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In 2020, driven by the pressure of the revered ‘lockdown glow-up’, I spent countless hours scrolling through YouTube and TikTok looking for the hidden solution to perfect hair and skin. I bought creams, serums, toners; you name it, I got it. One thing that didn’t cross my mind though, was that perhaps a change of bedding could give me the results I had been searching for. I finally took the plunge, got a silk pillowcase and I am never going back! Here’s why silk pillowcases are a must-buy…
Benefits of a silk pillowcase:
Silky, Smooth Hair
Yes, silk pillowcases are extremely soft. But I promise you that this softness actually has a purpose! Traditional cotton pillowcases usually create a lot of friction while we sleep, which is why our hair can often become matted or tangled overnight. If your hair is prone to knotting or gets frizzy easily, a silk pillowcase might just solve this. I definitely noticed that after using mine it was way easier to pull a brush through my hair, and I didn’t feel like I looked so crazy in the morning. These pillowcases have anti-static properties so it stands to reason that your ‘bedhead’ hair should be dramatically reduced when using them.
Anti-Ageing
Sick of waking up with pillow creases on your face? Me too. Since these pillowcases are so smooth, you don’t have to worry about the fabric pulling on your skin at night. Silk is much more gentle than cotton and it grips onto our face less, meaning we are free to wriggle around as much as we want without worrying about the fine lines and wrinkles it might cause.
Hypoallergenic
If your skin is particularly sensitive, this could be a major pull factor. Silk naturally repels bacteria, fungus and other microbes which, in turn, stops our skin from picking up these elements, getting irritated and then breaking out. Silk pillowcases are also far more breathable than the cotton alternatives and have a lower absorption rate. This means that the oil our face secretes at night shouldn’t sink into our pillow and cause inflammation later on.
Regulates Body Temperature
During the colder months, silk acts as an insulator which traps the warmth that your body generates. You might think this makes silk bedding unbearable in summer, right? I mean, I thought this too. But actually, due to its breathability, this material is perfect for hotter weather. Any body heat we build up gets released slowly, allowing us to have a comfortable and undisturbed night’s sleep.
What to look for in a silk pillowcase:
- Momme weight: A good quality silk pillowcase is usually around the 16-19 mark. The higher the better in this case, so if you can, choose something in the 20s. It’ll be far more durable and last way longer than those at the lower end of the scale.
- Type of silk: Always aim to buy mulberry silk. It’s the highest quality and it’s also the best in terms of health benefits.
- Fastenings: This one really depends on preference. If you’re someone who finds that zips are uncomfortable and often get caught up in your hair, then you might want to opt for one without.
Interested? Here are my top picks:
#1 Lora Gene
Lora Gene is an amazing brand for the conscious consumer. The majority of their products are made from surplus or deadstock fabrics and they pay their workers 10% above the regular national wage. I would 100% recommend their Rest gift boxes which also include a cute matching scrunchie and eye mask.
#2 The Nap Co
These pillowcases are made of the highest grade long fibre mulberry silk (25 momme) and can even be bought in a couples set. Although there isn’t a massive colour selection, they are machine washable, and can be personalised (for an extra fee) if you really want to spoil yourself.
#3 Alaska Bear
These Alaska Bear pillowcases are brilliant value for money. Despite their low price point, they’re every bit as good as the others on this list. Made from 100% mulberry silk, and boasting a 600 thread count, expect these to be super soft and luxurious.
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