Satin vs Silk Pillowcases: Which Is Better for Curly Hair?

Curly girls know sometimes our hair has a mind of its own (you wanna part to the left, okay). Keeping unruly curls in check can be a full time job! (Who has time for that?). The key to taming wild curls is proper hair care. One way to fight the frizz is by investing in a pillowcase that won’t tangle your hair while you sleep. Read this guide to learn whether satin vs silk is better for your curls. 

Satin vs. Silk Pillowcases

Managing curly hair requires work. Curly girls are always on the hunt for a new hack that keeps their hair from turning into a bird’s nest a night. 

Using a silk scarf to tie your hair up is an excellent option to keep moisture in and your hair free from frizz. But what happens when the scarf comes undone? This is where a satin or silk pillowcase comes in handy. We’ll tell you which is best in the silk vs satin pillowcase debate. 

Silk Explained

Silk fabric is highly breathable and one of the most highly sought after materials in the world. China leads the world in silk production as it has for thousands of years. China produces 74% of the world’s raw silk. 

Silk fabric is made from an animal by-product of the silkworm. These bugs spin silk to be used for cocoons and webs. We know this is a little strange but stay with us. 

Silkworms

It’s truly fascinating that something so refined and elegant comes from bugs. Silk is made commercially with the help of the Bombyx Mori caterpillar. This caterpillar eats mulberry tree leaves found in Europe, America, and Asia. 

The leaves feed the silkworm and this diet is part of what makes the luxurious silk fibers. Once the silkworms have consumed the leaves they begin to make their cocoon. This can take a while. As the sticky liquid protein comes in contact with the air it hardens. To unravel the fibers cocoons are placed in hot water and then you are left with long threads of silk. 

Satin Explained

Satin is not a raw material like silk. It can be made from silk, polyester, or nylon. However, satin purists insist satin should only be made from silk. 

Satin Weaving 101

Satin actually refers to the weave of the fibers. Satin is made by floating several warps (horizontal threads) of threads or yarns across the weft (the vertical threads) before going back and beginning the cycle again. Having fewer interlacing threads gives satin it’s silk-like quality.

Traditionally satin has a glossy side and a dull side. One popular variety of stain is called charmeuse. This luxurious fiber is made from polyester using the satin weaving technique.

What the Difference Between Silk vs Satin? 

The real difference between silk or satin pillowcase is that silk is a natural fiber while satin refers to a weave. Satin can be created from silk or several other materials. 

Silk is stronger and more durable. Silk also has more shine compared to satin’s dull back surface. 

Both are usually made in China, but silk is harder to produce. A single thread of silk requires silk from thousands of little silkworms. That makes silk much more expensive to produce and buy than satin.

Which is Better: Silk vs Satin?

A satin vs silk pillowcase is the more affordable option. Satin pillowcases are also the vegan option since no animals or animal products were used to create satin. If you prefer to use a natural fiber then silk may be the right choice for you. 

Satin will provide the same benefits for your curls as silk if it is a higher quality type of satin such as charmeuse. Check the ratio of filler in comparison to determine exactly how it will measure up. Pillowcase silk vs satin can be a very close tie and it comes down to the fibers used in satin. 

Charmeuse satin may be the best overall choice as far as price and functioning. Keep your curls moisturized and free from frizz with a charmeuse pillowcase and enjoy the luxury of silk at a fraction of the price. 

What Are the Benefits? 

There are lots of benefits to using a satin or silk pillowcase. Let’s explore some of them now. 

Less Friction

Have you ever woken up to find your hair in a tangled mess? That’s not the case with a satin or silk pillowcase. The satin pillowcase will allow your hair to gently glide over the top of it reducing friction, tangles, and frizz and keeping your hairstyle intact. The satin or silk pillowcase also helps prevent split ends from breaking. 

Keeps Moisture Locked In 

When your curls rub against a cotton pillowcase it sucks all the moisture out of your hair. Cotton is a very absorbent material and can leave your hair dry and dull. Prevent the loss of moisture by using a satin or silk pillowcase. 

Easier to Fall Asleep

For ladies who are not used to sleeping with a silk scarf tied around their heads, it can be difficult to sleep while wearing a scarf. This is not the case with a silk or satin pillowcase. Fall asleep easily without worrying if your scarf will come undone. 

Preserve Your Style

If you want to preserve your curls or even a blowout sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase will help. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase will keep your style looking fresh and reduce morning maintenance for your look. 

Protect Your Hair in Style

If you’ve come to the end of this article and you still have your cotton pillowcase throw it out immediately! Your pillowcase shouldn’t add extra time to your daily hair care routine. 

Curly girls can maintain their curls structure, moisture, and fight frizz by using a satin or silk pillowcase. 

The satin vs silk debate depends on your budget and preference but no matter which you choose your hair will thank you. Be good to your curls and upgrade to a satin pillowcase today.