Why are silk and satin pillowcases suddenly so popular for improving hair health? There’s a simple reason, they are smooth to the touch which means instead of your hair catching on rough cotton fibres, hair simply glides across the smooth silk or satin fabric.
Cotton pillowcases have short fibres which can cause friction against your hair, leaving it feeling tangled and prone to breakage. The outer layer of your hair, the cuticle, is tugged against leaving hair looking dull, tangled and full of frizz.
A silk or satin pillowcase doesn’t pull against your hair cuticle because it’s smooth, leaving hair looking shinier and healthier when you wake up. This is especially beneficial for people with curly or fine hair, as well as those who regularly heat-style or colour their hair, benefiting from fabrics that won’t strip away moisture.
But which is better for your hair and skin - silk or satin?
What’s the difference between a silk and satin pillowcase?
Silk is a natural fibre produced by silkworms, with 6a grade pure mulberry silk being the highest quality and smoothest available. Mulberry silk known for its amazingly smooth texture, breathability, and luxurious feel.
Satin, on the other hand, isn’t a fibre, it’s a type of weave. Satin pillowcases are usually made from synthetic materials like polyester, which mimic the smooth surface of silk but differ in quality and breathability which may impact your sleep quality and the reduce the benefits for your skin.
Why is a silk pillowcase good for hair and skin?
Mulberry silk pillowcases stand out versus satin for several reasons:
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Silk is naturally gentle on hair and skin: Its ultra-smooth fibres minimize hair damage and split ends and is gentler on sensitive skin.
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Hair retains moisture: A silk pillowcase won't absorb your hair’s natural oils and moisture like a cotton pillowcase does, helping keep hair naturally more hydrated.
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Breathable and temperature-regulating: A pure silk pillowcase will help keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. A satin pillowcase is less breathable and can cause you to sweat which can impact your skin's health and disrupt your sleep.
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Hypoallergenic: Ideal for sensitive skin and scalps. MYRN Silk pillowcases are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified ensuring they are safe from harmful chemicals or irritants.
Are satin pillowcases good for hair?
Satin pillowcases are a more affordable option than pure silk and still offer a smoother surface for hair, when compared to a cotton pillowcase. Similarly to silk, a satin pillowcase can help reduce friction and frizz and won’t absorb hair’s natural moisture. However, because a satin pillowcase is usually made from synthetic fibre, satin won’t provide the same breathability or moisture balance as silk. This means a satin pillowcase might leave you feeling hot and sweaty at night, disrupting sleep and impacting skin health.
Which pillowcase is best for good hair - silk vs. satin?
A silk pillowcase is an investment for your hair but it is the clear winner. It may seem like the expensive option, but if you look after your silk pillowcase it will last for years. Aim for a heavier weight like 25 momme, as not only will the fabric feel luxurious but it will last longer compared to a 19 momme silk pillowcase if cared for correctly.
Not only will a silk pillowcase offer superior softness benefiting your hair and skin, pure silk is also more breathable and hypoallergenic making it a much more comfortable choice for most sleepers.
If you’re on a budget and not prone to overheating or sweating at night, a satin pillowcase can still offer some benefits for creating smoother more manageable hair compared to cotton. However, you may find you prefer the feel of cotton or silk on your skin.
A simple change from cotton to a silk pillowcase can make a huge difference to how your hair feels each morning, as well as longer term hair health. You may even find you are investing in less hair care products overall, which will save you money in the long term.
Why a cotton pillowcase could be damaging your hair
Explore MYRN Silk Pillowcase Collection
Read our guide: How to care for silk