Can a Silk Pillowcase Help Your Hair?

There are a plethora of products on the market these days that are targeted to combat frizz. From oils, serums, creams, leave-in conditioners, treatments, the list goes on and on. But have you ever considered the fabric you sleep on could be the cause of your unhealthy hair?

What is Frizz and how is it caused?

Frizz occurs when hair is dry and lacking in moisture. When your hair is dry, the cuticle is rough and raised. (Ideally, it should be smooth and lie flat)  When the cuticle layer of your hair is raised, it allows moisture to pass through and swell the strands. As a result, your hair appears dry and frizzy instead of smooth and defined. In general, curly hair tends to have more frizz than straight hair because of dehydration in the strands, which leaves it more vulnerable to frizzing.

Why switch to silk?

Most people have pillowcases made from cotton, which is one of the most absorbent materials out there. Regardless of how you prep your hair before getting into bed, as soon as your head touches down on your pillowcase, you begin undoing your efforts.

During the night, your scalp produces natural oils that are meant to moisturize your strands, but your cotton pillowcase may be soaking it up instead. Not to mention, pillowcases made from cotton will hold a lot of static electricity, which will add to your frizz. All this can leave your hair feeling dry and tangled come morning — especially if you tend to move around a lot at night.

Curly hair needs even more moisture than straight hair. Due to the structure of curly hair strands, it’s harder for natural oils to reach the bottom, which leads to dry ends. Silk pillowcases can help your hair retain its moisture throughout the night and allow for even distribution. Unlike cotton, which can cause snagging and breakage, silk also helps to preserve your style because of how slippery it is. Plus, it’s gentler on your skin, too.

Silk is proven to aid in keeping hair and skin moisturized, which can make a big difference in the frizzing and other problems common in curly hair. Silk has amino acids in it naturally, which are rejuvenating and are the essence of a number of daily moisturizers. That can be a huge help in taming the waves that can so easily get out of control, and it will assist in making your hair healthier, less breakable, and less likely to tangle.

Not to mention, silk is a breathable, hypoallergenic option that keeps you cool to prevent bed sweats – perfect for packing into your holiday case for those hot humid nights. Silk pillowcases are also less likely to bunch up, wrinkle, and catch hair in knots. The slippery surface is great for avoiding the worst of the tangles you get, especially with cotton pillowcases.

Really, silk pillowcases are a great beauty investment that will not only protect your hair from frizz but also prevent it from occurring in the first place.

To read more about frizz and what causes it, along with our tips on how to tame it click here.