The right deep conditioner, mask, and co-wash are essential for maintaining natural hair, but just as wrapping your curls in a silk or satin turban or wearing a bonnet before bed can help protect your hair texture, switching to a pillowcase made of one of these fabrics can help protect your hair texture.

Silk or Satin pillows both look and feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud, but which is healthier for your hair?

Ahead, hair experts explain the difference between silk and satin pillowcases, as well as how to determine which one is best for your curls.

What Exactly Is Silk?

Silk is a natural material that insects use to make cocoons and nests. Silk was invented in ancient China, and the silk trade began almost 3,000 years ago. The fiber is woven into fabrics and used to make everything from gowns to Hair.

It is sumptuous and velvety, as well as hypoallergenic and less absorbent than other textiles. These characteristics are what make silk ideal for hair. We are accustomed to sleeping on cotton pillowcases, but cotton is recognized for its excellent absorbency. Because we sleep on it for an average of eight hours per day, it has ample opportunity to absorb all of the moisture and oils both out of hair and skin.

“Silk never does that. As a result, all of the hydration and oils remain on your skin and hair.”

Silk is also less abrasive to the hair. “Your hair won’t snag and break since the material allows your hair to slide along lightly while moving across the pillow,” says StyleSeat Hairstylist and Natural Haircare Professional Erinn Courtney.

What Exactly Is Satin?

While satin and silk may appear to be the same material, they are not. While satin was traditionally produced from silk, it is now frequently constructed from a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers such as polyester and rayon. The question is Hair: Silk or Satin

Satin has similar haircare benefits to silk, however, it does not retain moisture as well.

Satin absorbs slightly more than silk due to its composition of several materials.

Which Pillowcase Should You Use?

Both types of pillowcases are gentle on curls, preventing breaking and dryness. Which one you choose is determined by several factors, including pricing and personal preference that is Hair: Silk or Satin

“I prefer satin over silk because it is less expensive, but it is also smoother than silk, decreasing friction between the hair strands and the pillowcase,” explains Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, Trichologist, Ph.D. Scientist, and Founder of Alodia Hair Care. Satin is far less expensive than silk, but if you only want to utilise natural fibres, silk may be the preferable choice. Although satin will provide the same benefits as silk when created with a better woven technique, such as charmeuse satin, check the ratio of fillers or textiles in the satin weave in relation to the silk to evaluate how well it will measure up to silk. Charmeuse satin may be the finest overall choice for the most economical yet high-quality scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase, as it provides the best of both worlds while keeping your tresses moisturised, frizz-free, and attractive.

Another element to consider is quality in silk or satin. “The difference could be in the quality of the pillowcases and how long they can last you through washes and ordinary wear and tear,” Courtney explains. Because silk is of superior quality, it often lasts longer.

Hair: Silk or Satin

Even if you choose satin in silk or satin because it is more affordable, it is still a significant upgrade over a cotton pillowcase. If you’re worried about the small moisture loss, Onuoha recommends giving your curls a brief oil treatment.

What Is the Distinction?

The primary distinction between Hair: Silk or Satin is price: Silk is more luxurious and expensive, whereas satin is less expensive and sometimes combined with other materials, making it a simple method to save money.

Hill further claims Hair: Silk or Satin that satin pillowcases are more accessible and easier to clean because they are composed of synthetic fabrics that can be washed. Remember that silk is a natural material, but satin is not, and double-check to ensure you’re getting the real thing—you might be shocked. “Be wary of satin, which is a distinct weave of cotton,” advises Hill. “While satin may seem smooth and silky like silk or satin, it is cotton and will not give the same advantages to the scalp and hair as silk or satin.”

The Final Decision

When it comes down to Hair: Silk or Satin, whether satin or silk is healthier for your hair depends on how rough you sleep. Bonnets are OK as long as they are made of silk or satin and can be worn all night. Hair: Silk or Satin here Pillowcases may be a safer alternative for people who are loud and raucous under the covers.

“My expert suggestion is to utilize what works best for your sleeping scenario and hair structure, type, and length,” says Hill, who is personally a fan of pillowcases due to the dual benefit to her facial complexion. Bergamy in Hair: Silk or Satin says silk is superior for all hair types, particularly for curly and textured hair.