Image of a woman with a wavy hair sitting on the couch

Published 31st January 2022

How Do Silk Pillows Help Keep Your Hair Wavy?

‘Do I need to use silk pillows to help keep my hair wavy?’


In this article, we're going to break down where this belief has come from and whether it is fact or fiction. After all, silk pillowcases are usually more expensive than cotton alternatives, so you want to be sure that you are spending your hard-earned money on the right things for your hair!

WAVE GOODBYE TO THAT FRIZZY MESS

Looking after wavy or curly hair is more difficult than other hair types as it's more prone to dehydration.


Tossing and turning whilst your sleeping will cause your waves to become tangled and knotted. Especially if you haven't protected it overnight. Which means you'll wake up in the morning with dry and frizzy hair. 


A silk pillow case is therefore a must to minimise bad hair days. Let's discover why...

why your pillowcase makes a difference to your hair

Generally, pillowcases are made from two different fabrics – silk or cotton. 


Cotton is one of the most commonly used fabrics for pillowcases. The problem is that cotton is extremely absorbent as a material. This is why your tea towels and bath towels are usually made from cotton. It dries your plates and your body quickly and efficiently.


Unfortunately, it also dries out your hair very quickly. When you rest your head on these cotton pillows during the night, it pulls the moisture and natural oils out of your waves. As a result, you can wake up with dry and frizzy hair that is almost impossible to tame.


When you move around in your sleep, your curly hair can scrape against the cotton causing static and friction. This leads to breakages and excessive frizz. So, if you’re trying to style wavy hair after a night’s sleep on a cotton pillow, you're going to face an uphill battle. 

Image of a woman with a wavy hair on a serious look

5 REASONS why silk pillowcases are great for wavy HAIR

Now you know why cotton is so bad for wavy and curly hair, let’s cover why silk is a much better option.

1. Silk Is Super Soft

Silk is one of the softest natural fabrics because of the fine fibres it’s made from. Due to this softness, silk doesn’t pull on your hair the same way that cotton does. This means you’re less likely to wake up with dry hair or experience lots of breakages.

2. Silk Doesn't Pull The Moisture Out Of Your Hair

Silk doesn’t absorb moisture in the same way that cotton does. And as we know, waves crave moisture. By retaining this moisture in your hair overnight, you'll find styling it the following morning much easier. 

3. Silk Is Hypoallergenic

If you have extra sensitive skin, silk will be the best option for you. It is hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t irritate your scalp or the skin on your face.


Getting silk pillowcases can be particularly helpful if you suffer from skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. It won’t aggravate your skin or exacerbate the problem.

4. Silk Is Nice And Cool

Keeping your body cool is key to a great night’s sleep. Using silk bedding can help to regulate your body temperature so you can sleep through the night.


Although this benefit isn’t directly related to your hair, sleep is extremely important for your overall health. Persistently sleeping well can enhance your physical and mental well-being c which can indirectly affect your hair health.

5. Speeds Things Up

Because silk is soft on your hair, you won’t need to spend hours trying to style wavy hair in the mornings. You will wake up with soft, non-frizzy hair that is easy to shape and style however you like!


Plus, you’ll probably need to use fewer products trying to rehydrate your hair or control the frizz. This will save you a bunch of money on hair care products in the long-run!

where can i buy silk pillowcases in the uk?

Here are some of our favourite brands that sell silk pillowcases if you need some ideas!


Dunelm Mill

John Lewis

This Is Silk

Slip Silk Pillowcase

The White Company


Each of these shops have a variety of high-quality silk pillowcases that will be perfect for those of you with wavy or curly hair.

final thoughts

Silk pillowcases might be a pricier option for your bedding, but it’s worth spending the extra money for the many benefits that you’ll get. Plus, you won’t need to spend anywhere near as much time or money on styling and caring for your curly hair when you invest in a great pillowcase.


There are lots of high-quality pillowcases available online. You’ve got a huge choice of different colours and designs. Find some cute pillowcases that match your aesthetic and start enjoying the amazing benefits that silk provides for your wavy hair!