In addition to using the proper deep conditioner, mask, and co-wash, protecting your hair texture may also be achieved by using a pillowcase made of satin or silk, or by wearing a hat before bed or wrapping your curls in one of these materials.

Which kind of pillowcase is best for your hair? Silk or satin both have an upscale appearance and make you feel as if you’re resting on a plush cloud. The pros at hair, Angela Onuoha, Erinn Courtney, and Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, explain the distinctions between satin and silk pillowcases and how to choose the right one for your curls.

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Describe Silk.

The New York Times claims that silk is a naturally occurring material made by insects for use in their nests and cocoons. More than 3,000 years ago saw the beginning of the silk trade, and it was first created in ancient China. From gowns to pillows, the fiber is woven into textiles and used to make a variety of goods.

In addition to being hypoallergenic and less absorbent than other textiles, it is renowned for being opulent and velvety. These qualities are what make silk so beneficial for hair.

“We usually sleep with cotton pillowcases, yet cotton has a high capacity for absorption. We spend eight hours a day on average sleeping on it, therefore during those eight hours, it has enough opportunity to absorb all the moisture and oils from your skin and hair,” Onuoha said. “That’s not what silk does. Thus, your skin and hair retain all of the hydration and oils.”

Moreover, silk causes less friction on hair.

“Your hair won’t snag and break because the material allows your hair to glide along softly while moving on the pillow,” Courtney said.

Satin: What Is It?

Satin and silk are not quite the same, despite their appearance. Traditionally, satin was manufactured from silk, but these days, cotton and synthetic fibers like rayon and polyester are often combined to make the fabric.

Silk and satin both provide advantages for hair care, although satin is more absorbent. “Satin absorbs a little bit more than silk since it’s a mixture of numerous materials, including cotton, but it’s still way less than 100 percent cotton pillowcases,” Onuoha said. “It gives a little bit more friction than silk but, again, way less than cotton.”

Satin vs Silk Pillowcase

Both kind of pillowcases will be soft on curls, assisting in avoiding dryness hair breakage. A few things, including budget and taste, will determine which one you choose.

“I like satin more because it’s less expensive than silk, but it’s also smoother than silk, reducing the friction between the hair strands and the pillowcase,” said Dr. Chambers-Harris.

Quality is still another thing to think about.

“The difference may come in the quality of the pillowcases and how long they’re able to last you through washes and everyday wear and tear,” Courtney said. Generally speaking, silk is more durable due to its superior quality.

Even if satin is more expensive than cotton, it’s still a significant improvement over cotton pillowcases. Onuoha advised giving your curls a brief oil treatment if you’re genuinely worried about the small moisture loss. Read more