Satin Vs Silk Pillowcase For Hair: What's Better?

We spend much of our life sleeping—7 or 8 hours of pure uninterrupted slumber is essential for any human to function properly.

But, pillows (and the sheets wrapped around them called pillowcases) can make or break your beauty sleep. Cotton pillowcases may be soft, but are known to damage hair and leave creases and wrinkles on the face.

The solution? Satin and silk pillowcases for your hair!

They’re the closest thing you can get to lying on a cloud. They’re soft, shiny, and smooth, and, like sleeping hair caps, are one of the easiest ways to transform your hair overnight.

So, how are satin and silk pillowcases for hair different from each other? We know they’re often lumped into the same category of pillowcases, but when you look closely, they couldn’t be more different from each other.

Scroll below to learn more about these satin and silk pillowcase benefits and find out which one is ultimately the best one for you.

What Is Satin?

Satin isn’t a fabric, but a type of weave. It’s often done using fabrics like rayon, polyester, cotton, or nylon. Satin is supposed to be better than cotton pillowcases as its smooth, slippery surface reduces friction and tugging on your hair and skin.

Satin Silk Pillowcase Benefits

For any newbie dipping their toes into the world of soft and smooth pillowcases, a satin pillowcase sounds just as good as a silk pillowcase. In case you’re still on the fence, here are its benefits:

Wallet-friendly: As satin doesn’t have to be harvested, it’s more affordable compared to silk pillowcases. They’re also available at a variety of retailers and outlets.

Flexible and smooth fabric: Its glossy texture allows sleepers to move easily throughout the night, limiting resistance against hair and skin.

Looks elegant: Since satin pillowcases look a lot like their silk counterparts, they can provide style and functionality for any bedroom.

Satin Silk Pillowcase Disadvantages

As we mentioned, satin isn’t a fabric but a type of weaving technique used to create the same lustre as a silk pillowcase. Because of this, it’s prone to easily snagging and quicker wear and tear.

Another drawback is that satin pillowcases aren’t suited for hot nights as they don’t circulate air as efficiently as silk—although this completely depends on the fabric blend used, not the satin weave.

But, basically, it may not be the best during the summer if it’ll just make you sweat while you snooze.

What Is Silk?

Silk is a natural fibre commonly sourced from silkworms and spiders. It’s famous for its shine, strength, durability, and being the epitome of luxury.

Not all silk pillowcases are created equally, so it’s best to take note of these when shopping for a silk pillowcase. Ours has the following luxurious specs:

20+ Momme signifies it's higher quality; 100% Pure Mulberry is the smoothest, strongest silk in the world; it uses a charmeuse weave which allows one side to be smoother and softer, while the unused side is less smooth; and has a grade A6, A being the best and 6 being of high quality.

Silk Pillowcase Benefits

Need some science-based reasons a silk pillowcase is good for your hair? You’ve come to the right place. Here are some of our favourite reasons to get a silk pillowcase:

Less hair breakage and frizzing: Friction from a cotton pillowcase is what causes frizzy strands and damaged hair.

But, because pure Mulberry silk is so smooth (unlike satin and cotton cases), it doesn’t absorb moisture from your hair and reduces movement on your strands, maintaining your smooth mane from the moment you hit the pillow to the time you wake up.

Moisturised and shiny hair: A silk pillowcase is like an 8-hour hair mask. Natural silk fibres help your strands maintain their hydration and moisture levels, plus it contains a complex amino acid blend that conditions hair overnight.

Hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial: Silk has a naturally occurring coating called sericin that makes it resistant to dust mites and mould. If you’ve got any allergies, you won’t have to worry about your pillowcase triggering them while you’re deep in your beauty sleep.

Cooler sleep: Thanks to its breathable and moisture-repelling properties, a silk pillowcase is the perfect companion on hot summer nights.

If you’re looking for the perfect silk pillowcase, Sitting Pretty’s The Pillowcase checks all the boxes! Did we mention it comes in Purple and Champagne colours?

And if you want more options—for, you know, extra variety in your bedroom—you can check out the best silk pillowcases here.

Silk Pillowcase Disadvantages

Silk, of course, as natural fibre is labour-intensive to make. This alone already makes it more expensive than satin pillowcases.

Not all silk pillowcases are made equally, too. If you don’t get a quality silk pillowcase, like The Pillowcase, you could end up having to buy a new one faster—not a great way to save some coin.

Satin vs Silk Pillowcase for Hair: Our Recommendation

At the end of the day, whenever we’re asked if we prefer a satin or silk pillowcase for our hair, we always go for silk pillowcases as we consider them an investment in our hair.

We invest in our bodies (through exercise) and skin (via skincare routines and treatments) to feel and be confident, so why not give our hair the same level of care, right?

Besides, if you’re going to choose between a satin or silk pillowcase for your hair, choose the option that does a world of good for your skin, too!

Silk pillowcases help prevent fine lines from appearing—something you’ll eventually get if you’re a stomach or side sleeper on a cotton pillowcase—and acne since they’re gentler on your face and have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.

Get the best silk pillowcase for your hair and skin with The Pillowcase. It’s made with 100% Pure Mulberry Silk and made with a unique Charmeuse weave for the most heavenly sleep of your life.