Satin or Silk Pillowcases: Which is Better? | Soak&Sleep

Satin or Silk pillowcases: Which is right for me?

Are you experiencing breakage and split ends? Do you go to bed with smooth hair only to wake up with a halo of frizz? It may be time to change your pillowcase. Silk and satin pillowcases have long been renowned for their hair and skin-protecting properties, but with so many versions being recommended across social media and word-of-mouth alike, it can be hard to know which is the best option for you. So we’re here to help. Read on for the definitive guide to silk and satin pillowcases, and find the perfect silk pillowcase for hair care.

Satin vs silk: What’s the difference?

OK, let’s break this down, silk and satin are not synonymous with each other. Satin is a weave, its characteristics are a beautiful sheen and elegant drape. However, always be careful to read the fine print because satin pillowcases can be made of many different materials. What is often referred to as just “satin” is likely to be made out of polyester, whereas our luxurious Mulberry Silk range of bedding is also a satin weave but made of pure silk.

Silk is a fabric made from natural fibre harvested from the cocoons of mulberry silkworms. When woven, it’s shiny on both sides and has a smooth, luxurious feel. As a natural fabric, it’s hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and breathable. Similarly to linen, it’s an isothermal fabric, meaning it will help your body stay warm in cool temperatures and keep you cool in the heat.

Silk satin vs polyester satin

Silk vs satin pillowcases: Which is best for my hair?

Both silk and satin are known for being good for hair protection. They’re both smoother fabrics than cotton, meaning when made into a pillowcase, your hair can slip around on the surface during your sleep without frizz and breakage occurring. This makes a silk or satin pillowcase a great choice for all hair types, from pin straight to coily.

100% Silk pillowcases are the better option for your hair and skin, due to the low absorbency of silk as a fabric. Your hair’s natural oils and moisture will stay locked in, rather than transferring into your pillowcase during the night. It also means that any masks or products you put in your hair before bed will stay put as you sleep. Satin is similar, but as it’s usually made with a mix of fabrics, which can include cotton, satin pillowcases tend to be slightly more absorbent than silk.

Not only is it low absorbancy, but silk is packed with hair-friendly proteins that keep your tresses shiny and smooth. The amino acids found in silk can help to restore the keratin in your hair, keeping it frizz-free and protected from damage.

Silk is also very breathable and stays cool no matter how hot your bedroom is, so no more flipping the pillow to get the cooler side! Satin is less breathable than silk, so it may not be quite as cool on those balmy summer nights.

Silk is an incredibly delicate fabric, so it’s better to wash your silk pillowcase by hand with a specialist detergent. Satin is more robust and can be washed in the washing machine following the instructions. Pop it in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection, and make sure your machine is switched to a delicate cycle.

Overall, pillowcases made from silk are better at protecting your hair and skin as you sleep. Silk is biodegradable, sustainable, and lasts a long time. However, satin is easier to wash and cheaper than silk. Both have hair-smoothing properties and are a better alternative to cotton if you want to protect your skin and hair during your slumber.

Is silk sustainable?

Silk is a renewable, biodegradable material harvested from natural sources. However, growing the mulberry trees where silkworms form their cocoons uses a lot of water, and the harvesting process has been known to be damaging to the silkworms themselves. There are new options of ‘sustainable silk’ alternatives emerging like peace silk, which retailers claim is harvested in a way that doesn’t impact the silkworms and their environments. But try and do your research into companies that sell ‘Peace Silk’, as lack of certification and proof can mean that it isn’t as ethical as they are saying.

Ready to make the switch? Take a look at our best silk pillowcases to upgrade your slumber setup and wake up with your best hair yet.