Why Everyone on TikTok Is Sleeping with Tape and Masks – Inside the #MorningShed Craze

The latest TikTok beauty trend has people looking like mummies before bed. Videos of influencers wrapped in silicone masks, mouth tape, and chin straps are flooding social feeds, all in pursuit of waking up with a dewy complexion and perfectly styled hair. Welcome to the world of #MorningShed – where the motto is “the uglier you go to bed, the hotter you wake up.” But what exactly is this trend, does it work, and is it even safe? Let’s unwrap this viral phenomenon layer by layer.

What Exactly Is the MorningShed Trend?

The term “morning shed” refers to the process of removing (or “shedding”) all the beauty and wellness products you’ve slept in overnight. Think of it as the opposite of your evening routine – instead of applying products, you’re peeling them off to reveal what’s underneath.

TikTok creators have taken this concept to extreme levels, documenting themselves removing layers of overnight beauty aids: silicone face masks, anti-wrinkle patches, mouth tape, chin straps, heatless curlers, and even stomach wraps. The dramatic transformation from “bedtime monster” to “morning goddess” makes for compelling content that’s garnered millions of views.

The trend has exploded in popularity because it promises what we all want – to wake up looking effortlessly beautiful with minimal morning prep time. But as with many viral beauty hacks, there’s more to the story than what fits in a 60-second video.

The Origins of the MorningShed Movement

While the term “morning shed” is relatively new, the concept of overnight beauty treatments is centuries old. Rachel Brosnahan’s character in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel demonstrated the 1950s version – sneaking out of bed to apply cold cream and put her hair in rollers, then removing everything before her husband woke up.

The modern incarnation gained momentum in early 2023 when TikTok creators began showcasing increasingly elaborate nighttime routines. What started as simple overnight masks quickly evolved to include multiple products used simultaneously.

Dr. Katie Beleznay, a dermatologist at Vancouver’s Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology, admits, “When I first saw some of these videos, I honestly thought it was more of a joke about people going overboard with their evening routines.”

But the joke caught on, and soon beauty influencers were competing to see who could create the most dramatic morning transformation. The hashtag #MorningShed now has over 500 million views on TikTok, with thousands of videos showing users “shedding” their nighttime beauty cocoons.

The Key Components of a MorningShed Routine

Face Treatments

Silicone masks, sheet masks, anti-wrinkle patches, and “slugging” (applying petroleum jelly or thick moisturizer as a final layer)

Mouth & Jaw Treatments

Mouth tape to encourage nose breathing, chin straps or “jawline girdles” to define the jawline and reduce puffiness

Hair Treatments

Heatless curlers, hair oils, silk bonnets, and hair wraps to style hair overnight without heat damage

The most controversial element is undoubtedly mouth tape – small strips of medical or specialized tape placed over the lips to force nose breathing during sleep. Proponents claim it reduces snoring, improves oxygen intake, and even leads to a more defined jawline.

Chin straps or “jawline girdles” are another popular component, designed to reduce overnight puffiness and define the face. These fabric or silicone devices wrap around the chin and secure at the top of the head.

For the skin, overnight masks and “slugging” (sealing in skincare with an occlusive layer) are common practices, while hair gets the heatless styling treatment with various curlers, wraps, and oils.

MorningShed in Action: TikTok-Style Examples

These videos typically follow a similar format: creators document their elaborate nighttime routine, show themselves fully “equipped” for sleep, then cut to the morning reveal where they dramatically remove each item to showcase glowing skin, defined features, and perfectly styled hair.

The contrast between the “before” (fully equipped for sleep) and “after” (fresh-faced and glowing) creates the viral appeal that’s made this trend so popular. Many videos also include partners’ reactions to their significant others’ unusual bedtime appearance.

The Claimed Benefits of MorningShed

Hairstylist and makeup artist Ashley Readings has become a regular mouth tape user and claims it’s “changed how my face looks. I don’t have the genetics for a sharp jawline or chiselled cheeks, but mouth taping has given my face more structure, which I love.”

For hair care, celebrity hair stylist Justine Marjan, whose clients include Kendall Jenner and Ashley Graham, endorses heatless curlers as “a great low maintenance way to style the hair while preserving its health.” However, she cautions against using them on very wet hair, which can lead to breakage.

The skincare benefits are more debated. While overnight hydration can be beneficial, especially for dry skin, dermatologists warn that sleeping in sheet masks not designed for overnight use can lead to irritation or even worsen skin issues.

What Experts Say About MorningShed

Medical professionals have mixed opinions about the various components of the morning shed trend. Dr. Neha Goyal, co-medical director at MD Beauty Clinic, sees potential benefits in some practices but cautions against others.

On face taping and patches: “The more you can prevent movement, the better your results and ability to fight off signs of aging,” says Goyal. However, she notes that results are temporary – “Think of it as ironing an outfit but the moment it’s worn, you’ll develop a wrinkle.”

Regarding sheet masks, Dr. Goyal warns, “Sleeping in sheet masks can be problematic unless they’re intended for overnight use.” Extended use can lead to skin maceration (damage from overhydration), clogged pores, or breakouts.

On mouth taping, dentist Dr. Chloe Tsang explains it can help “train the brain to breathe through the nose instead of the mouth,” which may reduce cavities and improve sleep quality. However, she cautions those with nasal congestion or sleep apnea to consult doctors before trying this approach.

Dr. Beleznay raises concerns about layering occlusive products over active ingredients like retinol or glycolic acid, which “may increase the active’s intensity and cause irritation.”

The consensus among experts seems to be that while some elements of the morning shed routine may have benefits, the extreme layering of products and devices is unnecessary and potentially problematic.

Pro Tips for Trying MorningShed Safely

If you’re curious about trying the morning shed trend, start small. Rather than adopting the entire routine at once, introduce one element at a time to see how your body responds. This approach allows you to identify what works for you without overwhelming your system.

For those with sensitive skin, be particularly cautious with overnight masks and slugging. As Dr. Beleznay suggests, most people would benefit simply from “some retinol and a good moisturizer—easy-peasy.”

Remember that quality sleep itself is the most powerful beauty treatment. Any routine that compromises your rest will ultimately work against your skin’s natural renewal process, regardless of how many products you apply.

Recommended Products for a Safe MorningShed

Gentle Mouth Tape

Hypoallergenic sleep tape with breathing holes for comfortable overnight use.

Safe for sensitive skin with easy removal

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Overnight Hydration Mask

Specially formulated for overnight use without clogging pores or causing irritation.

Wake up to hydrated, glowing skin

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Silk Heatless Curlers

Soft silk curlers that create beautiful waves without heat damage or sleep disruption.

Gentle on hair and comfortable for sleep

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MorningShed: Beauty Hack or Social Media Hype?

After two weeks of testing various morning shed components, beauty writer Audrey Noble from Women’s Health concluded: “My skin did look more glowy and fresh, but the difference was minimal.” She ultimately decided to return to her simpler routine, noting, “If it ain’t broke, then why bother trying something new?”

This sentiment echoes what many dermatologists suggest – while caring for your skin at night is important, it doesn’t need to involve an elaborate 12-step regimen with multiple devices. Most people would benefit from a few quality products used consistently.

Ashley Readings, while a fan of mouth taping, points out a concerning aspect of the trend: “The thing that sort of irks me is that we—mainly women—are constantly trying to uphold limiting beauty standards while appearing like it took no work to get there.”

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from the morning shed phenomenon is the reminder that quality sleep itself is our most powerful beauty ally. While we sleep, our skin undergoes intensive repair and renewal, replacing damaged cells and ramping up collagen production.

The Final Verdict on MorningShed

The morning shed trend contains elements of both legitimate skincare practices and social media exaggeration. While overnight hydration, gentle heatless styling, and even careful use of mouth tape may offer benefits for some people, the extreme layering of products and devices is largely unnecessary.

If you’re curious about trying aspects of this trend, start with one element at a time, prioritize comfort and safety, and maintain realistic expectations. Remember that what works for a TikTok influencer may not work for your unique skin and body.

Most importantly, don’t let elaborate beauty routines compromise your sleep quality. As Dr. Beleznay reminds us, when it comes to beauty sleep, nothing tops “deep, delicious, restorative rest.”

Whether you embrace the full morning shed experience or stick to a simpler routine, the best approach is one that makes you feel good, doesn’t disrupt your sleep, and fits realistically into your lifestyle. After all, true beauty isn’t about how many products you can layer – it’s about healthy habits that let your natural glow shine through.