From braids and sew-ins to sleek blowouts and roller sets, sisters spend a considerable amount of time in the stylist’s chair. So when we finally step out of the salon looking fly, we want to protect that investment. A sure way to do that? Wearing a bonnet overnight. But not all bonnets are created equal. “Cotton robs moisture from the hair, making it more prone to breakage,” says Mindy Green, a licensed cosmetologist and owner of MG Beauty in Silver Spring, Maryland. “Sleeping in a satin or silk bonnet will help retain moisture and reduce friction because your hair glides across it.” Satin and silk pillowcases can deliver the same great perks. Here are six Black-owned or Black-founded businesses offering bonnets that promise to protect our mane.If you need something nice and affordable
Sometimes all you need is a bonnet that will do the job without all the bells and whistles. The brand Evolve is known for its reasonably priced essentials (from satin pillowcases to silk wrap scarves) when it comes to keeping your strands in place overnight. This satin bonnet comes in black and features an adjustable drawstring to fit rollers and flexi-rods.
Evolve Products Satin Adjustable Bonnet ($5.29, target.com; $6.29, sallybeauty.com)If you’re rocking long braids
Box braids, boho locs, passion twists and other protective styles are chic and low-maintenance, but getting a comfortable night’s sleep with them can be tricky. Not only will this cute pocket bonnet keep your braids off your face while you sleep, the satin lining will preserve your hairstyle.
EboniCurls Pocket Bonnets ($25, ShopEboniCurls.com)If you’ll wear yours while out and about
Perfect for when you’re running errands but don’t want to disturb your do, this stylish cap is adored by celebrities like Viola Davis and Gabrielle Union. At first glance, it looks like your average beanie, but it has satin lining inside to reduce the friction. Featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2020, it has hidden adjustable strings for a more custom fit. “All of my hair fits up inside, and while it’s snug and secure, it’s not tight or uncomfortable … I get really hot when I sleep, but the cap hasn’t been hot or uncomfortable at all,” one reviewer with curly hair wrote. The full line offers satin-lined baseball hats and fedoras.
Grace Eleyae Adjustable Slaps ($29.95, GraceEleyae.com)If you take pride in projecting personal style
Every satin-lined bonnet in the Peace Crown’d collection is designed to protect your strands, but what’s more is that the vibrant colors and bold prints are inspired by the motherland. Ranging from small to XXL, many of the bonnets are named after African traditions, tribes and warrior queens so you can wear them with pride.
Peace Crown’d Silk Satin Bonnets. (Most bonnets $25, peacecrownd.com)If you’ve got thick curls or a gorgeous, full afro
This oversized bonnet stands out because it’s designed to fit longer, thicker hair or even a bountiful afro. Plus, it’s roomy enough to hold shoulder-length protective styles like braids and twists. “My hair stays so moisturized in this cap that I didn’t need to restyle my hair in the morning, which I’ve needed to do for the last [five] years I’ve been natural,” one reviewer wrote.
The Mane Choice Mane Bonnet — Jumbo Size ($12.99, TheManeChoice.com)If you want style options
Your dollar can go further with a reversible bonnet because you get two looks for one price. This hand-sewn, satin-lined bonnet is a nice option because you can pick your primary and secondary colors, which range from ivory and navy to cranberry and teal.
Reversible Satin Bonnet ($24.99, ShopPinkysCC.com)
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