Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
After bleaching my gray hair a few years ago, it’s no surprise that it’s not what it used to be. This is especially the case in the morning, when I wake up with an aggressive bed head that requires several minutes of brushing, leaving my 2A/2B waves and curls frizzy and prone to breakage.
As I searched for ways to tame bedhead and improve the health of my hair, I kept receiving advice suggesting I switch from a cotton pillowcase to a silk pillowcase. Out of curiosity to see if this simple swap would actually work, I tried Cozy Earth’s 100% berries Silk pillow (Which the brand sent me). These were the results.
My hair before the silk pillowcase
I’ve been using 100% cotton pillowcases for the past few years. While I wouldn’t say they provided a luxury experience, they get the job done. However, I wake up every day with my hair tangled and frizzy and lines of fabric across my face. This is exacerbated by the fact that I’m a heavy sleeper, which adds to the chaos – especially since cotton pillowcases don’t cool me down.
Following my curly hair routine, after showering, I would use a leave-in conditioner or wave spray to comb through my hair, focusing on my curls. I try not to use too many products because my hair is thin and prone to oily appearance. After that, it dries and looks beautiful. But then, I go to bed and wake up with this…
My unruly bed head.
This hair is so tangled that it requires brushing (combing with my fingers won’t work). I was left with so much frizzy hair with no defined curls or waves in sight. This has happened so often that I’ve stopped doing my post-shower curly hair routine since my bedhead is strong enough to make the whole endeavor seem pointless.
Silk pillowcases reduce friction and do not absorb as much moisture, which helps maintain hairstyles, keep hair moisturized, and prevent tangles and breakage. Because of the gentle texture, it’s also said to be great for sensitive and acne-prone skin — though it’s not an all-around miracle cure. With this information in mind, I replaced the cotton pillowcase with a silk one.
My hair after a silk pillowcase
When I laid my head on the pillowcase, I immediately felt the difference. The lack of friction made it easier for me to move my skin and hair through the pack, while the fabric has more of a cooling effect than cotton (perfect for hot sleepers like me). Now, for the real test: sleeping with a silk pillowcase.
I loved sleeping with this fabric. It felt cooler and more luxurious than cotton pillowcases. Additionally, there were no lines of texture left on my skin. As for my hair, I did a curly routine after showering, went to bed and woke up like this…
Hairline, post-silk pillow.
Although my hair became messier overnight, it wasn’t as tangled and frizzy as it usually is. I can still make out clearer waves and slight curls. Usually, when I wake up, my hair looks like it’s mad at me, but this time, it looked agitated. It was easier to comb with my fingers, which meant that a hairbrush was only slightly necessary, and as a result, my hair was less frizzy. My hair also felt softer to the touch and more moisturized.
Cozy Earth Pillowcase is made of 100% mulberry silk and treated with aloe vera.
Since silk pillowcases can be more expensive than cotton, I secretly hoped this experiment wouldn’t work. But based on these results, I think silk pillowcases are worth it — especially if you’re prepared to care for them to extend their life.
These are Cozy Earth’s care instructions for this silk pillowcase: “Machine washable, cold iron, do not tumble dry, use mild detergent, or gently hand wash.” I have seen other brands recommend treating your silk product gently at every step by prioritizing hand washing or using the gentle machine cycle with the item in a separate mesh wash bag for delicates.
Again, I’m low on maintenance: I used the washing machine with mild detergent. The model in my building doesn’t have a gentle cycle, so I put the pillowcase in a protective mesh bag before washing it. Then I let it air dry and had no problems.
Would I recommend a silk pillowcase?
Side by side bed head before and after photos.
If you’re tired of bed head, sleep hot or hate waking up with stripes of fabric on your skin – and have the funds or a Christmas wish list – I think a silk pillowcase is worth it. Overall, I think any product that can improve your sleep is worth it if you’re willing to take care of it properly.
If you’re looking to save and still reap the benefits of a silk pillowcase, CNET Budget favorite silk pillowcase It’s only $16. As for not having a more aggressive bedhead, that’s invaluable.
Before washing your silk pillowcase for the first time, check if the brand has specific washing and drying instructions. Usually, you can spot clean or machine wash the silk pillowcase in cold water on a gentle cycle (no spin). It is best to avoid harsh fabric softeners and bleaches and use mild detergents instead. You can air dry the cushion cover or use a dryer on low heat.
Turning the pillowcase inside out and placing it inside a mesh laundry bag can help protect it during the washing and drying process.
Show more
Silk pillowcases have the ability to help treat acne-prone skin. With its soft, tightly woven material, it can reduce friction and irritation and prevent bacteria buildup and excess oil production. Silk does not absorb as much moisture from the skin as materials like cotton, which helps keep the skin hydrated. Silk is also naturally hypoallergenic and temperature regulating.
Show more
Like the rest of your bedding, washing your silk pillowcase regularly is essential to remove oil and dirt buildup. However, it also depends on your skin. In general, once a week is sufficient, but twice a week may be better if your skin is excessively oily. To extend the life of your silk pillowcase, choose to hand wash or spot clean with a mild detergent and allow to dry.
Show more
Silk pillowcases have some potential downsides. The main reason is the higher cost, as silk is considered a luxury material. Another is special care requirements. Because silk is delicate, it can be damaged more easily than other materials such as cotton, and not everyone likes the cold, slippery feel of silk. Finally, there may be Ethical concernsReal silk is produced by silkworms.
Show more