Satin pillowcases offer a variety of potential benefits. The glossy, smooth texture of the weave allows the head to move easily, reducing the friction that could otherwise cause wrinkles, hair frizzing, and breakage.
Satin offers similar haircare benefits to silk, but it won't retain moisture as well as silk. "Satin absorbs a little bit more than silk since it's a mixture of numerous materials including cotton, but it's still way less than 100% cotton pillow cases," Onuoha says.
Less Friction
That's not the case with a satin or silk pillowcase. The satin pillowcase will allow your hair to gently glide over the top of it reducing friction, tangles, and frizz and keeping your hairstyle intact. The satin or silk pillowcase also helps prevent split ends from breaking.
“The benefit of having a good silk pillowcase is that it creates less friction on the hair and allows the hair a gentle surface," he says. "Friction can disrupt the cuticle layer of the hair, which causes bedhead and frizzy hair.”
There's a reason why many dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases. Not only is the material naturally hypoallergenic, which can keep irritation at bay, but it also has a silky smooth texture that's no match for the troublesome friction other materials might cause.
Satin pillowcases offer a variety of potential benefits. The glossy, smooth texture of the weave allows the head to move easily, reducing the friction that could otherwise cause wrinkles, hair frizzing, and breakage. The material is also less absorbent, which may promote hydrated skin while decreasing the risk of acne.
Washing satin isn't the time for heavy-duty stain removers, bleach or other harsh chemicals. Use a gentle detergent. Use cool water. Never use warm or hot water to wash your satin pillowcase as it will damage the fibers and cause the pillowcase to shrink.
Over time, they can cause problems ranging from infertility to cancer. Other chemicals used in the creation of satin material can lead to dermatitis and allergies. For instance, AZO dyes, which are used to color textiles into vivid colors, can come off and come into contact with the skin.
Satin is slightly similar to silk at first glance but it has a noticeable difference up close. Satin has both glossy and shiny sides, while silk is lustrous all the way. It can retain its shape and doesn't wrinkle or frizz the hair, unlike other fabrics. However, It's not as breathable as silk.
As satin is usually made from polyester it can cause a bit of static in your hair (less so than cotton). Silk on the otherhand is anti-static.
Satin is also soft, so it won't pull at your skin or hair which means it's better compared to a cotton pillowcase and can help prevent the formation of wrinkles or reducing breakage and frizz. A satin pillowcase can easily be thrown in the wash with the rest of your laundry (silk requires more careful care).
When you cover your hair with satin, the fabric acts as a barrier against moisture-absorbing fabrics like cotton. This can prevent split ends caused by hair drying out. Your curls stay fresher longer and maintain the moisture produced by the natural oils or added hydration. As a result, you'll enjoy healthier hair.
If you're someone who goes to bed with wet hair often, you might want to consider resting your tresses on satin. Unlike cotton, which can cause damage to your hair if you sleep with it wet, satin pillowcases will be more forgiving and allow your wet hair to move more freely and prevent creases while you sleep.
Bacteria and dirt will build up more slowly on silk or satin than on cotton, but you still need to wash it frequently. You don't want to be applying a fresh layer of skin irritants every time you go to sleep! For this reason, read the label carefully before deciding between silk or satin pillowcases.
Silk pillowcases, like your other bed linens, come into direct contact with your skin every night, so it's important to wash them regularly — typically about every seven to ten days. To learn more about washing bed linens, check out this guide to washing and properly caring for bedding.
Pillowcases made from high-quality materials like silk and bamboo can help prevent acne due to their smooth and soft feel. While these materials can sometimes carry a higher price-point, they're often more durable, meaning you might not have to replace them as often as lower-quality alternatives.
"I sleep on a silk pillowcase because when I first cut my hair, I'd wake up in the morning with crazy bedhead all over the place," she told Hamm. "My hair stylist said, 'You gotta get a silk pillowcase because it will keep your hair under control and your face won't wrinkle. '"
Luckily, the best silk pillowcases can help you get your beauty sleep sans frizz. From preventing wrinkles to helping reduce hair breakage caused by friction, dermatologists and hair stylists have been touting the benefits of silk pillowcases for years.
Don't sleep with your hair tied up!
Instead, sleep with it down, or if you have to tie it back, go low with a ponytail or loose braid at the nape of your neck. Try pulling your hair up with a soft scrunchie instead!