While some hear the term bonnet and picture the large hat tied under the chin with a bow, a bonnet refers to any type of soft, brimless hat.
These days, most people wear bonnets while they’re at home relaxing or when they sleep to help lock in moisture and keep their hair healthy.
Purpose of the Bonnet
There are many advantages to wearing a bonnet. Black women have worn them for centuries for healthy ends, to protect hairstyles, and for a variety of other reasons, including:
- Prevent tangling: When your hair gets too dry, it knots and tangles, making it difficult to brush. Knots and tangles also cause breakage when brushing and styling. Silk or synthetic bonnet keeps your hair from drying out, which prevents knots.
- Improve how hair products work: When treating your hair with product, some of it will evaporate. A bonnet keeps this from happening, so the ingredients work better. A bonnet reduces the amount of product you need to treat the hair.
- Preserves hairstyles: Anyone who has naturally curly hair or rocks styles like box braids and cornrows knows the struggle to keep them frizz-free after sleeping. A satin bonnet shields these styles from head to pillow friction, making them look better in the morning.
Pros and Cons of Wearing a Bonnet
There are plenty of reasons to wear a bonnet to bed. Here are some pros and cons.
How to Pick a Bonnet
If you’re ready to take the plunge and protect your tresses, here are some tips for selecting a bonnet.
- Consider your budget: If you’re wearing your bonnet every day, you’ll want to invest in more than one. So choose your budget and look for styles you can afford.
- Avoid exposed bands: The point of a bonnet is to keep your hair healthy. Exposed elastic or cotton bands can tug on the hair around your hairline, damaging it and even tearing it out. Stick with drawstrings that are hidden in the bonnet.
- Choose your material: Satin and silk are the best options, but these can be expensive. If your budget doesn’t cover multiple silk and satin bonnets, look for a blend of natural and synthetic fibers. These are more affordable but still soft enough to protect your tresses.
- Measure your head: Bonnets come in different sizes, just like heads. Measure your head to determine which size you need. You want your bonnet to fit securely, or it could fall off during the night.
Care for Your Bonnet
Keep your bonnet as long as you can with proper care. Like your hair, you need to clean your bonnet regularly.
Some are machine washable, so check the label. If you do machine wash it, turn it inside out and wash it with a gentle detergent.
You can also use a lingerie bag if you don’t want your bonnet to snag on other clothes in the washing machine.
Lay it flat or roll it in a towel to dry. If you don’t want to run the risk of ruining your bonnet in the washing machine, hand wash it with a gentle detergent.
Where to Buy
You can order your bonnets online today at avabeautysupply.com with confidence.
You will find the bonnet that works best for you. Once you start using it, you will notice positive changes in your hair that come from protecting and treating it while you sleep. Get ready to wear your best hair.
FAQ
How do I know what size bonnet to buy?
There are two things to consider when choosing a bonnet – the size of your head and the volume of your hair.
Wrap a measuring tape around your head like you would a scarf or headband, and write down the measurement.
This will help you determine what size band you need.
Next, start the measuring tape on one ear, and measure over the top of your head. This will help you determine how big your bonnet should be.
If you’re buying online, look at the product dimensions to see what size you need.
Are bonnets for all hair types?
Bonnets are suitable for any hair type because they reduce friction between your head and the pillow.
They also save strands from tangling, making it easier to style.
If your hair is fine or oily, you might be hesitant to try it, but silk and satin bonnets help protect any hair type.
Do bonnets cause hair loss?
No, when used properly a bonnet can help protect against hair loss because it helps to strengthen products to work better.
It also reduces knots and breakage. But tying a bonnet too tightly can tug at the hair, causing it to break or fall out.
Make sure your bonnet fits securely, but don’t tie it too tight, and avoid getting your hair stuck in the band.
Can I put wet hair in my bonnet?
You should give your hair a chance to dry as much as possible before wrapping it.
If you don’t blow it dry after you wash it, let it air dry as long as you can. Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breaking.
Also, since a silk or satin bonnet restricts airflow to the hair, it might smell weird or musty if it’s too wet when you wrap it.
Does wearing a bonnet help hair grow?
Hair growth is influenced by multiple factors, but the main way to make it grow better is through proper nutrition.
Even with a bonnet, your hair will keep growing at the same rate it usually does. But the bonnet will help you keep it healthier.
By locking in moisture and reducing tangles, knots, and other causes of breakage, you can grow out your hair for longer before having to cut it.
Should I sleep with my hair in a bonnet?
Yes. Sleeping with a bonnet is one of the best ways to keep natural curls from frizzing.
You could sleep with a silk or satin pillowcase, but a bonnet is easier, and it may even be more comfortable.
Which is better, silk or satin bonnet?
Silk is a natural fiber, while satin is synthetic. Silk is much more challenging to produce, so it’s more expensive.
If you want to save money and buy multiple bonnets, stick with satin.
Check the label to see how much satin is in the fabric, and go with a higher blend.
Otherwise, your bonnet might not protect your hair as well, and it could wear out more quickly.