Satin VS silk pillowcases: which is better to protect your hair?

Is silk or satin better for hair?

Both are preferable to cotton or polyester, which have a more abrasive texture that can catch the hair fiber and cause knots and tangles. They’re also more breathable, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re prone to night sweats (sweat can combine with dead skin, oil, and products to create stubborn scalp build-up).

Silk and satin are also less absorbent, meaning the natural oils lubricating your hair won’t be whisked away while you sleep, leaving dry, brittle strands.

It’s not just hair that benefits from these superior materials. Sebum, dirt, and bacteria from your hair and face are less likely to become absorbed and trapped in silk or satin, causing skin breakouts. So, what are the differences to keep in mind when considering silk vs satin pillowcases for hair?

Silk is…

… a natural fiber, harvested from the cocoons of silkworms. If you prefer a more nature-friendly option, look for pillowcases made with Ahimsa Silk (AKA Peace Silk) – the production of which allows the metamorphosis of silkworm to butterfly to be completed. If you want a completely vegan option, go for satin. Silk is generally considered more luxurious, but it’s worth bearing in mind it’s trickier to wash as it’s a natural fiber. It’s also worth checking that you’re paying for the real deal – in other words, a brand isn’t selling you satin, but marketing it (and pricing it) as its more luxurious twin sister, silk.

Satin is…

…soft because of the way it’s woven. A satin weave is characterized by four or more weft threads going over one warp thread or the other way round, four or more warp threads going over a weft thread. Normal weave is one up, one down. This makes satin weave more flexible and gives the fabric one shiny soft side and one dull. The benefits of silk and satin are very similar. Satin, like silk, is breathable, less absorbent, and smooth to the touch. The one notable difference? Price. You will pay a lot less for satin, so if the cost of silk is putting you off upgrading your pillowcase, satin is your fall-back option. It’s also easier to wash as you can throw it in the washing machine, unlike silk which usually requires a hand wash in cold water.

Team your silk or satin pillowcase with haircare that boosts the hair’s moisture and provides an added layer of damage protection. We recommend Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner for targeted damage repair and daily protection, Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner for softer, more manageable hair, and Dove Coconut & Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner for lightweight nourishment and a head-turning tropical scent.