I’m the girl who hates to wear a scarf around her head at night. I get headaches, get too hot, and whatever I manage to tie comfortably over my hair usually comes off in the middle of the night. Yet, I have many friends who would never dream of laying their bare heads on a pillow with their edges unprotected. They have bonnets, wraps, and scarves in different colors, and already know that satin will protect their hair better than cotton. So, in my search to find a way out of the mandatory sleep bonnet, I learned about the benefits of silk. Since my hair is not the only thing worth preserving in my sleep, I decided to level up my self care game with a silk pillowcase. Find out why you should too.
What’s the difference between satin and silk?
Silk is a 100% natural fiber and satin is a weave of fibers that can include silk. It’s softer than satin and is the most breathable fabric in the world. And, because it takes 2,500 silkworms to produce one pound of silk, it’s also more expensive. The good news is: you’re worth it. Here are four more reasons why you should start slipping your bedtime pillows into a silk pillowcase.
It’s good for your lungs
Sleeping soundly on a silk pillowcase can be a great benefit for your lungs. Silk is 100% hypoallergenic, which means it will not collect the dust mites or bed bugs that cotton and weave fabrics can attract. This is especially beneficial for people with sleep apnea, asthma or allergies.
It’s good for your hair
You’ll wake up to smooth and soft edges after a night of resting on the softest and smoothest fabric in the world. It does better than satin to keep hair moist while preventing split ends and breakage. You can fearlessly lay your head to bed without a scarf or bonnet and still wake up frizz-free.
It’s good for your skin
The fabric that touches your face the longest is the one you sleep on. Lying on a silk pillowcase keeps your skin moist because it allows your skin to breath. It also keeps it smooth. Even if you toss and turn all night, there’s no friction created by rubbing your skin into creases or wrinkles. And, because the fabric is antibacterial, it also reduces acne.
It’s a whole mood
Sleeping on silk will make you feel like a queen who won’t settle for less. That queen who enjoys the finer things in life, has high standards, and only lets her hair down in the bedroom when she knows it will rest on a luxurious silk pillowcase. Pair it with silk sheets, nightie, robe and a pair of furry heeled slippers to channel that classic Hollywood diva.
Where to get yours
There are plenty of companies online that sell silk sheets and pillowcases, but if you want to support Black entrepreneurs, here are two female Black-owned business owners who currently sell silk pillowcases and other products for a queen on the come up.
Mismatch: Launched by Anisha Rice in 2019, Mismatch sells silk pillowcases that match a cotton sheet set for those who want a matching set without the high price tag. She sells a set of silk pillowcases for $119.00.
Grace Eleyae: Grace Eleya, the creator of the “Slap” (satin-lined sleep cap), sells silk turbans, headbands, and silk pillowcases. Her pillowcases come in three different colors and are $75.00 each.
