Satin vs. Silk Pillowcases for Hair: What's the Distinction?

The closest factor most of us will get to sleeping on a cloud is with a satin or silk pillowcase. If the very best reward you can provide somebody is a continuing cool aspect of the pillow, effectively, clearly, they have been referring to what material you need to be sleeping on, and satin and silk are likely to at all times be a cooler choice—each actually and figuratively.

So what is the distinction between satin and silk? One comes from worms, and the opposite does not? Certain, that is a somewhat… simplistic view on the whole, barely sophisticated affair. We requested pure hairstylist Bridgette Hill and trichologist Cheryl Bergamy to interrupt down the variations between silk and satin, and which one is greatest for you and your hair. Learn on for what they needed to say.

Meet the Skilled

• Bridgette Hill is an authorized trichologist and the founding father of Root Trigger Scalp Evaluation.
• Cheryl Bergamy is a hairstylist and the founding father of Contents Haircare.  

What Is Silk?

Keep in mind the factor concerning the worms from earlier? That wasn’t precisely a joke: Silk is a pure protein fiber produced by a number of dozen kinds of bugs all over the world. It was first developed in historical China round 8,500 years in the past and by 1100 B.C., Chinese language silk was present in Egypt.

Silk is an opulent, decadent material, and Hill believes we should always deal with our hair with the identical mindset: Hair fibers are our personal distinctive luxurious material, spun from our head. “Silk is useful to the hair as a result of it’s a breathable material permitting circulation and stopping the moisture from night time sweats from getting trapped on the root of the hair,” says Hill.” It additionally helps to reduce the friction between our hair fibers and cotton materials. The feel of the material helps to retain pure shine and freshly blown out and styled hair.”

Silk is hypoallergenic and fewer absorbent, stopping the trapping of oil or micro organism on the pillowcase, which advantages the pores and skin and complexion as effectively. “Silk hair protectors like scarves or bonnets assist scale back the friction brought on by laying on a cotton pillow, which causes break up ends, knotting, frizz, tangles, and hair injury,” explains Bergamy. “Silk helps to maintain the moisture within the hair, whereas cotton pillows or scarves soak up pure oils leaving hair dry and brittle.”

What Is Satin?

You understand how a gown isn’t a robe, however all robes are attire? Satin and silk are type of the identical method—satin is technically a kind of weaving, somewhat than a kind of cloth. At one cut-off date, satin was historically constructed from silk, however within the modern-day, it is not unusual to seek out blended satin mixtures that embrace artificial fibers like polyester, rayon, and cotton.

Mixing satin with artificial materials can lead to materials that may be rather more versatile and smoother than actual silk, which is a superb profit to hair and scalp. “Satin is rather more forgiving, because it strikes with the hair which reduces the friction between the hair fiber and the pillowcase or floor,” explains Hill. Satin additionally offers the identical advantages as silk: It’s hypoallergenic, much less absorbent, and breathable.

What is the Distinction?

The largest distinction between silk and satin is price: Silk is extra luxurious and pricier, whereas satin is cheaper and infrequently blended with different materials, which suggests it may be a simple method to avoid wasting coin.

Hill additionally factors out that satin pillowcases are extra accessible and simpler to wash as a result of they’re made with artificial supplies that may be thrown into the washer. Keep in mind that silk is a pure fiber and satin isn’t, and test to be sure to’re truly getting the actual factor—you would be stunned. “Be leery of sateen, which is cotton with a unique weave,” says Hill. “Despite the fact that sateen can really feel easy and silky like silk or satin, it’s cotton, and won’t ship the identical advantages to scalp and hair as utilizing silk or satin will.”

The Remaining Verdict

When it comes right down to it, whether or not satin or silk is healthier to your hair is set by how tough of a sleeper you’re. So long as it’s silk or satin, and you can also make it by means of the night time with it nonetheless in your head, bonnets rule. For individuals who are rowdy and rambunctious below the covers, pillowcases may be a safer wager.

“My knowledgeable recommendation is [to] use what works greatest to your sleeping state of affairs and hair texture, sort, and size,” says Hill, explaining that she’s personally professional pillowcases due to the twin profit to the pores and skin on her face. Bergamy believes silk is healthier for all hair textures, however particularly as an added layer of safety for curly and textured hair.

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