A good night’s sleep can make you feel re-energized and ready to go, but that deep sleep can also wreak some havoc on your hair and sometimes even your skin. Chances are you’ve gone to bed feeling great about your hair only to wake up to a frizzy, rumpled mess. If you want to avoid that crazy bedhead in the future, one of the easiest steps you can take is swapping out your cotton pillowcase for a silk one.
Silk pillowcases aren’t new, but they’ve gained popularity in recent years because of the many benefits they provide. While the main draw to silk pillowcases is the potential hair and skin benefits, they also have numerous other advantages. Silk pillowcases are naturally hypoallergenic, meaning they prevent the buildup of certain bacteria, dust mites, fungus and other allergens. The silk fibers are also inherently temperature-regulating, so unlike cotton, which keeps moisture in, silk wicks moisture away to keep you cool all night long.
When it comes to hair and skin, many people agree that switching to a silk pillowcase truly makes a difference. In an interview with Good Housekeeping, New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz stated that silk pillowcases can improve your skin and hair due to the smooth surface of the case, meaning it has very little friction as compared to cotton pillowcases.
The super-smooth texture of silk means that hair glides over it without any irritation, so you’ll be less likely to wake up with a tangled mess of bed head — even if you toss and turn all night. The gentle surface also means that there is less tugging on the skin. ‘Crush wrinkles’ form when we sleep on our face/side, but people tend to get fewer of those when they use silk than they do when they use cotton. Additionally, silk’s smoothness helps keep your skin and hair hydrated; the silk fibers are less prone to absorbing the moisture from your skin and hair. Instead of removing that valuable hydration, silk keeps it right where it belongs meaning better all-over hydration. If you suffer from dry skin or a flaky scalp, a silk pillowcase might be the way to go.
Most silk pillowcases advertised on Instagram by celebrities or other influencers tend to be on the more expensive side, but if you don’t want to pay a fortune to get a good silk pillowcase, VALLEY is here with a list of the best silk pillowcases for all budgets.
Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
Slip is one of the most popular brands of silk pillowcases. With countless celebrity endorsements, everyone from Kim Kardashian to Kerry Washington has praised the brand, Slip seems to be the go-to for a high-quality silk pillowcase. Made with 22-momme construction (momme refers to the quality of the silk, with higher momme counts meaning extra durability and a more luxurious feel) and available in a range of colors, Slip brand pure silk pillowcases are specially designed to help with aging, sleep creases and bedhead. The Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase is available on websites such as Amazon or Dermstore and the brand’s website for $89.
MYK Natural Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
This MYK brand silk pillowcase is an affordable yet luxe alternative if you want to try a silk pillowcase without making a big investment. Made with 19-momme silk, this pillowcase still has high durability and will last through several washes. MYK also uses 100% mulberry silk, meaning it’s 100% natural, odorless and hypoallergenic. You can find the MYK silk pillowcase on the brand’s website for only $27.99.
Fishers Finery 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Considered one of the best silk pillowcases by both Good Housekeeping and Today, this silk pillowcase from Fishers Finery is a luxurious option at a fraction of the price. The brand uses a 25-momme count, which is considered top-of-the-line when it comes to silk, and 100% mulberry silk making it a dense, durable option that will last for a long time. You can find the pillowcase on the brand’s website (on sale!) for only $46.99 in a variety of colors to choose from.
Slpbaby Silk Pillowcase
If you’re looking for a silk pillowcase in a fun print, this is the brand for you. The brand uses 100% high-quality 16-momme count silk to create a smooth and soft texture. While the silk is of high quality and provides a lot of the same benefits as the others on this list, many reviewers said they picked this brand due to the pattern choices available. Coming in 36 fun colors and prints, you’re bound to find one that speaks to you, and at only $20.99 on Amazon, Slpbaby offers a great starting point for a durable and fun silk pillowcase.
Have you made the switch to silk yet? Tweet us, @VALLEYmag, with your favorite brand!
