In the last few years, I have got every single one of my friends and family hooked on silk pillowcases. After discovering the benefits of these pillowcases myself, I don’t think I’ve ever gone a night without sleeping on one (yes, I even bring my own silk pillowcase on holiday with me). They truly are that good. However, it’s not just because they are comfortable. What I love about these pillowcases is actually how they benefit my skin and hair. Intrigued? I thought so.
I first invested in a silk pillowcase as I found I would go to bed with beautifully blow-dried hair, and wake up with it literally all over the place. No matter how many hair masks I used the night before, I would always wake up to dry, messy hair that just wouldn’t behave the way I wanted it to. After reading a little bit about silk pillowcases and the benefits they can have for your hair, I decided to give one a go, and I’m not lying when I say my hair has never looked better.
I’ve also noticed a huge difference in my skin, so I reached out to Fi Stewart, the founder of Slip, to find out exactly how a silk pillowcase can benefit you, and what to look for when shopping for one. Keep on scrolling for all the info…
“Sleeping on silk is a great expert beauty tip and a long-time beauty secret,” says Stewart. “Silk pillowcases can help to reduce frizz, reduce tangles and maintain your hairstyle from the night before. However, the benefits go beyond hair. Silk pillowcases can also improve the appearance of fine lines, skin hydration, skin texture and smoothness.”
If you’re wondering how they do this, it’s all about the material. Stewart explains that silk reduces friction between your skin and hair that can be caused by cotton pillowcases. This friction can stretch and tug the skin and cause hair tangling, but sleeping on silk will reduce this. Not only that, but cotton pillowcases can absorb more of your nighttime face creams and hair products, meaning they aren’t working as hard as they should. Again, by sleeping on silk, your moisturisers and hair oils should stay exactly where you want them.
“Not all silk pillowcases are created equal,” explains Stewart. “Watch out for toxic dyes and false claims of momme, which refers to the silk weight and thickness.” Once you’ve found a good one, it’s important to take care of it the right way. Stewart recommends hand washing and dry cleaning only. However, some brands say that they can be machine washable on certain settings, so make sure to read the label.
Stewart also recommends using a ph neutral liquid detergent and/or fabric softener. “Silk is a natural fibre and washing in a solution that’s too acidic or alkaline can cause the silk to harden in a single wash. If you can’t find a detergent that specifies ph level then just go for one that specifies silk.”
Key specifications: 22 momme mulberry silk. Pros: Comes in a range of colours, high-quality silk and washes well. Cons: More expensive. My first choice would always be a Slip silk pillowcase. Although these are more of an investment, in my opinion, they are definitely worth it. They feel so luxury and the differences I’ve seen in both my skin and hair have been incredible. Plus, I’ve had mine for ages and it’s showing no signs of wear and tear.
Key specifications: Pure silk. Pros: Feels so soft to sleep on, lasts the long run and is packaged beautifully . Cons: Only comes in white. The White Company’s silk pillowcase is a little more affordable, but feels just as luxurious. It comes in a timeless white colour, and arrives in the brand’s signature packaging, which also makes it a great gifting option.
Key specifications: Pure silk. Pros: Super affordable, comes in a range of colours and feels super smooth. Cons: Lacks luxury points. For a much more affordable option, you simply can’t go wrong with M&S. The brand’s silk pillowcase is just £30, and comes in ten different colours depending on your bedroom’s colour scheme. What more could you want?
Key specifications: 22 momme mulberry silk. Pros: Feels luxurious to sleep on and comes in a range of sizes and colours. Cons: A little more expensive. The Silk Works pillowcases are made from 22 momme mulberry silk, so you know that they will be super soft to sleep on. What I love about these is that they come in both queen and king sizes and also five colour options to suit your every need.
Key specifications: 22 momme silk. Pros: Looks chic, comfortable to sleep on and comes in a gorgeous gift box. Cons: A little more expensive. Another one of my favourites is this one from Espa. Not only does the Oxford style mean that it looks super chic on my bed, but I sleep so well when using this, and it always comes out of the wash looking brand new.
Key specifications: 22 momme silk. Pros: Fits standard size pillows, feels luxurious and is machine washable. Cons: More of an investment. Drowsy is known for its silk sleep masks, but the silk pillowcases are just as good in my opinion. Made from 22 momme silk, they come in a standard pillow size with an envelope closure, and are also machine washable.
Key specifications: 19 momme mulberry silk. Pros: Lots of colours to choose from and a lot more affordable. Cons: Not 22 momme silk like other options. Another amazing high street option is this one from John Lewis. It comes in not one, not two, but fourteen different colours, so you’re completely spoilt for choice. Made from 19 momme mulberry silk, you won’t be disappointed.
Key specifications: 100% silk. Pros: Fun print, zip fastening and machine washable. Cons: Might not go with everyone’s colour scheme. For those of you looking for something a bit more fun and colourful, I’m currently obsessed with this silk pillowcase from Slip. It has all the much-loved benefits of a classic Slip silk pillowcase, but with this super cool print that I just know will look amazing in my bedroom.
