
To get started with ease and stay on track, you might prefer my Overcome Frequent Waking program because it's a tailored action plan, includes full detailed steps for each technique, and comes with direct support by me for any questions along the way.
Most sleep regressions are linked with developmental milestones and often combine with a growth spurt. Babies develop in their own individual way. We know 'around' which ages typically to expect big changes, and this 9-10-11 month range is one of those ages.
It's when your baby becomes more conscious of how the world around them functions (what fits where and in which order). Most babies at this age have a renewed and often increased need for your presence and reassurance. Hence the phase of increased anxiety, and often single-handedness, when you're not around.
Like every big developmental step, also this one comes with its sleep regression: baby's brain, body and emotions are maturing and going through a lot of changes. This alone simply makes it harder for most babies to sleep their best during sleep regressions.
Your little girl's sleep problems are likely linked with separation anxiety. She's at a typical age for a phase where she fears not to see you again. Her refusal of your husband's help may be a sign of it too - and as we'll see, them spending more time together will help.
Please do check the baby separation anxiety article. See if you recognize some symptom(s), especially the ones during the day, but also at night. And use the tips I share to get you both through this phase.
It's fun and easy to play, and super powerful to make this separation anxiety phase a positive developmental milestone. One that's not about fear and uncertainty, but builds a strong bond and foundation for self-confidence and independence.
What your baby girl needs most of all in this phase is your reassurance and presence. That does not mean you have to sit and hold her constantly. But be there while confidently encouraging her independence.
For sleeping during this sleep regression, it will be of no use to have her crying and become even more upset. So if she wakes up and cries, it's best to go to her. (We'll see in action step 3 and 4 how to pre-empt waking at all).
During a sleep regression is also a good time to re-evaluate your girl's day and night sleep schedule (in this article you'll find schedules by baby's age). She probably has one nap time or two naps a day.
If she goes quite late (8pm or later), shift it to earlier, to 7 or even 6.30pm. Even if this sounds a bit counter-intuitieve, a one hour earlier bedtime helps many babies sleep through the night. That's becomes it helps balance sleep over the 24 hour period.
Especially if they have relatively late bed times leaving them over-tired. If your baby already goes to bed early (such as 6pm), then consider shifting to half an hour later in stead. Give each test at least a week before trying something else.
Your main guide should be how your baby girl feels and behaves. If she's overtired, it can either show itself in crankiness and crying or can come as seemingly have lots of energy and being super (overly) bouncy. Under-tiredness can be easier to spot though you do have to look for it.
Your under-tired baby will not only have trouble falling asleep but will be happy and content right up til the moment you do anything 'towards' sleeping. She'll recognize that and become upset and possible start crying even before you attempt to help her fall asleep.
You likely already have a routine before bed. So just as a reminder to have a good, simple and recognizable always-the-same one set up. Usually this routine starts right after, or right before, the last feeding before the night. Whenever a sleep regression plays up, reviewing these foundational essentials of baby sleep hygiene are super helpful.
In particular to help with the waking every hour, a good wind-down period is extra important. This is when you lower all lights and activity in the hour before bed. So that starts even before the routine.
Can you think of a reason why your baby girl refuses your husband's help? What often happens is that daddies, because of work and other reasons, find themselves spending less time with baby than moms.
Every daytime moment spent together during the day will help twofold towards the nights. Especially when they also get to do fun stuff together. No pressure, just spend time doing completely normal things.
Also good for him to realize that he's not doing anything wrong. It's just a typical phase for many babies, especially through sleep regressions. As long as he stays involved at other times of the day, and helps practice the below, he will be back to being able to help.
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