I've seen a million and one beauty articles, Reddit boards, and hair stylists' quotes praising silk pillowcases for curly hair. Apparently, the fabric you sleep on could be making more of a difference than the hair products you use in the shower. "But it's just a wad of fabric," you say. "Why is it such a big deal when it comes from a caterpillar's butt?"
Most people have pillowcases made from cotton, which is one of the most absorbent materials, which is exactly why dishrags are made out of it. During the night, your scalp produces natural oils that are meant to moisturize your strands, but your cotton pillowcase may be soaking it all up instead. This can leave your hair feeling dry and tangled come morning — especially if you move around a lot in your sleep.
Curly hair needs even more moisture than straight hair, because it's harder for natural oils to reach the bottom. And, silk pillowcases can help your hair retain its moisture throughout the night and allow for even distribution. Unlike cotton, which can cause snagging and breakage, silk also helps to preserve your style because of how slippery it is. Plus, it's gentler on your skin, too.
Really, silk pillowcases are a great beauty investment. And these seven are some of the best options for every budget.
1This Luxurious Case That's Available In Tons Of Colors & Sizes
ALASKA BEAR Natural Silk Pillowcase, $26, Amazon
Durable, hypoallergenic, naturally dyed, and made from 600 thread count mulberry silk, the ALASKA BEAR Natural Silk Pillowcase has over 2,000 reviews raving about its luxuriousness. It's also handmade with a hidden zipper, but the best part is that there's 20 different colors and six different sizes (including body pillow).
2Looking For An Affordable Option? This One's Silk On Only One Side
LILYSILK Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $17, Amazon
Realistically speaking, you're only ever using one side of the pillow at a time. The top half of this LILYSILK pillowcase is made from pure Mulberry silk, so it's great for your hair and skin. It's also got a hidden zipper to keep your pillow in place, and you can throw it in the washing machine and line dry for easy care. The bottom half is 100 percent cotton, which is why it's such an affordable option, but reviewers say, "Brilliant having one side cotton. I wake up and my face and hair look fabulous. I love this pillowcase!"
3Reviewers Say That This Is The Highest Quality Pillowcase They've Tried
Celestial Silk Pillowcase, $35, Amazon
If you're looking for long-lasting quality, this Celestial Silk Pillowcase has an incredible 4.9 rating for a reason. "They are high quality. Same feel and quality inside and out. Not a cheaply made product," says one reviewer. They're made from 100 percent mulberry silk, but the secret is the charmeuse weave pattern, which makes it extremely soft, cooling, thick, and luxurious. It's also got a hidden zipper to keep your pillow in place.
4These Pillow Covers That Complement Your Hair & Your Space
ZIMASILK Mulberry Pillowcase, $21, Amazon
These ZIMASILK pillowcases are made from 400 thread count mulberry silk (both sides), but the real draw are the gorgeous floral patterns that add a splash of color to any space. "This is such a beautiful pillow case, I want more!" says one reviewer. "Wonderful quality silk, it's very kind to my long hair. These are boxed up so nicely you really feel like you've purchased something special."
5This Huge Pillowcase Is Perfect If You've Got A Ton Of Hair
Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $35, Amazon
If you've got a ton of hair, or move around a lot in your sleep, the Fishers Finery mulberry silk pillowcase is for you. Because it's 25 millimeters, it's got 30% more silk than the average 19 millimeter silk pillowcases, and its envelope design allows it to be used as a sham or as a pillowcase. "I'm using it on a big bamboo/memory foam pillow and it fits well and doesn't slide off," says one reviewer. "Highly recommended!"
6A No Hassle Option That You Can Wash With All Your Whites
PUREBLOOM Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, $35, Amazon
Most silk pillowcases have to be washed in cold water and then line dried. Some of them even require dry cleaning. Not this PUREBLOOM silk pillowcase. It has a fine-tuned construction so it can be washed and dried in the machine with your whites, but with 100 percent mulberry, it still offers the same benefits for your hair. It's also got a hidden zipper to prevent slipping and runaway pillows.
7A Pillowcase For Sensitive Skin & Scalps
YANIBEST Silk Pillowcase, $24, Amazon
This natural white YANIBEST silk pillowcase is made with top quality mulberry silk, but for those with sensitive skin or scalps, you'll be happy to hear what it's made without. It skips the chemical dyes or bleaching processes so you're left with nothing but smooth, hypoallergenic fabric that keeps your hair hydrated and tangle-free.
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