Are silk pillowcases worth it? Three hairdressers weigh in
WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE
Asking the experts.
The world of haircare can be overwhelming. Does your scalp need a detox? Does your hair need a gloss? What products will add life and texture to your hair without weighing it down? And, a question I often find myself asking: are silk pillowcases actually worth it? Supposedly, the fabric’s smooth texture means it glides against your hair’s cuticles, producing less friction and ultimately less breakage.
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Some women I know, particularly women with curly, textured hair, swear by their silk pillowcases, telling me their hair is far less tangled and prone to breakage when they sleep on silk. Determined to get to the bottom of the silk pillowcase debate, I spoke to three local hairdressers to find out if they think they’re worth investing in.
Xeneb Allen, Curlysiouxsie’s studio director
Silk pillowcases are especially good if you want to avoid bed-head. I recommend them for my curly and textured hair clients mostly. A common issue curly/textured hair beauties have is that the top layer of their hair is frizzy or disrupted when they wake up. The silk allows for a smooth interaction between hair and pillow and minimises frizz.
Curly and textured hair is also prone to breakage as it’s more fragile due to the hills and valleys of the individual hair strands. Silk pillows minimise this indirectly because there’s less friction between the fabric and hair. It’s also good for people with braids to keep them intact/not allow them to get compromised in regards to the smoothness, hence allowing braids to be kept in for longer. A much more cost-effective option! Silk pillowcases also absorb less moisture, which is great for curly hair, as more moisture means more health for the hair.
Charlotte Archer, Bob Hair Co’s founder and hairstylist
I would recommend silk pillowcases for clients with certain hair types and concerns, however, I don’t believe they are a solution by themselves. Silk pillowcases are especially beneficial for those with curly, frizzy or delicate hair. They reduce friction during sleep, which helps in minimising breakage and maintaining the integrity of the hair’s natural texture. Some of my clients who use them often say that they have smoother hair and less frizz, especially those with curly or textured hair, which is more prone to tangling and frizzing.
However, while silk pillowcases do contribute to less hair damage and can help maintain hairstyles longer, they aren’t a miracle cure. For clients seeking to significantly improve hair health, I also recommend focusing on a holistic haircare routine. This includes using high-quality, sulphate-free shampoos, deep conditioning treatments and protecting hair from heat damage with the right products.
For those with extremely dry or damaged hair, incorporating leave-in conditioners or hair oils can be more directly beneficial. Products containing natural oils like argan or coconut can offer deep hydration and repair. I think silk pillowcases can be a valuable addition to a hair care routine and can make a noticeable difference, but they should be part of a comprehensive approach to hair health.
Jaye Edwards, Edwards and Co’s founder, director and colourist
I believe that silk pillowcases are a little luxury and self-care notion that can be super beneficial for your hair. Investing in one won’t hurt! These pillowcases are great for reducing friction, which can cause breakage and reduce tangles, leaving your hair smoother and hopefully knot-free when you wake up. Who wouldn’t want to wake up with softer and shinier hair?
For my clients with textured hair, or with concerns around breakage and frizz, using a silk pillowcase might be a good step to reduce further damage. The silk’s smooth surface helps maintain the integrity of the hair shaft, making it a great choice for those with curly, wavy or chemically treated hair. That being said, a silk pillowcase isn’t an essential thing to achieve good hair. It’s all about the wider routine, regular trims, salon-quality products and trips to the salon that lead to healthy hair.
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