Silk pillowcases have recently been popularized by TikTok. As with many targeted ads, you may be skeptical about the actual benefits of a silk pillowcase. I’m here to give you the reasons why (or why not!) you need a silk pillowcase. 

By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer

Benefits for Hair

Retains moisture: When you put creams and oils in your hair before bed, cotton will wick them out of your hair. Silk doesn’t absorb like cotton does, which allows your hair to retain its natural oils and prevents drying.

Fights frizz: Since silk is a smooth surface, there is less friction as you toss and turn in your sleep, which allows you to wake up with smoother hair than if you had a cotton pillowcase.

Prevents split ends: Silk pillowcases prevent split ends by keeping your product in your hair and offering less friction than cotton alternatives. 

Benefits for Skin

Prevents breakouts: Silk is hypoallergenic, which means it is unlikely to cause irritation. Silk also naturally repels mold and dust mites that might be hiding in your pillowcase and causing breakouts and irritation. 

Increases hydration: As mentioned above, silk won’t wick your expensive moisturizers and oils out of your skin when you set your cheek on the pillow. This increases your overall skin hydration. 

Prevents wrinkles: Silk’s smooth surface causes less drag on the skin, which prevents the creases that happen when you sleep. 

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Cons

Price: A really good silk pillowcase can be pricey. A silk pillowcase is an investment in yourself, not just the pillowcase. However, if you’re not having trouble with your current pillowcase, $80 is a high price point. 

Delicate: If you are unwilling to hand-wash (or at least gently wash) your pillowcase, you should probably skip the silk pillowcase. However, some brands are easier to care for than others, so read the reviews. If you have to tumble wash, at least let it air dry! 

Who Doesn’t Need One?

If you already use a bonnet overnight, you don’t need a silk pillowcase as well unless you have skin concerns. There is a truly negligible difference if you sleep on your back and use a bonnet, since your face never hits the pillow anyway. 

Trusted Brands

If you decide that you do want a silk pillowcase, there are a few things to look out for. First of all, make sure that you’re getting real silk, not satin silk. Satin is polyester, so you won’t get those smoothing, moisture-retaining benefits. 

Blissy is a trusted brand that sells 100% mulberry silk pillowcases in 111 different colors and patterns, so they’re guaranteed to find one that matches your sheets.

Quince is another brand that sells 100% mulberry silk pillowcases in a variety of colors, but at a slightly lower price point. The main difference between Quince and Blissy is the variety. 

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Silk is a breathable fabric, great for temperature regulation. It levels up your sleeping experience from just “okay” to absolute luxury! They make a great gift, because everyone sleeps and everyone deserves to sleep well!

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Author: Jayne Turner is a freelance writer from Orange, California. She has a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis on language and cognition. She has ten years of musical theatre experience and a lifelong love of reading. Utterly excited by the brain, she brings a fresh Gen Z perspective to the topics that intrigue us most.