You just got a fresh blowout for your friend’s wedding and when you wake up the next morning, your hair is flat and dented. A bedtime hair routine is key to extending the life of your blowout. Your hair needs to stay as smooth as possible to keep your blowout looking like it did when your Priv professional finished it.
- DO: Sleeping with your hair styled in a loose high bun or pineapple ponytail
- DO: Sleeping on either a silk or satin pillowcase
- DO: Putting your hair up with a silk scrunchy or spiral hair tie
- DO: Giving your hair a morning refresh by using dry shampoo at your roots and brushing lightly
- AVOID: Sleeping on cotton or polyester pillowcases
- AVOID: Securing your hair with tight elastics
- AVOID: Sleeping with your hair down
If you follow this advice, your blowout should last 3–5 days with proper maintenance.
Why is your blowout at risk of not lasting overnight?
All the characteristics of a great blowout include volume, bounce, a shiny, frizz-free texture, and consistent shape from scalp to ends. If any of these are affected, that’s when your blowout won’t last. Friction will cause tangles and frizz, moisture will cause your hair to lose volume, and a cotton pillowcase will make your hair lose its shape. If you understand what makes your blowout great, you can take better care of it.
How do you keep a blowout fresh overnight?
Find your bedtime hair routine and follow it each night. By following the same routine, you can extend the life of your blowout, curls, or waves, and reduce the need for heat styling. You’ll wake up with gorgeous hair every morning.
- Brush your hair before bed: Gently brush through your hair until your hair is smooth using a boar bristle or wide paddle brush to distribute natural oils and remove tangles. Some of our favorite brush brands include Tangle Teezer, Wet Brush, Olivia Garden, and Crown Affair.
- Gather hair into a loose style:
You should wrap your hair into a loose top knot, pineapple ponytail, or low bun using a silk scrunchie, or in a silk scarf or bonnet. Make the style loose and avoid tightening. It can leave dents or flatten hair at the roots. Things to avoid include elastics, tight headbands, rubber bands, and metal barrettes. Some of our favorite silk scrunchie and scarf brands include Slip, Crown Affair, Gimme Beauty, and Sleepy Tie. - Sleep on silk or satin: A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction in comparison to cotton. This helps maintain shine while minimizing tangles and frizz. Silk doesn’t absorb oils from your hair like cotton which will allow you to go longer between washes.
- Moisture is not your friend: You shouldn’t sleep with damp hair, use overnight hair masks, or expose your hair to steam before bed. Humidity breaks down the shape created during a professional blowout. You should wear a shower cap to keep your blowout from getting wet and keep it from being exposed to steam.
- Refresh lightly in the morning: Flip your head upside down to let your hair fall, massage the roots, apply dry shampoo if needed. This gives your hair some extra lift and the dry shampoo should be more effective with your hair being pulled away from your head. Then lightly brush through the ends. Most blowouts only require a quick touch-up if you follow all the tips above.
What products help a blowout last longer?
The best products for keeping your blowout fresh focus on oil control, humidity protection, and reducing friction instead of adding moisture. Here are the hair staples you need in your cabinet to maintain a fresh blowout:
- Silk or satin pillowcase
- Silk scrunchie
- Boar bristle brush
- Dry shampoo
- Lightweight finishing spray
- Anti-humidity spray
- Wide-tooth comb
Pro Stylist Tip
Less is more! When using hair styling sprays, try to keep it to a light dusting or spritz. It's about protection, not product overload.
What mistakes ruin a blowout overnight?
- Going to bed with wet or damp hair
- Securing hair in a tight ponytail
- Sleeping on cotton or polyester pillowcases
- Applying heavy oils before bed
- Brushing aggressively in the morning
- Exercising without protecting your hair
- Taking a hot shower without waterproof protection
How many nights should a blowout last?
A professional blowout can last up to 3-4 nights with proper care. Other factors such as hair type, climate, activity level, and nightly habits all affect the longevity of your blowout. Fine hair may require dry shampoo sooner, while thicker hair often holds shape longer.
How can you refresh a blowout without washing your hair?
Most styles can be refreshed in just a few minutes. Refresh your professional blowout by:
- Applying dry shampoo at the roots.
- Using your brush to gently brush through your hair.
- Styling face-framing pieces with a curling iron if needed.
- Using your blow dryer on cool at the roots to restore volume.
- Finishing with a lightweight shine spray.
Is it worth getting professional blowouts?
Professional blowouts at home save styling, travel time, and reduce repeated heat styling at home. Many of our clients choose weekly blowouts because their hair remains fresh for several days with proper maintenance. A professional stylist also selects products and techniques tailored to your hair type that will make your blowout last longer. Our professionals travel to your home, hotel, or Airbnb so you can sit back and relax.
Can I sleep with my hair down after a blowout?
If you sleep with your hair down it can create tangles and flatten volume. Tangles can lead to knots in your hair that require a professional to get out. A loose bun provides better protection overnight.
Is a silk pillowcase really worth it?
Should I use dry shampoo before bed or in the morning?
Can I exercise with a blowout?
Will humidity ruin my blowout?
What's the best hairstyle to sleep in after a blowout?
Mikala Renda
Mikala graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a double major in fashion design and fashion business. She has been working in the fashion and beauty industry for 10 years.
