While switching to silk pillowcases for the sake of your hair may sound like a trivial pursuit, it does have proven advantages that you can’t afford to sleep on. One much talked about aspect is how the structure of silk fabrics supports hair health. Here are some of the hair benefits of silk pillowcases and why they may be the secret to waking up to better hair days.
Less Friction and Damage on Hair
Apart from chemical exposure (such as through straightening and ), another major cause of hair damage is friction, which includes rubbing your hair with a scratchy towel, brushing your hair while sopping wet, and, yes, sleeping on rough cotton pillowcases. Constant tossing and turning can pull at the hair, making it thinner by causing hair fall. The friction can also damage the hair, resulting in split ends. Sleeping on smooth silk prevents extra friction between the hair and the fabric.
In a tropical country, sleeping on a breathable fabric like cotton can offer comfort from the heat. While silk pillowcases are not the coolest to sleep on, they are smoother and gentler on the hair. A test conducted by silk pillowcase brand Slip found that users experienced 43% less friction than cotton pillowcases. Because of silk’s super smooth texture, hair is protected from breakage and further damage.
Smoothen your hair and protect it from damage with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo. This product penetrates the hair up to 10 layers deep and gives it 10 salon benefits in one wash, including strengthening the hair, protecting it from heat, and keeping your hair cuticles smooth and shiny.
Absorbs Less Moisture and Oil
Hair that doesn’t retain much moisture tends to be dryer and more prone to damage. Moisture, in the form of water and oils such as those found in conditioners and hair masks, is what keeps the hair shiny, pliable, and smooth. It also protects the hair from external stressors, such as extreme weather, prolonged sun exposure, and heat styling. Moisturized hair is less prone to breakage and healthier overall.
According to a study by a company called Hellenic Silk, silk absorbs 11% of moisture (water and natural oils) from the hair, whereas other fabrics can have an absorption rate of up to 30%. Therefore, in terms of wicking less moisture from your hair and longer, silk would be the better option.
Reduces Frizz in Dry and Curly Hair
Dry hair and curly hair will especially benefit from silk pillowcases. As mentioned above, hair needs moisture to thrive and stay healthy. Dry hair already lacks moisture, so you wouldn’t want to sleep on fabrics that will further wick moisture away.
is also heavily reliant on moisture. Because of its texture, natural oils from the scalp don’t reach the ends of the strands. Curly hair needs these oils to stay smooth, bouncy, and frizz-free.
Apart from conditioning with a smoothing product such as Dove Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner, which fights frizz with a blend of natural oils, sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help you prevent rough, rebellious hair. Silk is an anti-static material that can prevent tangles and knots. You can even wrap your hair in a silk scarf to extend the life of your blow-dry.
If you want to take your hair care to the next level, try sleeping on silk pillowcases to prevent losing moisture and avoid friction and damage while you sleep.
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