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May 11, 2024

12 Best Hair Bonnets for Natural Hair in 2023

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Sturdy options for the fussy sleeper. The last time I went to bed without a hair

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Sturdy options for the fussy sleeper.

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). Not to sound dramatic, but hair bonnets are as essential as oxygen. Wrapping your hair up in a protective cap helps to extend the life of protective hairstyles, fight frizz, and retain moisture while you get your zzzzs in. Sleeping without one can dry your hair out, cause breakage, and force you to buy even more hydrating shampoos and moisturizing conditioners 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 11 of the best bonnets to keep your hair happy, healthy, and hydrated.

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: “Needed.”

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.

Target star rating: 4.1/5 stars

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!”

Sure, there’s no drawstring on this cap, but the band is tight enough to ensure your cap won’t move while you catch your Zzz.

Sephora star rating: 3.2/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “The PATTERN Satin Cap is super soft and luxurious. It helps to protect hair from damage and lock moisture in, as well as preserve hairstyles. I use it after applying oil to my hair and it works great at holding all of my hair in. It helps keep my hair moisturized and is comfortable to wear. It machine washes well and dries by air quickly.”

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.

Amazon star rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I have medium-length curly hair and after trying 5 different bonnets, I found this one: it’s everything I was looking for. Very comfortable and didn’t move all night.”

For a bonnet you can wear daily, look no further than Grace Eleyae’s collection of practical headwear. The satin-lined beenie doubles as a sleep bonnet and as an everyday cap that keeps the hair moisturized and protected no matter what. Our Digital Beauty Director, Danielle James, says, “I love this bonnet. It’s one of the few that actually stay 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.”

Ulta star rating: 4.6/5 stars

Designed with silk inside and out, your hair will rest as peacefully as you do throughout the night and look frizz-free come morning.

Revolve star rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Revolve reviewer said: “I love that it stays on my head. It’s a little big, but I still love it.”

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

An SL Virgin Hair reviewer said: “I decided to buy this bonnet, and I’m happy that I did! It is incredibly comfortable and fits my head perfectly, I’m happy I finally have a bonnet that I love.”

Messy pillowcases and soiled bonnets are telltale signs you need to invest in quality hair bonnets. Here’s one from Jessi Curl that has a double lining to protect any oils or creams from seeping through the fabric, and it’s large enough for thick hair or long protective styles.

Our expert says: “I also love how many sizes and shapes they come in. I wear braids or locs most of the time, so it really offers me the most flexibility.” — Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth, celebrity hairstylist and founder of NTRL By Sabs

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: “My Sassy Cap is definitely a Must Have! Great for sew-ins and keeping your natural hair shining .”

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.”

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 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. Holdsworth advises investing in satin bonnets if you run hot throughout the night. For instance, “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,” she 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 skincare.

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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