How To Wake Up With Better Hair Than You Went To Bed With

Honestly, nothing surprises me more than the crazy morning hair I wake up with (which tends to remind me of a 90’s version of Edward Scissorhands). However, it normally happens when I don’t put in the time or effort to look after it the night before – which is key.

You see, sadly I’m not one of those people in life that has been blessed with straight, easy to manage strands. In fact, it takes a hell of a lot of effort to make it look semi-ok to take out into the world. My mane is thick, damaged and as hard to tame as Miley Cyrus circa 2013. So when I get the chance to speak to hair experts, I normally take EVERYTHING they say on board. Like a sponge.

When I wake up in the morning, the kids are screaming and I haven’t had my morning coffee, the last thing I need to worry about is the state of my hair – or lack thereof. Hence why it pays dividends to have work ready hair as soon as I wake up… and all it takes is a few simple steps the night before.

Tip 1: Smooth Before You Snooze

Whether you blow dry and straighten your hair the night before OR choose to sleep in a hair mask, a hydrating hair treatment is a must for manageable hair. Balmain Paris Overnight Repair Serum is not only bougie AF, but it contains a blend of nine different oils, can be used overnight or as a pre-styling serum, and you can mix it with your fave hair mask for added reparative benefits.

The Kérastase Nutritive Magistral Masque is another holy grail hair treatment and really one suited to every hair type. Although it will need to be washed out in the AM (but I promise the extra effort will be worth it and it’ll deliver killer hydration and TLC to neglected strands!)

If you are going to sleep with wet hair though, Brad Mullins, Celebrity Stylist and O&M Editorial Ambassador recently reminded me of a few tricks to getting it right.

Firstly, “NEVER use a rubber band to tie up your hair when it’s wet,” he says.  Wet hair is more fragile and can break easily, so tying it up tightly can cause damage.” We hear you!

Tip 2: All Silk Errythang

So what should we tie our locks in if normal elastic bands aren’t the way to go?

“I love silk scrunchies! And silk pillowcases can be a nice addition too,” Brad tells me.

You see, while yes sleeping on silk pillowcases might seem like an OTT addition, there are major benefits so I totally think it’s worth adding your nightly hair routine.

“Silk helps to reduce friction and frizz so you get less damage to your hair and smoother hair in the morning,” Brad says.

The Shhh Silk Pillowcase comes in a whole range of colours so you’ll definitely find one to suit the style in your room.

Tip 3: Use The Right Brush

I think everybody should get their locks into a Mason Pearson Brush. There’s honestly nothing quite like it. And yes, while it can seem like a lot of money to spend on a hairbrush, you’ll have it for years.

Plus, it’s expert approved and really, I think I haven’t come across a professional who’s not a fan. It was the first brush Brad mentioned when I spoke to him about the importance of hair brushing before bed.

“I love a great bristle brush to massage the scalp,” he says. “Mason Pearson is my favourite. If your hair is dry you have to brush it before bed. I think giving your hair a really great brush before bed starting from the ends to the scalp is amazing for circulation and that helps with maintaining a healthy scalp and promotes hair growth.” So yes, totally worth the investment.

Tip 4: Braids, Braids, Braids

“Braiding your hair before bed will give you natural looking waves, texture and volume,” Brad adds.

And personally, I love a good braid or plaits before bed (more so when my hair is longer) but it can be a great way to save styling time in the morning if it's that beachy, undone look you're going for the next day.

Brad recommends starting with a middle part and two low ponytail plaits. Use the O&M Style Guru Styling Cream or to help protect and settle the hair or the O&M Frizzy Logic Shine Serum to help fight frizz and have cool girl waves when you wake up. And don’t forget to spritz a little O&M Desert Dry Volumising Dry Texture Spray and TA DA – bad hair morning’s be gone!

And if all else fails, get your hands on Color Wow Dream Coat - it's a humidity proofing hair treatment that'll keep even the most difficult to manage strands disciplined for a number of days (and even for multiple washes). You can see exactly how it tackles major frizz and leaves the hair smooth and silky on YouTube.