I’ve been natural for 15 years. And in all that time, my nighttime sleep routine for my 4C hair has barely changed. This is because it works for me. Here’s what I do every single night: I braid my hair down and wrap it in a satin bonnet. Depending on how tired I am, I might also do a scalp massage. You can see my braids in the image below.

The only new addition to my routine is a quick spritz of kigelia africana tea water mixed with half a teaspoon of vinegar directly on my scalp. I discovered this herb when I moved to Ghana. I also take the tea internally, and it’s really done wonders for my skin and scalp. If you’ve been following me on Youtube, you may already know that I suffer from extremely oil skin and dandruff, so I need to take this extra step of clarifying my scalp on some nights. I’ll explain exactly how kigelia helps later in this post.

Before I continue, don’t forget to check out my natural hair and wellness shop. You can purchase batana oil from Honduras, as well as the batana and rosemary oil mix. I also sell products for length retention and various wellness products.

Mid-Week Refresh: Why I Use Kigelia Africana Tea Water

I only moisturise my hair once a week. But if my scalp feels dry mid-week, I don’t reach for conditioner or heavy products. Instead, I spritz my scalp with kigelia africana tea water before going to bed. The tea mixture is composed of Kigelia africana powder mixed with half a teaspoon of vinegar. I might also add some Kigelia africana oil.

There’s solid science behind why this works so well for the scalp. Kigelia africana, known as the sausage tree, has been used in African traditional medicine for centuries to treat skin and scalp conditions. It’s rich in bioactive compounds, all of which work together to deliver antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal benefits to the skin, according to a study published on PubMed Central. As my scalp is prone to dryness, irritation, and fungal issues, this mixture has really helped reduce itching and also reduces breakouts on my face.

Feeds your scalp with antioxidants — It’s packed with flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds that work together to protect the scalp from damage and keep it healthy, per this study.

When it comes to hair growth, a patented cosmetic formulation noted that kigelia africana extract improves microcirculation, contributes to restructuring of the skin, and improves hair suppleness — with specific applications for scalp treatment and reducing hair loss. I apply the spritz at bedtime so my hair isn’t wet in the morning — just nourished and balanced by the time I wake up. Do it as often as your scalp needs it, not on a rigid schedule. The goal is simply to keep your scalp hydrated and happy between wash days.

Beyond scalp health, kigelia africana benefits men and women when concerning hormonal imbalances. I have written an article on kigelia Africana’s benefits for men.

Scalp Massage

One of the easiest ways to achieve long, healthy natural hair is to always massage your scalp at night before bed. A scalp massage for natural hair is very much worth it. You can do this manually or with the help of a scalp massager. To manually massage your scalp, you can choose to do this with or without oil. Scalp massage is important because it helps to increase blood circulation to the roots of the hair.

It also strengthens the hair follicles, which helps your hair grow well. When massaging your scalp, use your fingertips and not your fingernails to avoid hurting your scalp. Then, gently massage in circular motions for about 5-10 minutes. When massaging your scalp with oil, dip your fingertips in oil, then gently use your oiled fingertips to massage your scalp. The video below explains more.

Some great oils you can use for this purpose include coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, moringa oil or lavender oil. Another option is to blend some of these oils. You could blend some moringa and coconut oil and apply them to your scalp. To prevent your hair from becoming too oily, apply it for a few nights a week.

Braid, Plait Or Twist It Up  

Braids or twists hold moisture and help your hair stay soft and fairly detangled. You don’t have to do a ton of plaits or twists because it is time-consuming! But, as you moisturise your hair, you can divide it into about seven or eight medium-sized sections and twist it. If you want to maintain a style like a twist or braid-out, you can make your nighttime twists rather loose so as not to disturb the definition too much.

If you are trying to stretch your hair in addition to maintaining moisture, plaiting or braiding is best since the hair is tauter than it is with twisting. Twisting can provide a decent stretch with the right technique.

Pineapple Your Hair

“Pineappling” your hair essentially means putting it up in a loose ponytail, and this style does a few things. For one, placing everything in the centre of your head protects your wash-and-go curls or sets, whether you’re rocking a twist-out, braid-out, or rod set. When you take it down, the hair that was hidden and protected on the “inside” now lays on top and looks flawless.

Also, pulling your hair up to the top of your head and securing it with a satin scrunchie gives you a bit of stretch, making for a great second, third, and perhaps, even fourth-day hair! Last but not least, your hair is likely to appear bigger after pineappling. If you love big hair or want to create more volume, give it a try!

Those with shorter hair can do multiple pineapples, two or more according to your length, for the same results.

Use A Satin Bonnet Or Scarf

After setting your hair for the night with one of the above methods, use a silk or satin bonnet or scarf to prevent the hair from losing moisture or snagging on traditional cotton pillowcases. Many ‘naturalistas’ like to use a scarf and bonnet when doing a pineapple style for bed. They usually wrap the scarf around the sides while protecting the exposed hair at the top with a bonnet.

Use a Satin Pillowcase

Perhaps, You are uncomfortable with the option of sleeping with a satin bonnet or scalp or either. A satin pillowcase might be the answer! Discard the cotton pillowcase. As a ‘naturalista’, cotton pillowcases are not your hair’s best friend. You can toss and turn all you like without worrying about a bonnet slipping off while still maintaining the moisture.

Also, your curls are assured of their needed protection while you are asleep.

Conclusion

In conclusion, great hair is achievable, but you must also try to see it happen. With natural 4C hair, a daytime haircare routine can only do as much. That is why you need to do more. The nighttime care routine can double your efforts to get your desired hair. And while this routine may seem like so much work, the end will justify the means.

Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow ‘naturalistas’. Let me also know what you think about this article.

FAQs

What should I do with my 4C hair at night?

At night, I prioritize moisture for my 4C hair, applying a leave-in conditioner or oil to keep it hydrated. You can also opt to use a homemade deep conditioner for natural hair. Gentle detangling with a wide-tooth comb prevents tangles and breakage, while protective styles like twists or braids help maintain its health. Opting for silk or satin pillowcases and bonnets reduces friction and preserves moisture, ensuring my hair stays nourished. A consistent routine focusing on hydration and protection is crucial for 4C hair. Experimenting with different methods helps me discover what works best for my hair’s unique needs, promoting its overall health and vitality. Braiding my natural hair every night depends on its condition and preferences.

What is the best routine for 4C hair?

The best routine for 4C hair involves several key steps to ensure its health and manageability. Start by gently cleansing with a sulfate-free shampoo, followed by deep conditioning to hydrate and strengthen your strands. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers while the conditioner is in your hair to minimize breakage. After rinsing, apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to seal in hydration and protect your hair. Style using products designed for 4C hair, such as creams or gels, and consider protective styles like twists or braids to minimize manipulation and promote growth. Moisturize regularly and protect your hair at night with a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to maintain its moisture balance. Adjust your routine as needed based on your hair’s individual needs and preferences.

How do I take care of my afro at night?

To care for my afro at night, I start by gently detangling it with a wide-tooth comb to remove any knots or tangles. Then, I moisturize my hair with a homemade natural hair leave-in conditioner or oil to keep it hydrated throughout the night. Next, I shape my afro by fluffing it out or reshaping any areas that may have flattened during the day. To protect my hair while I sleep, I wear a satin or silk bonnet to prevent friction and maintain moisture. In the morning, I refresh my afro with a spritz of water or leave-in conditioner before styling as desired. This nighttime routine keeps my afro healthy, moisturized, and looking its best.

Should I braid my natural hair every night?

Braiding my natural hair every night depends on its condition and my styling preferences. While braiding can help prevent tangles and maintain a defined pattern, doing it too frequently may lead to tension and breakage, especially if the braids are too tight. I consider the health of my hair and scalp before deciding to braid nightly. Alternating between protective styles like twists or bantu knots can provide similar benefits without the risk of over-manipulation. Ultimately, I listen to my hair’s needs and adjust my routine accordingly, opting for braids when they offer the best balance of protection and comfort for my natural hair.