I've often wondered whether or not sleeping with your hair covered in plastic is good for growth. There are no scientific studies to explain whether or not it's a good idea but there are a lof of opinions on the matter. Here are some of them:

Pros

• Softness: Covering hair up for a while helps to soften it. I do it for about 15 to 30 minutes (after spritzing with water) before styling when my hair is very dry or matted. It does work.
  
• Prolonged softness: Some argue that having a shower cap over their head overnight once a week helps to keep it soft for the rest of the week.
• Retention: Soft hair is less prone to breakage and therefore allows hair to grow longer.

Cons

• Friction: unless the hair is well oiled or has conditioner on it there will be friction between the hair and the shower cap possibly causing breakage.
  
• Scalp doesn't breathe: if you have a bag over your head you're preventing the pores on the scalp from breathing freely.

My personal take on baggying. 

I think having a bag over your head overnight once a week will probably do no harm, however, I think if it's done daily it could impact hair growth due to the delivery of oxygen to the scalp. Like I say, there have been no scientific studies to explain whether or not it's good but for the moment it's not something I plan to do on the regular.

Even when my hair is very oily it doesn't stain my sheets, it stays within the satin bonnet so this is not even a consideration for me. Wetting my hair and baggying for 30 minutes does the trick so I'm reluctant to do it overnight for fear that my hair will go rancid.

I like the idea of baggying the ends only; I might add this to my regimen...

Comments?

If you have kinky or curly hair you can swim as much as you want. Getting your hair wet is no longer a big problem once you stop relaxing your hair as well as using straighteners; what is a problem is making sure you don’t have to deal with a tangled mess after your swim.

When I first started swimming regularly, I sampled a few of swimming caps.

I discovered that swimming caps that are designed to stop my hair from getting wet are not ideal because they put far too much stress on the hair line. Having dealt with hair thinning issues in the past I didn’t want to start messing around with my hair – I know how stressful thinning hair is. Because of this, I stopped using silicone and latex caps and started using lycra caps.

Lycra caps allow your hair to get wet but they keep your hair out of the way. Importantly, if you twist or plait your hair prior to a swim (which I recommend you do) they stop your plaits from coming undone.

If your hair is long enough to come together all in one spot you don’t need to do lots of twists. Just do one big plait/twist in the centre. Alternatively do 4 to 6 twists and tuck them under your lycra cap or do two cornrows down towards the back – whatever is easiest for you.

I have been swimming once or twice a week using my lycra cap for well over a year now and I strongly recommend it.

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1.  Detangle when you have two or three free hours, e.g. when you're watching TV.

2.  Do not detangle dry hair. Spray the hair with just water then add some detangling cream or a leave-in conditioner or even a rinse-out conditioner to soften the hair further, even if you're about to wash. You don't need much product, a little goes a long way.

3.  Use a high quality wide tooth comb with smooth edges.

4.  Don't detangle on an empty stomach, you're only going to rush and do it badly.

5.  Move section by section. 4 to 12 sections should be enough depending on the thickness of your hair and how tangled your hair is. Even if I don't pin my hair up I don't attempt to work on all the hair in one go. I focus on one area at a time.

6.  Ensure that your fingernails are well manicured and that you don't have any dry skin that hair will get caught on to. 

7.  Detangle with your fingers first. Fingers are better able to navigate knots.

8.  Work your brush or comb from tips to roots. I have also discovered that finger-combing only is not for everyone. If you have very thick or course hair you need to use a comb and possibly a brush to some extent. Thin, fine and loosely curled hair fares much better on a finger-combing only routine.

9.  Twist the detangled section so that it doesn't retangle or get mixed up with hair that has not yet be detangled.

10.  Always detangle before you shampoo hair and then again after you have applied conditioner. Remember that damaged hair is more prone to breakage than healthy hair so handle weak and damaged hair with extra care :)

This is is what you need to be getting out of food for the sake of your hair:

• Proteins (including iron) and vitamin D are fundamental to hair strength and growth. Hair is 97% protein.
• Iron is involved in the transfer of oxygen to hair follicles. Too little iron (anaemia) can lead to hair loss.
  
• 3% of a hair shaft is comprised of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s cannot be made by the body so they have to be obtained from food.
• Biotin and vitamin E are needed to protect cells from DNA damage. Too little biotin can lead to hair loss.
• Vitamin A is needed for good cell functioning. Too little can lead to scalp problems, e.g. dandruff. It also gives hair a shiny, well-conditioned look.
• B-vitamins are all essential for healthy hair growth. E.g. B6 helps the body absorb other nutrients from food and it nurtures hair follicles for great hair growth and shine.
• Vitamin C is involved in ciculation. Too little can lead to hair breakage.
• Selenium is essential for a healthy, dandruff-free scalp.
• Copper helps to maintain your natural hair color and hair glow.
• A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss even in eyelashes as well as a dry, flaky scalp. It regulates hormones involved in hair growth and thickness.

SALMON

Rich in proteins, vitamin D, B12, iron and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Not a fan of salmon, like me? Great alternatives: trout, mackerel, sardines, herring, avocados.

SPINACH

Rich in iron, beta carotene, folate and vitamin C.

Alternatives: broccoli and other dark leafy greens, e.g. kale.

LENTILS

Rich in proteins, iron, zinc, and biotin

Alternatives: red kidney beans, edamame.

GREEK YOGHURT

Rich in vitamin B5 and vitamin D.

Alternatives: milk and cottage cheese.

BLUEBERRIES

Very rich in vitamin C.

Alternatives: kiwi, tomatoes and strawberries.

WALNUTS

I hate them but apparently they are the only nuts that are rich in omega-3s! They're also rich in biotin, vitamin E & selenium.

Alternatives: cashews (my fav) and pecans.

OYSTERS

Rich in zinc. Three ounces has a gob-smacking 493% of your daily zinc requirement.

Some cereals and wholegrain breads are fortified with zinc but obviously they're not as rich in proteins as oysters are.

Alternatives: nuts, beef and eggs.

SWEET POTATOES

Rich in beta carotene which is converted to vitamin-A.

Alternatives: carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin, apricots.

CARROTS

Rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene.

BANANAS

Rich in vitamin B6.

BROWN RICE

Rich in B-vitamins.

Also a great source of complex carbohydrates. You need the energy from complex carbs to build proteins.

Alternatives: other whole grains

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References: webmd, usnews.com, HuffPo