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Sleeping on hair all night tends to create a bit of a mess by morning, especially if you've tossed and turned. And for those who have hair that tangles and knots with great ease, the overnight sleep can truly cause hair disaster. Never fear, taming messy morning hair is definitely doable, both before sleep and after.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Before Bedtime

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  1. For those with medium to long hair, this might mean braiding your hair or tying it back so that it doesn't have a chance to travel around your head during sleep. You could also consider adding some leave-in conditioner for keeping the hair in better shape. [1]
    • Hair can be braided damp or dry. If you braid it when damp, you will have wavy hair in the morning. [2]
  2. These can help to keep your hair smooth and less frizzed up. It's not essential but a nice touch if you like satin.
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  3. If you don't like braiding or wearing the hair in a ponytail, wrapping is another option. Use a thin summer weight scarf or a bandanna to wind your hair into place. Ensure that the hair does not move before tying a knot at the front of your head. Don't tie the knot on the back or side, as you don't want to lie on the knot.
    • Using a toweling cap is another option in place of a scarf. The cap should have firm but not tight elastic.
  4. With some luck, this can help to minimize overnight movement but there are no guarantees, as moving about during the night is normal.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Upon Getting Up

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  1. While self-evident, it's an important start to taming the mess. If you have problems getting the hair brushed or combed, use spray-in conditioner to ease the knots and tangles out.
    • Give each section of hair five to ten brushstrokes.
    • If you plan on wearing your hair down, finish up with a little hair gel or a touch of hairspray. [3] Brush your hair with a boar bristle brush while the hairspray dries to keep the flyaways at bay.
  2. It's a vicious cycle––you add heat to try to get the hair into good condition, only to find it dries and gets flyaway, then add more heat to tame that, and so on. If you must use heat, always use heat protectant on your hair as well.
  3. If the hair likes messy, then use messy updos to keep things looking fashionable while staying natural to your hair's preferred appearance. Some possibilities include:
  4. This logo could say something like: "Messy hair, don't care." That's acceptance.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you fix messy hair in the morning?
    Wyvetta Bowles
    Beauty & Hair Care Advisor
    Wyvetta Bowles is a Beauty and Hair Care Advisor and the Founder of Crown of Glory Beauty Salon Inc. With over 27 years of experience, Wyvetta specializes in bridal and special event hair and makeup, hair care maintenance, and hairstyling techniques that lead to less damage. Wyvetta attended Flair Beauty College and received her Associate’s in Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.
    Beauty & Hair Care Advisor
    Expert Answer
    Well, it doesn't matter if you have textured or straight hair, you should add a little bit of moisture so you can comb your hair and make it not look as messy. The water is going to soften the hair and make it more manageable so you can maintain it into a proper style.
  • Question
    At school, my hair always looks so messy. I don't know how to control it without a comb. Should I wear it up?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely -- just stick it in a messy bun or a ponytail. You could also twist it and clip it up.
  • Question
    When I wash my hair, it dries, but it tangles too much and its painful to brush. I put on conditioner in the mornings, but it still won't work. What should I do?
    SwirlingStars
    Community Answer
    When you finish washing your hair, brush it to your best ability while it is wet. To prevent it from tangling as it dries, tie it in a ponytail or hold a towel to it. When it dries, section your hair (it doesn't have to be perfect sections), and comb out each section. Once your hair is combed, tie it back until you are ready to style it. If you are wearing your hair down, spray some water or hairspray on it to keep it from tangling.
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      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about taming your hair, check out our in-depth interview with Wyvetta Bowles .

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