Have you ever woken up to find unruly, knotted hair? If you’re trying to keep your twist-outs, maintain breakouts, or prevent split ends, one of the easiest steps is to replace cotton or linen pillowcases with silk or satin alternatives. to switch. “Silk or satin pillowcases up your beauty game over traditional bedding materials (ahem, cotton),” says Derrick Keith, celebrity hairstylist and hairdresser at Hair Story.
Both satin and silk are breathable, soft, hypoallergenic, and less absorbent than cotton, though some are better suited to certain hair types (more on that below). No matter your hair type (straight, curly, wavy, curly), if you wake up to find your hair tangled and dull, switching to silk or satin pillowcases can change your life for the health of your hair. There is a possibility. But which is better, satin or silk? To get more insight into the benefits of both and which one is best for your hair type, TZR spoke to four expert hairstylists to help you decide. Our experts recommend some of our favorite options for shopping.
silk vs.satin pillow cover
First developed in ancient China around 1100 BC, silk is “a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms,” says Hairstory hairdresser Jennifer Covington-Bowers. A breathable fabric that allows circulation and prevents oils and bacteria from becoming trapped in the pillow, it’s also beneficial for your skin and complexion. [it] Do not transfer to face which can lead to breakouts. It also helps minimize friction between hair fibers that can cause split ends, frizz, tangles and knots. “Satin and silk pillowcases are frictionless and don’t irritate the cuticle, which means they’re less likely to break,” he continues Covington-Bowers.
Satin, on the other hand, is made of many materials such as polyester, rayon, and cotton, and is “technically not a type of fabric, but a type of weave,” BosleyMD Trichoologist Gretchen Friese tells TZR. Satin moves with your hair while you sleep, reducing friction between your hair fibers and your pillowcase. “Like silk, satin is hypoallergenic, less absorbent and breathable,” continues Friese. This allows your hair to retain more moisture while you sleep.
Is silk better than satin?
“Both silk and satin are breathable, soft, hypoallergenic, and non-absorbent,” says O’Connor. Translation: Both are great for the health of your hair. “Silk might be a little better because it glides a little better, but satin has similar benefits and is a budget-friendly alternative,” Covington-Bowers tells TZR. and the price will be higher. Satin is often blended with other fabrics, which makes it cheaper.
O’Connor also confirms that satin pillowcases are made of synthetic material and are machine washable, making them easy to clean. You need a bag and a specific delicate cycle,” says Alicia Bailey, hair expert and global education manager for Design Essentials. So if washing options are important, O’Connor recommends using satin.
Does hair type play a role?
“Both silk and satin reduce friction and provide a surface that allows hair to glide and move through the material more easily,” Bailey tells TZR. Helps prevent hair snags and breakage on hair types.”
Experts all suggest choosing what works best for your sleep situation and hair texture. However, Keith believes that silk is a little smoother, which makes it better for curly or textured hair (which helps minimize breakage and frizz). “If it’s dry, use silk,” he says. This makes silk ideal for those with sensitive skin and underlying scalp conditions such as dryness, eczema, and contact dermatitis.
It’s not just about curly texture. Silk and satin are great for those who heat, chemically treat, or color their hair. Neither satin nor silk absorbs water, so your hair stays hydrated and is less prone to breakage than cotton pillowcases.
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