Why You Need a Silk Pillowcase: The Benefits

Most of us don’t think about our pillowcases. We just sleep on it and change our bedding when we remember. However, if we want healthier hair and skin, we need to pay more attention to the type of pillowcase we are sleeping on. Think about it, we sleep for (hopefully) about 8 hours a day with our face just rubbing all over it. A silk pillowcase is essential for even better beauty sleep.

Silk vs Satin Pillowcase for Hair

Most of our sheets (and pillowcases) are cotton, and no matter the cotton thread count, we still wake up with crazy bead heads. Yep, that’s why you have hair like a lion’s mane in the morning, you cotton pillowcase.

Cotton absorbs moisture, dirt, oil, and more. If you wake up and feel dry, a big part of it is because your pillowcase sucked all the liquids out of your hair and face.

Enter, silk pillowcases. 

Silk doesn’t absorb anything. It allows your hair to keep its natural oils and your skin to really soak up your skincare products. You are investing time and money into your skincare and haircare, shouldn’t be wiping it on your pillow at night.

Silk is a smooth surface lessening the friction between your hair and pillow reducing frizz, tangles, and breakage. For more healthy hair tips, check out this blog post!

**If you have thick and/or curly hair, you NEED a silk pillowcase. 

Silk vs Satin Pillowcase for Hair

While silk and satin pillowcases are better than cotton, there are a few differences you need to know. Alright, silk vs satin pillowcase for hair, which is better?

Fabric-

To start off, silk is a natural fiber and satin is a type of weave sometimes made with silk, but usually is from synthetic fabric like polyester.

When people refer to satin pillowcases, they usually mean ‘polyester satin’. They can feel similar but satin usually has a shiny side and a dull side but isn’t as ‘silky’ as silk. Silk is soft and shiny all around. You can really feel the difference.

Benefits-

The benefits are different since they have different fabrics. They are both better than cotton, especially for your hair. Whether you go with silk or satin is a personal preference for the benefits you are looking for. 

Silk and satin pillowcases help reduce friction, pulling on your face skin, and you don’t wake up with creases from the fabric on your face.

Silk Pillowcase

• More Breathable – Silk is a more breathable fabric and is temperature regulating which is great for when it’s hot or cold in bed. This helps with not only having a more comfortable sleep but also supports healthy skin.
• Natural Benefits – Silk contains 18 different amino acids that are found in many high-end body lotions, skin, and hair treatment products. 
• Naturally Hypoallergenic – Silk is naturally resistant to dust, mites, fungus, and allergens.
• It’s Natural – Silk is an animal protein fiber, made from silkworms which are actually caterpillars, and nothing synthetic.
• Helps Prevent Breakouts – Since silk doesn’t absorb junk, so there is less junk to get into your pores. 

Satin Pillowcase

• More Affordable – Since satin is part synthetic, it is about ⅓ of the price and easier to find.
• Easy To Clean – You can just throw satin in with your regular laundry and you don’t have to worry about ruining your pillowcase.

Essentially, what it comes down to is your price point. Silk is more expensive and satin is more accessible. Silk does have a few more benefits and if you take care of it, will last a while. They both are great alternatives to cotton. And that’s the tea for silk vs satin pillowcase for hair health.

Quick Note on Silk Scrunchies

While we are talking about healthy hair and silk, I want to add that you should also be switching to a silk scrunchy. Not only are they better for your hair, but scrunchies are also very in and will help your hair health so much. 

Think of those black elastics we have used for years, they are like rubber bands. They snag your hair, give you major hair creases, and break your hair because of the tension and the material. 

Slip – Medium Silk Scrunchy – $45 for 5 (I love these)

Amazon 100% Mulberry Silk Scrunchy – $9 for 1

Silk scrunchies are much more gentle, don’t leave a crease, and slide through your hair when you take it out. Because of the softness of the material, your hair will be in much better condition after you make the switch.

What To Look For In A Silk Pillowcase

1. If you truly want a silk pillowcase, look for 100% mulberry silk. Make sure that the label says mulberry silk. Mulberry silk is the highest quality silk available for purchase. If you buy one from amazon, sometimes they can say silk but it’s really satin.
2. Check the type of pillowcase. Since it is silk, it’s slippery so make sure it has an envelope closure or a zipper. If it’s a regular pillowcase, your pillow can slip out of the case and you’ll be sleeping on the bare pillow. 
3. Make sure it’s the right size. Not all sizes are the same. Standard size is what most come in, but know your pillow size and check the one you are getting.

Silk Pillowcase Recommendations

Amazon – 100% Mulberry Silk – $20 (I have this one)

Slip Silk Pillowcase – $89

Satin Pillowcase Recommendations

Amazon – Polyester Satin Pillowcase – $7

Kitch Polyester Satin Pillowcase – $20

How To Wash Your Silk Pillowcase

Silk is a very delicate and expensive fabric. So we need to take care of it when we are washing it.

Silk is very delicate and needs to be washed with care. You don’t have to have a special detergent for your pillowcases, but by taking a little more care, it will stay in better condition for longer.

1. Turn the pillowcase inside out. It’s fine to throw in the washing machine. You can wash it in a mesh bag to keep it extra protected or with softer fabrics.
2. Use a mild detergent with a low pH. Avoid heavy chemicals as they can alter the natural fabric fibers (like alkaline, bleach).
3. Air dry

Gentle Detergents

• Arm & Hammer Clean and Simple
• Everspring

**Remember that you need to switch out your pillowcases 2-3 times a week to maintain healthy hair and skin along with a silk pillowcase

Have you made the switch to a silk pillowcase yet? What was the first thing you noticed after switching?

XO, Annie