Learn about the benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase or satin pillowcase and the best choices for curly hair.
A great nighttime routine is as essential to healthy hair care as your daytime routine.
One of the things that cause hair breakage and split ends is when the ends of the hair rub against cotton pillowcases at night, causing friction.
This problem can be mitigated and eliminated by switching from regular cotton pillowcases to silk or satin pillowcases.
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This was one of the crucial changes I made when I was battling with hair loss issues a few years ago.
While you have the option of silk or satin scarves, they have the tendency to slide off in the middle of the night.
However, not all silk or satin pillowcases are created equal and there are certain elements to consider before choosing the best one.
This article will look at the benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase for curly hair, silk pillowcase vs satin pillowcase, and the best silk pillowcases for curly hair.
5 Benefits of Sleeping on a Silk Pillowcase for Your Hair
1. Less Friction
Your hair is less likely to catch against a silk pillowcase since your hair glides against the silk.
This means less frizz and tangle while breakage and split ends are kept at bay.
2. Helps Hair Retain Moisture
When your hair rubs against cotton, which a very absorbent material, it sucks out all the natural oils and moisture.
You won’t have this issue with a silk pillowcase.
3. Preserves Hairstyles
If you’re trying to preserve your hairstyle for a few days, sleeping on a silk pillowcase will reduce bed head.
Wear a silk scarf over your hairstyle and sleep on a satin pillowcase as well.
4. Budget Friendly
A silk pillowcase costs more than regular pillowcases but the plus side is they are easy to clean and last forever. I’ve had my two silk pillowcases for years.
5. Ideal for Sensitive People
Silk is natural, breathable, and hypoallergenic. It’s gentle on the skin and senses and suitable for people with sensitive skin.
An additional benefit of a silk pillowcase is beautiful skin. The materials a silk pillowcase is made of comes from a source that contains skin-compatible amino acids.
This helps the products you apply to your skin prior to bed absorb better and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can also be relaxing for the senses.
Is a Silk or Satin Pillowcase Better for Your Hair?
Satin vs silk pillowcase is a debate most people have when it comes to choosing the best material for a pillowcase.
I’ve broken down the differences between the two in this section.
Satin is derived from polyester, which is a man-made fabric while silk is natural protein produced by the silkworm when forming in a cocoon.
The mulberry silk moth is the main insect used in the commercial silk industry.
A silk pillowcase and a satin pillowcase have a very different feel against the skin. Silk is luxuriant and decadent.
A silk pillowcase is softer and has even fewer chances of friction than a satin pillowcase.
A silk pillowcase is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and fungus.
Both are beneficial for the hair and whichever one you choose is up to you.
However, a silk pillowcase is more luxurious than a satin pillowcase and provides additional benefits for the skin, which I’ve outlined above.
A silk pillowcase is more expensive but overall, I would recommend a silk pillowcase over a satin pillowcase if you can afford it.
Where to Buy a Silk Pillowcase?
All silk isn’t created equal. Make sure that the silk pillowcase you’re purchasing is 100% silk.
While the more fanciful silk pillowcases can run as high as $100, you can get a more reasonably priced pillowcase, which works just as well for around $20 – $50.
The price will also vary depending on the bed size you’re shopping for – standard, queen, or king size.
You can find some excellent silk pillowcases on Amazon | Sephora | Ulta Beauty.
11 Best Pillowcase Recommendations for Curly Hair
Below are my top 11 silk pillowcase recommendations ranging from the budget-friendly to the truly indulgent:-
1. Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase
Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase uses 100% pure Mulberry silk and features a beautifully finished hidden zipper.
The silk pillowcase is avaialble in 40 colors with a price point under $40. Learn more here.
2. Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase is an award winning pillowcase that’s been lab tested to reduce friction and made out of pure mulberry silk.
Slip pillowcases also feature matching scrunchies and eye masks. It has a price point starting from under $90.
You can find Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase on Amazon | Sephora | Ulta Beauty.
3. YANIBEST Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
YANIBEST Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is made from luxuriously soft 21 momme pure charmeuse silk specifically chosen for its weight and feel.
This silk pillowcase is perfect if you have allergies and is available in 22 colors and patterns. Learn more here.
4. Colorado Home Co Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Colorado Home Co Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is made of 22 momme Grade 6A pure mulberry silk.
Featuring a hidden zipper and special care instructions plus it’s available in 20 colors. Learn more here.
5. LilySilk Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
LilySilk Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is made out of pure mulberry silk and has a beautiful, silk sheen.
It’s available in 6 colors with a price point under $30. Learn more here.
7. Better Than Silk YouthSecret Pillowcase
Better Than Silk YouthSecret Pillowcase was designed by an MD and cosmetologist with patented Hoverslip technology.
Hoverslip technology is extremely smooth and soft with a surface that feels 2x silkier than silk!
This pillowcase has a button closure and is a suitable alternative for vegans although it has limited color options. Price point under $60. Learn more here.
8. Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is recommended by experts at Good Housekeeping Magazine as a a “Winner” and “All-Star Standout.”
Featuring 25 momme, it’s one of the highest quality silk pillowcases on this list and has an oversized, envelope flap.
The pillowcase is available in 11 colors with a price point under $55. Learn more here.
9. Celestial Silk 100% Silk Pillowcase
Celestial Silk Pillowcase is another recommendation on this list that also features 25 momme
The pillowcase is available in 26 colors and patterns with a price point starting from under $40. Learn more here.
10. Hyda Lane 25 Momme Silk Pillowcase
Hyda Lane 25 Momme Silk Pillowcase is top of the line with a hidden zippper closure.
It’s available in 6 colors with a price point starting from under $35. Learn more here.
11. Queen Bee Pure Silk Pillowcase
Queen Bee Pure Silk Pillowcase is made out of 22 momme silk with a charmeuse weave for a supple and luxurious caress.
The pillowcase is available in 6 colors with a price point starting from under $60. Learn more here.
Best Silk Bonnets for Curly Hair
You also have the option to wear a silk bonnet instead of using a silk pillowcase. Some good silk bonnet recommendations include:-
Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Night Cap
LilySilk Womens Silk Sleep Cap
How to Clean a Silk Pillowcase
Cleaning a silk pillowcase the right way is important to preserve it and make it last as long as possible before a replacement is required.
Hand wash your silk pillowcase in lukewarm water with a mild liquid detergent. Rinse in lukewarm water and air dry.
If you don’t feel like handwashing, place the pillowcase in a garment bag ans n use a washing machine on the gentle/delicate cycle with cold water. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry.
Your silk pillowcase should also include specific cleaning instructions. Ensure to follow these instructions if they differ from above.
Final Word on Silk Pillowcases for Curly Hair
Silk pillowcases are fantastic for curly hair plus great for the skin and you really can’t go wrong with any of the recommendations above.
If your budget is limited, go for Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase, YANIBEST Mulberry Silk Pillowcase or Hyda Lane 25 Momme Silk Pillowcase.
If you’re able to splurge, go for Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase, Queen Bee Pure Silk Pillowcase or Celestial Silk 100% Silk Pillowcase.
And if you’re vegan, your best bet is Better Than Silk YouthSecret Pillowcase.
Whichever option you go for, you can be sure adding a silk pillowcase to your hair care regimen will be a major benefit.
Pin It for Later – Best Silk Pillowcases for Curly Hair
Abi is a curly hair expert, researcher, product tester, and author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She is also the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Healthy Natural Hair Products, and Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty. HNHP has strict editorial standards and ensures all the information on Healthy Natural Hair Products is the best for natural hair care. Learn more about our Editorial Policies
This post may contain affiliate links which means we will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.
Good to know the difference between a silk and satin piowcase. Thanks.
I have a Yannibest. It’s soft and super luxurious.
Satin -Silk is also sold in the market which makes it more confusing.I love the feel of silk
Satin silk is beneficial for all types of hair problems.