Canadian stylist sounds off on nighttime repair — for your hair
A nighttime routine for your hair? Experts say you should be doing one.
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Skin salves, deep sleep — it’s no secret that the nighttime is a perfect time to rest and reset.
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But can your evening slumber also be a time to repair your hair? According to Canadian celebrity hair artist Andrew Ly, the answer is yes!
“Think of your hair the same way you treat your skin — it deserves consistency, protection and care,” says Ly. “While hair itself isn’t ‘alive’ like skin, the scalp and hair follicles are. And just like the skin, they benefit from increased cell turnover and repair at night.
“This is when your body is in recovery mode, circulation improves and nutrients are more effectively delivered to cells — including the ones responsible for healthy hair growth.”
We caught up with Ly, an Oribe hair professional who won the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) Best Stylist of the Year in 2023, to learn more:
Q: What are some of the most important hair-care steps in a routine?
A: Some of the most important hair-care steps start with proper cleansing — shampooing two to three times a week with a conditioner that’s specific to your hair type. Most clients are using the wrong shampoos, so it’s essential to consult with your stylist to ensure you’re using the right products for your needs.
Weekly deep conditioning treatments are also crucial. They help nourish and strengthen the hair while supporting scalp health — especially important if you regularly use heat tools or styling products. A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair.
Q: How important is a nighttime routine for hair?
A: A nighttime hair routine is seriously underrated — but for me, it’s a non-negotiable. Just like we apply our favourite overnight masks for radiant, glowing skin, our hair deserves that same level of care while we sleep.
Think of Oribe’s Gold Lust Restorative Night Crème as your hair’s version of a luxury face mask. You apply it before bed, and by morning, you wake up with gorgeous, shiny, revived hair. Who doesn’t want that kind of glow-up to start the day?
Q: What makes it unique?
A: Its impressive, skin-care-grade ingredients — plant collagen, caffeine, biotin and niacinamide — all powerhouse actives known for strengthening and nourishing not just your skin, but your hair follicles too. If it’s good enough for your face, it’s more than good enough for your strands. Who’s saying no to collagen?
Q: What’s the best way to apply it?
A: Use one to two pumps on damp or dry hair. Apply mid-lengths to ends. Comb through for even distribution. Go to sleep — no rinsing, no residue on your pillowcase. Wake up and style as usual. It’s that simple.
Always use the Gold Lust Restorative Night Crème on clean hair. I prefer applying it to damp hair because it penetrates the follicles better, but it works just as well on dry, clean hair.
For extra care, try using it a few times a week and pair it with a silk pillowcase to help reduce friction and keep your hair smooth overnight. For an easy overnight style, section your hair into four parts, braid each section and tie the ends before bed. In the morning, undo the braids for soft, restored beach waves — no heat needed. It’s a simple way to wake up with beautiful, healthy hair.
Q: As a hair pro, what’s your take on the trending sleep bonnets and heatless curls for overnight? Do they help or are there some cautions about use?
A: Sleep bonnets, especially those made from silk or satin, are fantastic for protecting your hair overnight. They reduce friction against pillowcases, which means less breakage, frizz and split ends. They also help maintain moisture by preventing hair from drying out. So yes, definitely a hair-friendly accessory. Just make sure the bonnet fits comfortably and isn’t too tight, as excessive tension can cause stress on the hairline.
Heatless curls are a brilliant way to get beautiful waves or curls without heat damage. Techniques like braiding, twisting or using foam rollers overnight can create natural, effortless styles while preserving hair health. The key cautions are to avoid styles that pull too tightly, which can cause breakage or tension headaches, and to ensure your hair is properly moisturized beforehand to minimize friction.
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