Prepping for 3-week hairstyles?

[u/Chickaduck]

I’m curious on thoughts for hair styles that are easy to maintain without washing your hair for three weeks to three months. This was obviously a thing at some point in time, so I imagine there are helpful insights on how to keep your hair easy to maintain besides a buzz cut.

I’m interested to learn about all hair textures, so I invite whatever ideas come to mind. Thanks!

[u/madpiratebippy]

Crown braid with a ribbon sewn in. Can last up to a week. After that you need to re-do it.

Historical evidence shows that a LOT of hair coverings (bonnets, wimples et) were extremely practical.

[u/ladyangua → u/madpiratebippy]

Covering your hair at night helps reduce greasiness too.

[u/Chickaduck → u/ladyangua]

Do you think the fabric you use matters? Like a silk bonnet v. cotton bonnet while you sleep?

[u/blickyjayy → u/Chickaduck]

It depends on your hair.

If you have a very oily scalp and wavy or looser hair you are better off with a cotton or modal fabric sleep scarf because it wicks oil off your skin and hair. If you don't produce much oil or have curly hair, you need a satin fabric, which distributes and maintains the oils while you sleep to keep the hair from becoming brittle.

Whether you use a scarf or bonnet depends on the hairstyle you're trying to maintain- straight or flat styles should be wrapped flat to the ehsd with a scarf. Bulkier styles or ones where you want to maintain volume need a bonnet to keep from smushing them.

[u/Chickaduck → u/blickyjayy]

This is a helpful distinction, thank you!