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Silk Vs Satin Pillowcase For Hair: [DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED]

Silk Vs Satin Pillowcase For Hair: [DIFFERENCES EXPLAINED]

There is probably no person living on this planet who does not fear falling hair. For good hair health, it is not only important to eat healthy food, remain stress-free, and use the right kind of hair care, but it is equally important to sleep on soft and silky pillowcases.

Both silk and satin pillowcases are recommended for good hair health. They keep hair tangle-free and prevent bedhead, frizzy hair, split ends, hair fall, and damage to the hair fibers. Silk pillowcases are natural, luxurious, and costlier than satin pillowcases. The best silk pillowcases are crafted by brands like Casper and Blissy, while the best satin pillowcases are manufactured by Kitsch, Night, etc.

The most commonly used cotton, polyester, or synthetic pillowcases can strip off moisture from hair and are responsible for tangling. Once you replace them with a silk or satin pillowcase, you will notice a big improvement in your hair texture and health. Continue reading to find out the difference between silk and satin pillowcases and what might be the best option for your beautiful tresses.

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Difference Between Silk And Satin

Silk fabric is produced by animals, while satin is made of a mix of plant/ animal-derived and man-made fibers.

How Is Silk Produced?

Producing silk requires years of practice and expertise, which is also the reason why the fabric is so expensive. A luxurious silk pillowcase is crafted from threads produced by the silkworm larvae. The larvae excrete a liquid protein from their mouth to make its cocoon. Each larva can make about a kilometer-long filament until it hatches. Since the threads are usually damaged after hatching, they are cultured (sericulture) and removed at this stage. The threads are then passed into boiling water or steam to make them soft and unwind the cocoon.

In ancient times, silk was considered a symbol of luxury and was used by only the royals and the elites. The highest quality and the most expensive silk is the 'Mulberry Silk,' produced by the Mulberry Silkworm (Bombyx mori). Naturally produced 'real silk' has the smoothest slip than any kind of fabric.

Watch this video to learn more about how silk is produced naturally.

How Is Satin Obtained?

Satin is not a separate category of fiber, but it is a piece of fabric obtained by weaving different kinds of raw fibers one over the other. They can be made from nylon, wool, polyester, acetate, rayon, and even silk. In fact, with modern weaving techniques, some satin fabrics are softer than silk.

Here are some of the key differences between silk and satin:

Silk  Satin
Type  It is a natural fabric obtained from silkworms. A type of weave made using filament fibers such as nylon, rayon, or polyester.
Shine Shiny from both sides. The surface is glossy, while the back is usually dull or semi-matte.
Strength Strongest Weaker than Silk
Discovery  As per records, silk was first used in the 4th Millenium BC by the Chinese Yangshao Culture. Satin was first produced around 2,000 years ago, however, it gained popularity in the middle ages in Europe.
Cost High-quality silk is very expensive. It is very time consuming and laborious to produce silk. Satin is cheaper to make and buy. The price depends on the type of fiber used and the fineness of the weave.

What Is the Difference Between Silk And Satin Pillowcase For Hair?

The biggest difference between silk and satin pillowcases is the cost. Silk is more luxurious and long-lasting, but costlier than satin. Both silk and satin are recommended for some amazing beauty benefits. Silk pillowcase helps prevent bedhead, hair damage, or hair loss due to friction.

Silk is a natural material, hence they are extremely breathable and promote better circulation. The smoothness of the fabric prevents friction between the hair strands and the pillowcase, which eventually keeps hair free from tangling and wear and tear of delicate hair strands. It is also less absorbent than other materials (especially cotton). Using silk pillowcases ensures that you have soft and frizz-free hair with no signs of split ends, whatsoever.

Good quality satin can provide the same benefits as silk. Satin pillowcases are equally efficient in reducing friction between the hair fibers and the pillowcase. They also offer moisture control for sweat-free sleeping. If you are used to sleeping on cotton pillowcases, you might already know what it feels like to have wrinkles. While high-quality silk fibers never wrinkle, some satin fabrics (especially the thicker ones) may show signs of wrinkling.

Both silk and satin are also known to regulate body temperatures and improve skin health. However, silk is slightly better than satin because it has more slip. Satin is more delicate than silk and this requires careful handling. The wrong way of washing can shrink the satin fabric and hence it is always recommended to dry clean a satin pillowcase.

The Best Pillowcases

If you have dry hair or scalp, you should definitely choose a silk pillowcase. Since silk is smoother than satin, it is a recommended choice for rough, curly, and textured hair. For those with sensitive scalp conditions like dryness, eczema, and contact dermatitis, it is important to consider investing in a good-quality silk pillowcase. The ease of movement on a silk pillowcase prevents the breaking of hair strands and keeps hair free from damage and tangles. The following are some of the most cost effective and the best silk and satin pillowcases for good hair health:

Silk Pillowcase For Hair

      1. Casper Silk Pillowcase and Sleep Mask Set

The Casper Silk Pillowcase is a great choice for that 'perfect' beauty sleep. The pillowcase is available in three elegant colors (peach, oat milk, and indigo) and two size options (Standard – 21" X 29" and King – 21" X 37"). You also get an elegant sleep mask along with the pillowcase. Both the mask and the pillowcase are made of 100% pure mulberry silk and come with a 30-night risk-free trial option. This beautiful silk set is recommended for protecting hair and skin from damage due to friction. The brand provides a 1-year limited warranty on this product.

     2. Blissy Silk Pillowcase

Made from 22 Momme, 6A Grade, and 100% Pure Mulberry Silk, the Blissy Silk Pillowcase is everything that you need for a beautiful sleep. It is available in 37 neutral and vibrant colors and comes in three different sizes – Standard (20" X 26"), Queen (20" X 30"), and King (21" X 37"). The fabric used is ultra-smooth, hypoallergenic, Oeko-Tex Certified (Eco-friendly), and machine washable. The product has been featured in top magazines like Allure and Marie Clarie.

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Satin Pillowcase For Hair

      1. Kitsch Satin Pillowcase

The Kitsch Satin Pillowcase is an affordable, cooling pillow case, recommended for improving skin and hair health. It is available in standard king and queen-size and 11 incredible printed colors. The slippery silk-like surface of the pillowcase reduces friction between strands and ensures that you wake up with frizz-free hair.

     2. Night Vegan Satin Pillowcase

The Night Satin Pillowcase is ethically-made with soft and breathable polyester. The hydrating beauty pillowcase ensures no friction, no bedhead, no breakouts, and no sleep lines. The pillowcase is also wrinkle/ piling resistant and can be machine washed.

Choosing a silk or satin pillowcase is completely a personal preference. If you practice a clean lifestyle, you are always recommended to buy organic silk fabrics as they are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. For cleaning, you can either hand wash, send for dry cleaning, or place the silk or satin pillowcases in a laundry bag before running a cold wash cycle. Wash your pillowcase at least once a week to avoid bacteria and product build-up from your nighttime skin and hair routines.