Overnight Technique
Pineappling: The Overnight Technique for Curly Hair
Pineappling is an overnight technique for curly and coily hair: gathering curls loosely into a high, low-tension puff on top of the head before bed so the curls near the crown and sides keep their shape instead of getting crushed flat against a pillow.
Why It Works
A pillow flattens whatever hair rests against it, and a full night of that pressure shows up the next morning as flat roots and frizzed-out ends. Gathering hair loosely on top of the head lifts most of it away from the pillow entirely, so curls keep more of their shape and moisture overnight instead of drying out from friction.
How to Pineapple
Flip the head forward and gather hair loosely at the very top of the head -- higher than a normal ponytail -- using a soft scrunchie or silk/satin scrunchie rather than a tight elastic. The goal is a loose, low-tension puff, not a tight ponytail; pulling it tight defeats the purpose and can crease the hair at the base.
Common Mistakes
Using a regular elastic instead of a soft scrunchie is the most common mistake -- it creates a crease and adds tension right where curls are most fragile. Gathering hair too low or too tight is the second most common issue; the higher and looser the gather, the more curls stay lifted off the pillow.
Who It Works Best For
Pineappling suits medium-to-long curls and coils best, since there needs to be enough length to gather without pulling at the roots. Shorter hair sometimes does better with a satin bonnet or scarf instead, since there may not be enough length to pineapple without tension at the hairline.