As I research healthy habits of people with good skin and hair, I kept coming across silk pillowcases. Then I began to see retailers marketing their own brand of silk pillowcases. 

Silk advocates claim that sleeping on silk will make your hair shiny, less frizzy, give you less wrinkles and fresher skin. So my curiosity was peeked! I hopped on Amazon, dropped 20 bucks and bought one to try out. While the better quality ones are between $40-50, I bought a less expensive silk pillowcase to experiment.

My experience with a silk pillowcase

After night #1, my hair was noticeably less frizzy and smoother! I normally sleep on a sateen or cotton pillowcase. Subsequently, my hair is a little crazy and dry in the morning. Like I put my finger in a socket! Well, goodbye socket hair! My hair felt great and my skin looked more “awake” and smoother as well.

I was not expecting immediate results. I thought, let me give it a few more nights and see if this holds up. And it did!

I.am.a.believer.

What Makes Silk So Special?

The smooth surface of a silk pillowcase reduces friction. Reducing friction will keep your hair from damage which causes frizz and split ends. Silk also retains moisture as cotton is more porous than silk. Therefore, more moisture will remain in your skin and hair. Silk is from silk worms that are domesticated. They are raised just for their silk, so you are not dealing with a pillow made from harmful chemicals.

Silk also contains amino acids. However, it is inconclusive just how much of an effect they have on your skin and hair. However, more amino acids never hurt. 

Tips on Owning & Using a Silk Pillowcase

• Look for mulberry silk (its the Egyptian cotton of silk!) with 22mm count or higher for good quality. A good quality silk pillowcase will set you back $40-50. My current pillowcases were not that much. Although, I’m saving up for a better quality one, or may put it on my Mother’s Day gift list.
• Switch It Out- Even if you don’t own a silk pillowcase, you should change your pillowcase every 2-3 nights. Why? Same reasons you change your clothes every day.  The oils from your hair and skin, (and drool!) get on your pillowcase.
• I recommend you buy two and wash them immediately so you have one to switch out. I plan to slowly buy 2-3 more (as I have the funds) just to have a good stash.

How to clean & care for your silk pillowcase

• Cleaning- Some silk pillowcases are machine washable and some recommend you wash by hand. If you have a pillowcase that requires hand washing, here are some recommendations for cleaning a pillowcase:
• Hand wash your pillowcase. Additionally, you can also use the “hand wash” or “silk” setting of your washer, if available, in a mesh laundry bag.
• Use cold water & mild soap.
• Do not dry in a dryer. Lay flat on a clean towel to air dry immediately.
• Do not twist. If you use the “hand wash” or “silk” washing machine setting, be sure to take out your pillowcase as soon as the wash is done.

I never thought that changing out something as simple as a pillowcase could make a difference in a beauty regime!

In conclusion, silk pillowcases may be a little more high maintenance and costly than your good ‘ol sateen or cotton pillowcase, but in my opinion it is surprisingly worth every penny.

Do you have a favorite Satin pillowcase? Share your thoughts below!