Over the last few years I’ve got every single one of my friends and family hooked on silk pillowcases. After discovering the benefits of these pillowcases myself, I don’t think I’ve ever gone a night without sleeping on one (yes, I even bring my own silk pillowcase on holiday with me). They truly are that good. However, it’s not just because they’re comfortable. What I love about these pillowcases is actually how they benefit my skin and hair. Intrigued? I thought so.
I first invested in a silk pillowcase as I found I would go to bed with beautifully blow-dried hair but wake up with it literally all over the place. No matter if I used a hair mask the night before, I would always wake up to dry, messy hair that just wouldn’t behave the way I wanted it to. After reading a little bit about silk pillowcases and the benefits they can have for your hair, I decided to give one a go, and I’m not lying when I say my hair has never looked better.
I’ve also noticed a huge difference in my skin, so I reached out to Fi Stewart, founder of silk-pillowcase brand Slip, to find out exactly what a silk pillowcase can do for your hair and skin, and what to look for when shopping for one. Keep on scrolling for all the info…
“Sleeping on silk is a great expert beauty tip and a long-time beauty secret,” says Stewart. “Silk pillowcases can help to reduce frizz and tangles and maintain your hairstyle from the night before. However, the benefits go beyond hair. Silk pillowcases can also help with skin hydration, texture and smoothness, and can improve the appearance of fine lines.”
If you’re wondering how they do this, it’s all about the material. Stewart explains that silk reduces friction on the surface of your skin and hair that can be caused by cotton pillowcases. This friction can stretch and tug the skin and cause hair tangling, but sleeping on silk will reduce this. Not only that, but cotton pillowcases can absorb more of your nighttime skincare and hair products, meaning they aren’t working as hard as they should. Again, by sleeping on silk, your moisturisers and hair oils should stay exactly where you want them.
“Not all silk pillowcases are created equal,” explains Stewart. “Watch out for toxic dyes and false claims of momme, which refers to the silk weight and thickness.” Once you’ve found a good one, it’s important to take care of it the right way. Stewart recommends handwashing and dry-cleaning only. However, some brands are machine washable on certain settings, so make sure to read the label.
Stewart also recommends using a pH-neutral liquid detergent and/or fabric softener. “Silk is a natural fibre, and washing in a solution that’s too acidic or alkaline can cause it to harden in a single wash. If you can’t find a detergent that specifies pH level then just go for one that specifies silk,” she advises.
Key specifications: 22 momme mulberry silk. Pros: Comes in a range of colours, high-quality silk and washes well. Cons: Expensive. My first choice would always be a Slip silk pillowcase. Although the brand’s offering is more of an investment, in my opinion, they’re definitely worth it. They feel so luxe, and the differences I’ve seen in both my skin and hair have been incredible. Plus, I’ve had mine for ages and it’s showing no signs of wear and tear.
Key specifications: Pure silk. Pros: Feels so soft to sleep on, long-wearing and packaged beautifully . Cons: Only available in white. The White Company’s silk pillowcase is a little more affordable, but feels just as luxurious. It comes in a timeless white colour and arrives in the brand’s signature packaging, which also makes it a great gifting option.
Key specifications: Pure silk. Pros: Super affordable, comes in a range of colours and feels super smooth. Cons: Lacks luxury points. For a much more affordable option, you simply can’t go wrong with M&S. The brand’s silk pillowcase is just £30 and comes in 10 different colours, so you can choose depending on your bedroom’s colour scheme.
Key specifications: 22 momme mulberry silk. Pros: Feels luxurious to sleep on and comes in a range of sizes and colours. Cons: A little more expensive. Silk Works pillowcases are made from 22 momme mulberry silk, so you know they’ll be super-soft to sleep on. What I love about these is that they come in both queen and king sizes, and there are five colour options.
Key specifications: 22 momme silk. Pros: Looks chic, comfortable to sleep on and comes in a gorgeous gift box. Cons: The Oxford style might not match your other bedding. Another one of my favourites is this one from ESPA. Not only does the Oxford style look chic on my bed, but I sleep so well when using this, and it always comes out of the wash looking brand new.
Key specifications: 22 momme silk. Pros: Fits standard-size pillows, feels luxurious and is machine-washable. Cons: More of an investment. Drowsy is known for its silk sleep masks, but the silk pillowcases are just as good, in my opinion. Made from 22 momme silk, they come in a standard pillow size with an envelope closure, and are also machine washable. It’s available in 10 colours.
Key specifications: 19 momme mulberry silk. Pros: Lots of colours to choose from and more affordable. Cons: Not 22 momme silk like other options. Another great high-street option is this one from John Lewis. It comes in not one, not two, but 14 different colours, so you’re completely spoilt for choice. It’s still made from 19 momme mulberry silk, you won’t be disappointed.
Key specifications: 100% silk. Pros: Fun print, zip fastening and machine-washable. Cons: Might not go with your colour scheme . For those of you looking for something a bit more fun and colourful, I’m currently obsessed with this silk pillowcase from Slip. It has all the benefits of a classic Slip silk pillowcase, but with this super-cool print that I just know will look amazing in my bedroom.
Key specifications: 19 momme silk. Pros: Range of colours available, more affordable and can even be personalised. Cons: Hand wash only. These Lilysilk pillowcases are a winner in my eyes as they deliver great results without breaking the bank. They would make a perfect gift too as you can pay a little bit extra to get them personalised with someone’s name or initials.
Key specifications: 22 momme pure mulberry silk. Pros: Range of colours available, hypoallergenic and machine washable. Cons: A little bit more expensive. Blissy know what they are doing when it comes to silk pillowcases. Not only are they handmade from 22 momme pure mulberry silk, but they are also machine-washable, making your life a whole lot easier.
Key specifications: 25 momme mulberry silk. Pros: Range of colours and styles available, hypoallergenic and machine washable. Cons: A little bit more expensive. Although I haven’t tried this pillowcase myself, the reviews online speak for themselves. Customers are raving about how soft it is to sleep on, and have even said that they have noticed a difference in their skin and hair.
Key specifications: 100% mulberry silk on one side. Pros: Only features silk on one side if you want the pillowcase to blend into the rest of your bedding. Cons: Not a lot of colours available. Now, these silk pillowcases are really something special. I often hear people say that they don’t like the look of silk bedding, and prefer a cotton or linen look instead. Luckily, Cultiver has got the answer, as the brand has designed a silk pillowcase that features 100% mulberry silk on one side, and pure linen on the other side so that your pillowcase can blend in. How cool?
Key specifications: 19 momme pure mulberry silk. Pros: Comes in a pair of two and is machine washable. Cons: Not loads of colours available. These Soak & Sleep silk pillowcases are a great choice as they come in a pair of two so you can make sure that all of your bedding matches. Plus, they are made from pure mulberry silk so you know that they will be soft to sleep on.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
