If you have curly hair, you'll no doubt have experienced this issue only this morning. You wash your hair and spend ages defining your curls; they’re bouncy and look perfect. Then you go to bed. You wake up and your curls have flattened, you have frizz around your crown and curls have just lost their shape overnight.
It's frustrating, when you've invested time and money in expensive products and styling your curls. The morning refresh can often end up taking just as long as the post-wash routine. You dream of the day you can just wake up and go without any fuss.
While there's no magic fix for perfect second-day curls, investing into your sleep routine can make more of a difference than you think. You don't need more expensive styling products, what you need is to change your pillowcase.
How does your pillowcase impact curly hair?
As you naturally move around in your sleep, your hair rubs against your pillowcase. A traditional cotton pillowcase, might feel soft to the touch, but cotton is actually made from short fibres. These short fibres stick out and create friction, tugging against your hair as your head rubs against it. This friction will disturb your curls, create tangles and leave your hair looking frizzy by morning.
Friction affects all hair types, but when it comes to curly hair, you are facing another battle. Curly hair is naturally more prone to dryness because it takes longer for your scalp's natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. Cotton is an absorbent fabric, which means it will soak up your hair’s natural moisture, before it’s made it to the ends of your hair. Hair can dry out and become brittle, making it even harder to retain gorgeously soft, bouncy curls.
So if not cotton, what is the best type of pillowcase if you have curly hair? You want a pillowcase made from fabric that’s beautifully smooth and less absorbent. The answer is silk or satin, but which one is right for you?
Why your cotton pillowcase is ruining your hair care routine
Silk vs satin pillowcase: What's the difference?
The difference between silk and satin is commonly confused. Often satin is described as “silky” but satin is a weave, not a fibre. Satin pillowcases will often be made from synthetic polyester, that mimics the smooth texture of silk.
Silk is a natural fibre, made from silk worms which create naturally long, smooth fibres. Pure mulberry silk is the smoothest silk you can buy.
Both silk and satin pillowcases offer a smoother surface than cotton, which is why they're popular choices for curly hair. If your main goal is reducing overnight friction, then you’ll see a noticeable improvement with either choice.
Both silk and satin are also less absorbent than cotton. Absorbency matters because a silk or satin pillowcase won’t strip your curly hair of its natural moisture, instead allowing these oils to pass through the length of your hair, replenishing it while you sleep. Over time you’ll notice your hair feels softer, less brittle and less prone to breakage.
Where silk stands apart is in the quality of the material itself. Pure mulberry silk is naturally breathable, soft and helps regulate temperature throughout the night. Many people prefer the cool feel of silk against their skin, particularly if you're prone to feeling warm while sleeping. Synthetic fibres like satin, aren’t naturally breathable and not advised for warmer sleepers as you might wake up feeling hot and sweaty.
Satin can be an excellent budget-friendly alternative to silk for improving hair, but pure mulberry silk will feel much more comfortable and luxurious while you sleep.
Which should you choose?
The best pillowcase choice depends on what matters most to you.
If you're simply looking for a smoother alternative to cotton, a satin pillowcase can be a budget-friendly option to help make your curls easier to manage in the morning. If you’re a naturally warm sleeper, or during the summer months, you might find satin isn’t the right choice for you.
If you want a more luxurious feeling pillowcase that will make you feel comfortable every night, then a pure mulberry silk pillowcase is worth the investment. Alongside its beautifully smooth finish, silk offers breathability, comfort and a premium feel that synthetic satin can't quite deliver. Select a higher weight fabric like 25 momme that will feel luxuriously soft and durable but will also last longer.
For many people with curly hair, changing your pillowcase can be the small difference that makes mornings a little easier and helps preserve the time and effort that goes into styling your curls after washing.
Why choose MYRN Silk?
At MYRN Silk, we pride ourselves on creating luxuriously soft and beautiful silk pieces that are made to last. All of our silk pillowcases are made from pure mulberry silk. We use 25 momme fabric, so our silk pillowcase are designed to last and feel luxuriously soft night after night. Quality is so important to our brand, that’s why we only use 6a grade (it’s the best) pure mulberry silk and all our fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which means it’s guaranteed to be free of any harmful chemicals or irritants so it’s safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Even better still, every MYRN Silk pillowcase or silk pillowcase pair, comes with one matching, oversized pure silk scrunchie. So you can treat your curly hair to an even more luxurious hair care routine; no snagging, no dents. Just pure soft silk. All beautifully packaged, with free delivery in the UK.
View our collection of MYRN Silk pillowcases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is silk or satin better for curly hair?
Both satin and silk are gentler on curly hair than cotton because they create less friction while you sleep. If you're choosing between the two, 100% mulberry silk is generally considered the premium option due to its natural softness, breathability and durability.
Will a silk pillowcase stop frizz completely?
No. Frizz is influenced by your hair type, styling routine, humidity and even how much you move in your sleep. A silk pillowcase can help reduce friction and reduce the need for brushing, which may mean your curls are easier to refresh the next morning.
Is satin the same as silk?
No. Silk is a natural fibre, while satin is a type of weave. Most satin pillowcases are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, although satin can also be woven from silk. Always read the label to ensure you are buying pure silk.
What is momme and why does it matter?
Momme refers to the weight of silk fabric. The higher the momme, the thicker the silk will feel. A higher momme silk will also be more durable and likely last longer if looked after properly. When buying a silk pillowcase look for 23, 25 or 30 momme, anything less will feel thin and less likely to last.
Is a satin pillowcase still good for curly hair?
Yes. Satin is still much smoother than cotton and can help reduce tangles and flattening overnight. It's often a more affordable option if you're not ready to invest in silk.
Why do people recommend mulberry silk?
Mulberry silk is known for its long, smooth fibres, making it exceptionally soft, durable and comfortable to sleep on. If you're buying a silk pillowcase, look for one made from 100% mulberry silk for the highest quality.
Can a silk pillowcase help curls last longer?
It may help preserve curl definition by reducing friction while you sleep. While it won't replace your styling routine, many people find their hair needs less refreshing in the morning.