Have you ever wondered how celebrities like Rihanna manage to rock flawless curls? The secret to those perfectly defined ringlets may actually lie in that front-loaded ponytail.
Rihanna has perfected what we like to call pineapple-ing hair.
Pineapple-ing gets its name from the obvious likeness to the delicious fruit, and involves tying your curls up as close to your hairline as possible.
When you cut down on shampooing your hair, you have to find ways to make your wash day definition last much longer. Pineappling is a technique for preserving your curls while you sleep, for your best second and third day hair and beyond.
It turns out that this hairstyle is actually a killer technique for keeping curls defined and frizz-free.
Continue reading our article to learn what “pineapple-ing” is and why it works so well for curly hair.
In this article:
Pineapple-ing as a Bedtime Routine
Pineappling is mainly a bedtime routine specifically designed for those with curly hair.
But that’s not to say that it’s not a great way to wear your curls up during the day if you want to keep them out of your face and preserve their bounce!
The name originates from the way the hair is gathered on top of the head, resembling the shape of a pineapple.
Hair pineapple-ing is a method of wrapping the hair to best reduce frizz and hold on to curly hair styles while sleeping.
The pineapple technique very effectively helps prevent frizz, preserves curls, and minimizes the need for daily styling.
Pineappling is an excellent way to maintain your curls’ definition, reduce breakage, and save time in the morning.
What are the benefits of pineapple-ing your curls?
- Preserves Curl Definition: Pineappling helps maintain the natural curl pattern, ensuring that you wake up with well-defined and bouncy curls.
- Reduces Frizz: By keeping your curls secure and preventing friction against your pillowcase, pineappling minimizes frizz, resulting in smoother and more polished curls.
- Prevents Breakage: The loose and gentle gathering of your curls reduces tension, preventing breakage and split ends. This is especially crucial for individuals with fragile or delicate curls.
- Saves Time in the Morning: Since your curls are already styled and preserved through pineappling, you’ll spend less time on your morning hair routine. Simply release the pineapple, fluff your curls, and you’re ready to go.
- Extends Hairstyle Lifespan: Pineappling is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your hairstyles. Whether you’ve done a wash-and-go or a twist-out, this technique helps your curls maintain their shape for longer periods.
What do you need to pineapple your hair?
A scrunchie or any type of loose ponytail holder. The scrunchie or ponytail holder should be loose yet tight enough that you loop it around your hair just once if possible.
This prevents a crease or dent from forming in your curls overnight. Many curlies like to use a satin scrunchie to prevent breakage as well as that terrible feeling of ripping your hair out or breaking hair with your hair tie.
For extra protection, a satin scarf or bonnet to cover your hair overnight and prevent friction.
When we sleep directly on our curls, our pillows tend to absorb a lot of the hair’s natural moisture and oils—which in turn causes a lot of frizz and lack of definition (not to mention the friction when we move, which also causes frizz).
Another great addition to your nighttime routine to help fight frizz is investing in a satin or Silk pillowcase.
Read more about Satin and Silk Pillowcases for Beautiful & Healthy Curls.
Choosing a satin pillowcase over cotton can help remedy frizz somewhat, but a surefire way to ensure your curls stay intact is to loosely gather them into a ponytail on top of your head after wetting your hair.
That way, even if you switch from side to back to stomach-sleeping, your locks aren’t disturbed—and when you remove the ponytail in the morning, and voilà! Beautiful, frizz-free and cascading curls.
Does hair pineappling work on all hair lengths?
The pineapple method might be a tad difficult for those with hair on the shorter side.
If you’re able, you can still attempt to pull your hair up in a high ponytail, but you might have stray hairs that are loose around your neck. Instead for my shorter hair curlies we suggest sleeping on a satin pillowcase.
Hair pineapple-ing can work medium hair lengths, but the hair must be long enough to pull into a high ponytail.
If you have some hairs at the nape of your neck or hairline that aren’t quite long enough, consider styling them as tousled ringlets to achieve the hair pineapple.
If your hair isn’t long enough to put into a pineapple, you can create a similar style by putting a headband a few inches past your hairline.
It gives the same pouf effect and works perfectly on afros and other shorter curly styles.
If your hair is very long, think waist-length or longer, consider styling your hair in a loose bun and allow the curls to fall freely out of the bun.
How to Pineapple your Curly Hair
Here’s our step-by-step run down on how to pineapple your hair:
- First, you will need a large silk or satin scarf and a loose scrunchie or hair tie.
Use a Satin or Silk Scrunchie: Opt for a satin or silk scrunchie instead of elastic bands with harsh seams that can lead to breakage. Silk and satin materials are gentle on curls and help reduce friction, preventing frizz. - Flip Your Hair Forward: Bend at the waist and flip your hair forward, allowing your curls to fall toward the ground. This step helps gather your curls at the top of your head.
- Gather Your Curls: Using a soft scrunchie or a hair-friendly elastic band, loosely gather your curls at the highest point of your head – the crown. Remember to keep it loose to avoid causing too much tension or breakage.
- Adjust for Comfort: Ensure that the pineapple is comfortable to sleep in. If it feels too tight, you risk disrupting your curl pattern and causing frizz. The goal is to maintain the natural shape of your curls while protecting them.
- Use a Silk or Satin Scarf or cover with a Bonnet: For added protection, wrap your pineapple with a silk or satin scarf or wear a satin bonnet. This step not only preserves your curls but also helps retain moisture, reducing the likelihood of dryness and breakage.
If opting for a scarf, start by folding the scarf into a triangle. Tie the wide base of the scarf around the sides and back of the hair. Tie the knot at the hairline in the middle of the forehead. Finally, allow curly lengths to spill over the top like a pineapple.
How to Take Down Your Pineapple Hair
When you’re ready to take your hair down in the morning, simply remove your scarf or satin hair tie, and shake your head to fluff out your curls. It’s that easy!
Here are some specific tips to follow:
- Remove the scarf or bonnet
- Using a pick or rat tail comb, fluff the hair at the roots (do not disturb your curls).
- Then, shake the hair to loosen from the pineappled form.
- Spray a curl refresher or add a hair oil or serum on to your ends for a final touch.
Embrace the Pineapple Hairstyle During the Day
It didn’t take long for the curly hair community to realize that pineapple hair is actually a super cute hairstyle on its own! It’s also a great way to protect curls while doing stuff like working out, doing chores and gardening.
Simply follow the steps above for the pineapple method, only secure the fabric or scrunchie a bit tighter.
A good rule of thumb for any curly hairstyle, including pineapple hair, is to keep your ringlets hydrated.
Also remember to use the right products for your curl type and look for specific treatments that loosen and soften, control scrunch and sculpt.
Pineappling is a fantastic technique for curly-haired individuals looking to preserve their natural curl pattern, minimize frizz, and simplify their morning routine.
By following the steps outlined in our guide and incorporating additional curly hair care tips, you’ll be well on your way to embracing and enhancing your beautiful curls.
Remember, each curl is unique, so feel free to adjust these techniques to suit your specific hair type and preferences. With a little care and attention, you can confidently flaunt your gorgeous curls every day.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get pineapple-ing!
2 Comments
Thank you. I have naturally curly hair and your article guided me in great detail
nice!