A Stylist Breaks Down How to Wrap Your Hair in Two Easy Steps

Once you learn how to wrap your hair, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this protective method sooner. A pro shows us two ways to wrap your locks. Plus, we’re dishing out five hair wrap recommendations.

By Hair.com & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

Update Date: 19 Sep 2023

Every hair type has its own challenges, but we’d bet curly girls spend the most time on their curly hair routines. So, it makes it that much more disappointing when you wake up to find your once bouncy, voluminous ringlets have gone flat and frizzy overnight. If this sounds like you, it might be a good time to learn how to wrap your hair before bed.

While you may have never tried hair wrapping, the technique has been around for years. Originating in Africa, this ritual represents a long history of Black hair culture and has been used for decades by African American women to style and preserve their hair. Whether using scarves, bonnets, old stockings, or durags, many women wrap their hair as a stylish protective option before turning in.

Wondering how to do a hair wrap, and, more importantly, what the benefits are? We tapped Ashley Brown, Mizani artist and owner of Cheveux Salon, for everything you need to know.

Is wrapping good for your hair?

As mentioned, hair wrapping is great for your strands and benefits every hair type. As Brown explains, wrapping your hair before bed keeps the hair cuticle intact while you toss and turn at night.

“When you don't wrap your hair, your hair is essentially rubbing up against your pillowcase while you sleep...Which can cause your cuticle to open, thus causing dryness, breakage, and damage over time,” Brown says.

While wrapping your hair is a technique long used by the curly and natural hair community to keep curls maintained and frizz-free overnight, Brown suggests that anyone can see positive results from it.

“Higher texture types like curly, coily, and zig-zag coils benefit by keeping the cuticle closed as well as getting longevity in styles like a silk press,” Brown explains. “Lower texture types that are prone to frizz or have pre-lightened, chemically treated hair benefit from wrapping as well.”

Brown adds that those with low texture types, such as straight and wavy, can experience challenges with maintaining length. However, they’ll likely have a better chance of growing down-to-there-hair if they wrap their hair consistently. What’s more, wrapping can help preserve heat styles like curls, waves, and blowouts, so you have to touch up your locks less often (spoiler alert: less heat damage in the long run).

What should I use to wrap my hair?

Beginners learning the ropes of how to wrap hair may be tempted to pick up any ol’ piece of cloth and get to work—but not so fast! The type of material used can play a major role in the look and feel of your hair post-wrapping. Many experts recommend enveloping your tresses in silk or satin. These fabrics are less absorbent than ones like cotton, so they won’t wick away your hair’s natural moisture and dry it out.

Speaking of silk and satin, switching your pillowcase to either of these textiles is also a good idea. The smooth, glossy surface of silk or satin allows hair to glide frictionlessly across your pillow whenever you toss and turn. So if you decide to skip a day or two of wrapping, you’ll still have some insurance against frizz, dryness, and damage.

Our 5 Favorite DIY Hair Wrap Scarves

Photo credit: Brand

Rifle Paper Co. Square Silk Scarf

We love the colorful wildflower design on this silk scarf from Rifle Paper Co. It’s available in seven gorgeous patterns, so you can find one that suits your fancy. Plus, they makes for a bright, cheerful addition to your wardrobe by day.

Rifle Paper Co. Square Silk Scarf, $68.00 MSRP

Photo credit: Brand

Lost Pattern New York in Sketches Silk Scarf - Black & White

Catch some Zzz’s with the city that never sleeps in this New York City-inspired scarf from Lost Pattern.

Lost Pattern New York in Sketches Silk Scarf - Black & White, $85.00 MSRP

Photo credit: Brand

Kitsch Satin Hair Scarf Leopard

If you want to take out the guesswork of wrapping your hair, let this satin number from Kitsch do it for you.

Kitsch Satin Hair Scarf Leopard, $14.00 MSRP

Photo credit: Brand

The Wrap Life Satin Head Scarf in Legacy

Not only does this verdant scarf safeguard your precious mane, but it’s also made in collaboration with textile designers who are women of color.

The Wrap Life Satin Head Scarf in Legacy, $22.00 MSRP

Photo credit: Brand

Mulberry Park Silks Silk Head Scarf Bandana

For a no-frills option, you can’t go wrong with Mulberry Park Silks’ plain black silk bandana. The silk boasts 18 proteins and amino acids, which can help keep your strands healthy and hydrated.

Mulberry Park Silks Silk Head Scarf Bandana, $46.25 MSRP