Why You Should Ditch Your Cotton Pillowcase
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Fun Fact: According to MSN, we spend about 26 years of our lives sleeping. Maybe that’s why beauty bloggers, fashion editors, dermatologists, and hair stylists everywhere are talking about better alternatives to commonly used cotton pillowcases for the health and appearance of hair and skin. |
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If you wake up with tangled hair, frizz, flattened curls, or more breakage than you’d like, your pillowcase could be contributing.
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It comes down to friction.
Cotton has a relatively textured surface, which creates friction as your hair moves against the pillow while you sleep. That friction can contribute to tangling, frizz, and mechanical damage over time, especially if your hair is curly, fragile, dry, or chemically treated. A smoother fabric allows your hair to move more easily across the pillow rather than catching and dragging.
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Silk vs. satin: what’s the difference?
Silk is a natural fiber produced by silkworms. It has a very smooth surface and tends to create less friction against both hair and skin. Satin describes the type of weave rather than a specific fiber. Satin pillowcases can be made from materials including polyester, nylon, rayon, or other fibers. They can still provide a very smooth surface, often at a lower price than silk.
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What about bamboo?
Bamboo bedding can also have a smooth feel and is often marketed as a hair and skin-friendly alternative. Keep in mind that "bamboo" describes the source of the material, while the finished fabric is usually a rayon or viscose made from bamboo. The quality and feel can vary considerably, so check the actual fabric composition when comparing products.
Bamboo bedding can also have a smooth feel and is often marketed as a hair and skin-friendly alternative. Keep in mind that "bamboo" describes the source of the material, while the finished fabric is usually a rayon or viscose made from bamboo. The quality and feel can vary considerably, so check the actual fabric composition when comparing products.
Is it worth making the switch?
For some hair types, absolutely.
For some hair types, absolutely.
A smoother pillowcase can be particularly helpful if you have:
Curly or textured hair
Long hair that tangles easily
Dry or fragile hair
Color-treated or chemically processed hair
Extensions or other hair that needs extra protection
Hair that looks noticeably frizzier or more tangled in the morning
Curly or textured hair
Long hair that tangles easily
Dry or fragile hair
Color-treated or chemically processed hair
Extensions or other hair that needs extra protection
Hair that looks noticeably frizzier or more tangled in the morning
You can also put your hair into a loose braid, pineapple, or silk scarf before bed to reduce movement and friction even further. Just avoid anything tight enough to create tension at the roots.
And if you love your cotton bed sheets, you don't have to replace your entire bedding collection. Try just the pillowcase on the nights when your hair needs a little extra protection.
And if you love your cotton bed sheets, you don't have to replace your entire bedding collection. Try just the pillowcase on the nights when your hair needs a little extra protection.
One more thing.
Your pillowcase isn't going to repair damaged hair, but reducing unnecessary friction is an easy change that can help you protect the hair you already have.
Your pillowcase isn't going to repair damaged hair, but reducing unnecessary friction is an easy change that can help you protect the hair you already have.
Sometimes the smallest changes to your routine happen while you're asleep.
