Sturdy options for the fussy sleeper.
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We all have beauty rules we abide by. For me, sunscreen is an absolute must, and hair bonnets are as essential as oxygen. Not to be dramatic, but the last time I went to bed without a hair bonnet, I woke up to find my pillowcase covered in hair oil (bad for my skin) and my hair a hot, frizzy mess (bad for, well, me). As someone with over 20 bonnets to choose from, I know a thing or two about finding the right one for your hair type.
Hair bonnets are protective caps that help to extend the life of protective hairstyles, fight frizz, and retain moisture while you get your sleep. Sleeping without one can dry your hair out, cause breakage, and force you to buy even more hydrating shampoos and hair growth supplements to reverse the damage.
Silk or satin bonnets provide all those benefits wrapped up in plush, soft fabric that makes styling your hair the next morning a more seamless process. You can never have too many bonnets, so here are 10 of the best bonnets to keep your hair happy, healthy, and hydrated, pulled from my personal stash and top-rated customer favorites.
Kitsch’s pink satin version, with a tie mechanism similar to others on this list, is an even fancier alternative to your favorite durag.
My Kitsch star rating: 4.9/5 stars
A My Kitsch reviewer said: “I have been trying to find a beanie that I can sleep in that is cute, protective, soft, and stays on all night for my past-my-waist locs. I ended up wearing it all day for work.”
This ultra-soft bonnet sits comfortably on your head to protect your hair from tension, frizz, and movement throughout the night.
Bellami Hair star rating: 5/5 stars
A Bellami Hair reviewer said: “Amazing for hair extensions at night or [during the] day when you need to run to the grocery store. Other bonnets have the harmful band and don’t keep your hair style nice and neat.”
Glow by Daye’s fan-favorite bonnets come double-lined with satin inside the cap to protect your hair and satin on the outside for a comfier sleep.
Glow by Daye star rating: 5/5 stars
A Glow by Daye reviewer said: “Wanted a bonnet that was expensive-looking but stayed on all night because I’m a wild sleeper. This one is great and definitely quality. Will most likely order another <3”
Cantu’s option doubles as a headscarf and a bonnet in one. Tie the built-in bandana tightly around your head to protect your edges from breakage and prevent your cap from slipping off mid-sleep.
A Target reviewer said: “I’m typically not a bonnet girl. I usually like to wrap my hair with satin scarves. But this is a winner! It protects my edges and stays on all night!”
For a bonnet you can wear daily, look no further than Grace Eleyae’s collection of practical headwear. The satin-lined beanie doubles as a sleep bonnet and as an everyday cap that keeps the hair moisturized and protected no matter what.
Our expert says: “I love this bonnet. It’s one of the few that actually stays on my head the entire night. I have it in maroon, and it doubles as a cute cap on days I don’t feel like removing my flat twists.”—Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director
This affordable bonnet is a must-have solely for its large size (extraordinary for those with thick, long hair) and its tie band. After gathering your hair in the cap, ensure the bonnet stays put by tightening the tie and sealing it with a bow.
SL Virgin Hair star rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “The best part of this bonnet is the tie wrap, which helps this restless sleeper avoid waking up with a frizzy, knotted mess. The cap is large enough to safely house my long extensions or braids, and never stains my pillowcase.
Designed with silk inside and out, your hair will rest as peacefully as you do throughout the night and look frizz-free come morning.
A Revolve reviewer said: “I love that it stays on my head. It’s a little big, but I still love it.”
Sitting down for seven-plus hours to have a protective style installed is stressful enough. Finding a sleeping bonnet with enough room to protect said hairstyle should be the easy part. This super-long bonnet alleviates that stress. It crawls down to your mid-back to give your waist-length box braids breathing room and keep them frizz-free. Plus, it has an adjustable strap to tighten the edges in case the bonnet loses its elasticity.
An Amazon reviewer said: “I have been looking for a bonnet for my braids, but they always stopped in the middle of my back. This bonnet is long and comfortable. It doesn’t leave marks on my head. Overall I’d definitely buy again.”
Saving lives is no easy feat, and the last thing medical workers should be worried about is flyaways getting in their faces throughout the day. This “capscrub” is much cuter than the disposable ones typically worn by doctors and nurses and is large enough to fit thicker, curlier hair.
MedScrub Studio star rating: 5/5 stars
A MedScrub Studio reviewer said: “Beautiful scrub cap, very good quality.”
This versatile bonnet option is ideal for folks who like to switch up their look. The expandable cap drapes down in the back to fit longer hairstyles like braids, and then folds up and secures in the front for shorter styles.
Sassy Hair Cap star rating: 5/5 stars
A Sassy Hair Cap reviewer said: “I have 3A-3B curl type! This bonnet has changed my hair for the better! My hair grew very quickly and I’ve noticed breakage start to lessen and grow out. I absolutely love this bonnet, I recently bought the new Purple Rose one after using the Pink one for about a year! Very durable and comfortable. I will use this product forever!”
Protection is one of the top ways to preserve your hair’s health. “The purpose of a satin bonnet is to protect the hair from losing moisture and shape, and to prevent damaging or pulling of the hair while you sleep,” says Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth, celebrity hairstylist and founder of NTRL By Sabs. Bonnets are especially good for your hair because they prevent frizz and tangling throughout the night and also protect against breakage and friction.
“Although both are renowned for their ability to protect your hair from damage, their individual merits can make them better suited for different purposes,” Holdsworth says. She advises investing in satin bonnets if you run hot throughout the night. “On the other hand, if you’ll be using it during the day and regularly exposed to environmental elements like wind or sun, then silk may be worth investing in due to its superior ability at holding moisture and staying put on your head,” she adds.
“I think they both are good and have different benefits. It’s really a matter of personal preference. Scarfs are great for those wanting control of how the hair is protected underneath and bonnets are an easy way to contain and protect the hair,” Holdsworth says.
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless haircare professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products across haircare, makeup, and skin care.
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
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