4 Stylish Alternatives To Your Normal Night Time Scarf

The other night, in the midst of a full blown “Lala’s Full Court Life” re-run marathon, Lala Anthony’s mother gave her some interesting pre-marital advice: never go to bed with a scarf on.

This is far from a new healthy hair debate and it would take an entire post of its own to hash out both sides of the argument. From the liberal “he should accept you for who you are and be more understanding” to the “No way! How do you expect to keep the spice?” the spectrum has many different opinions.

While not in a serious relationship myself, I must admit that I fall on the more conservative end. The reality is I have spent countless hours trying to think up cute yet innovative ways to protect my ends while not killing the fantasy. I am still working out the mathematical formula to the number of days, weeks and months that it might take to make the appearance of the head scarf acceptable. Don’t hold your breath.

Nonetheless, a tight budget and a slight lack of motivation has kept me from trying out ideas that require new supplies. So, more often than not, free, unwrapped hair wins followed by serious morning after TLC. As of late, that method has started to take a negative toll on my hair. In a deadly combination of summertime heat and a four-month relaxer stretch, I am losing this battle.

So now here we are. I’ve made a new promise to my hair that it will be wrapped every night, despite the sleeping arrangements. There have been some pretty shady tactics involved in this process. A few that I am only sharing for the benefit of my healthy hair sisters, embarrassment aside.

This has included going to bed last and waking up first and even mastering lights off hair wrapping techniques I know, I know don’t judge me; he is cute! Regardless of my super spy antics, and recent success with my new rule, I figured there had to be a better way.

Between conversations with friends and my normal obsessive reading of fashion magazines, I have come up with four fashionable, and less sketchy alternatives to your run of the mill head scarf. Check them out:

1. Wear the scarf but in a cute way

This option is the easiest and can be done most immediately. Chances are you already have a headscarf, providing that it’s large enough just tie it up differently! This year has seen a definite rise in the use of headscarves as an everyday accessories. Thanks to this new fashion trend, there are tons of different examples for you to choose from.

You can even try out some bright, bold patterns that are sure to have you really sleeping in style. Plus, you still get the satisfaction of wearing your scarf to sleep. The YouTube video below has some great examples. If you’re on a tight budget, why not just take some of that street style to bed with you?

2. Turban

Another style staple that has recently re-surfaced is the turban. Taking note from this 1920’s trend, you can play up the glamour why still staying true to your hair regimen. This is a great option for braid outs, twists outs, or bantu knot outs when you’re waiting for those curls to set.

Plus, if you get really desperate and need to leave the house before it’s time to take them down, you’re making a fashion statement, and not a fuax pas, while still protective styling. For straight styles, your scarf could probably be hidden under there too.

3. Cheat with a Satin Pillowcase*

This tip has been around for as long as I can remember. Maybe that’s not saying much because I am young, but this is definitely a tried and true healthy hair care tip.

This is sort of like cheating or a guilty pleasure because it requires less maintenance on your hair before bed. Just make sure your head stays on that pillowcase. I can’t really account for what your hair will look like in the morning unless you put it in a high pony tail or another protective/preserving style, but this is a viable option for stylish sleeping.

Now we would suggest that you purchase two, just in case you find yourself at an impromtu sleep over. Just pull out the second one out of your purse, and voila!

4.  Just Wear Your Scarf

Yes you read that correctly. Just wear your normal scarf. Sometimes the easiest way to do things is by not reinventing the wheel. Plus, if your scarf is a deal breaker then so is he.

While it would be nice to be on our A-game at all the time, the reality is that it isn’t feasible. It’s just as necessary to let your hair down, or in this case, tie it up and be carefree, as it is to get dolled up and feel great. Your hair will thank you in the morning, and he will appreciate that you kept it real.