The 12 Best Bonnets to Protect Natural Hair (2024)

I know what you’re thinking: This turban looks like a style statement meant for daytime, but this elegant piece is bedtime approved—we checked. Made of 100 percent washable silk, you can use this turban overnight to protect your hair and distribute natural oils. It also has a hidden adjustable drawstring to allow you to customize your fit and keep it in place all night long. As it's double-lined silk and has no elastic, you don't need to worry about it leaving a mark on your forehead like some other options.

Looking to spend a little less?Try their satin-lined versioninstead.

Material: Silk | Colors: 4

Satin bonnets and headwraps can certainly get the job done, but nothing is quite as effective at retaining moisture than silk. Silke is one maker of functional silky headpieces that are pretty enough to be worn everywhere. When brand founder Maria Sotiriou was experiencing split ends and breakage, she looked back to her Caribbean heritage to remember the importance of covering your hair at night. The result is this stylish 100 percent silk cocoon hair wrap designed to end your bad hair days. If your skin is particularly sensitive, however, it's worth noting that some reviewers say the knot on the front can leave an indent on your forehead.

Dare I say it? You’ll be looking forward to rocking this accessory to bed every night.

Material: Silk, elastic | Colors: 11

Okay, so we’re not going to act like this is a new trend; this is totally a durag, but we love this chic satin charmeuse take on the classic sleep accessory. Retain moisture, reduce breakage, and wake up with your hairlaid. We find that this piece is ideal for wrapping medium-length straight hair or protecting cornrows and other sleek styles.

Material: Satin charmeuse | Colors: 2

If you’re feeling a bit indecisive, this bonnet comes in plenty of patterns and colors, and it has two wearable sides so you can switch things up to get the most out of your sleepwear. It’s also adjustable with a drawstring and made of high-grade double-layered satin for increased durability that the brand swears by, with a one-year guarantee.

Material: Satin | Colors: 15

This high-quality bonnet is anything but boring. Made with 100 percent African cotton print on the outside and satin lining on the inside, it gets two thumbs up for both form and function. We especially love that it comes in multiple sizes, including for toddlers. The small and medium sizes are great for TWAs, pixie cuts, and maintainingwash and go’s, while the large size can hold long twists, locs, and braids.

Material: Satin, cotton | Colors: 11

Okay, now, this bonnetmightremind you of your mother’s bonnet that we mentioned earlier, but you know what they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This budget-friendly bonnet has been on shelves for the longest, and its no-frills approach gets straight to the point of protecting your hair. The thick yet non-abrasive elastic keeps the bonnet secured to your head for long nights while protecting your edges and fitting to a wide range of head sizes. Keep it handy as a low-risk bonnet to stow in your overnight bag, so you’re protected on the go.

Material: Satin | Colors: 1

Women are rocking long braids with more confidence than ever. Thankfully, this extra-long bonnet was made with braids in mind, so you can keep them looking as good as new for longer. With two extended sizes, you can choose 19 inches long for shoulder-length hair or 27 inches long for middle-back hair or even longer. It also comes with a matching satin scrunchy to keep the snag-free hair protection going. Reviewers love it for keeping box braids and long hair in place and note that the elastic band is just snug enough to stay on without causing discomfort.

Material: Satin | Colors: 12

This 100 percent mulberry silk bonnet is light, breathable, and the perfect size to protect shorter strands without all the extra fabric. Aside from theluxurious silk, our favorite feature is that it has an adjustable ribbon so that you can tie your sleep cap to your desired tightness to keep it in place all night long.

Material: 100% Mulberry silk | Colors: 6

These stylish bonnets have an option for all of your hair needs, with sizes ranging from medium to XXL. Inspired by Afrocentric heritage, you can go to sleep in these high-quality Ankara print bonnets resting assured that your style and your edges will be intact. The soft satin lining extends to the headband, limiting tension that could lead to breakage.

Material: Silk, satin | Colors: 17

Protecting your little one’s hair at night just got cuter. This miniature piece will do wonders for a developing child’s hair growth. Bald spots where your baby sleeps are usually considered a simple part of life, but by reducing friction with this charmeuse satin bonnet, you can give your child’s hair a chance to grow no matter how they sleep. With sizes ranging from newborn to large for adults, this bonnet has got you covered every step of the journey.

Material: Charmeuse satin, elastic | Colors: 15

These ultra-plush satin bonnets are about as soft as it gets, so you can feel as good as you look in them. There are plenty of styles to choose from, and each print has a different meaning. This one, in particular, is honorably named after the famous city in northern Mali.

Material: Cotton, satin, silk | Colors: 38

This double-lined satin bonnet was specifically made with curly and coily hair types in mind to prevent frizz and preserve the natural style. Reviewers love that the band isn't too tight yet securely holds tight styles in place and that it works particularly well for short hairstyles. It's a favorite for preserving edges and helping curls stay soft and manageable.

Material: Polyester | Colors: 1

FAQ

• Are bonnets good for natural hair?

  Bonnets are good for natural hair because they protect strands from rubbing and becoming frizzy. They can also help preserve natural oils and the hairstyle you created the day before when you wear them to bed.

• What type of bonnet is good for natural hair?

  Silk and satin bonnets are good for natural hair to prevent frizz and breakage and preserve natural oils. Look for a bonnet with a drawstring or tie to keep hair secure.

• Is satin or silk bonnet better for hair?

  A silk bonnet is likely best for hair since it is a natural fabric that is exceptionally smooth. Satin is an excellent fabric as well because it is also very soft and tends to be less expensive than silk.

• Can any hair type wear bonnets?

  Any hair type can wear a bonnet, but they are especially beneficial for curly and natural hair types or those with fine strands that are prone to frizz and breakage.