Run, Don't Walk - Why Silk Pillowcases Are Back In Style

Using a silk pillowcase can offer several benefits for hair, skin, and even quality of sleep, but is it just ANOTHER beauty gimmick? Does it actually work? What really are the benefits? Here at PBL we love a silk pillowcase, but don’t listen to us! We've enlisted our experts to give us the lowdown on all things pillow and silk. We have also included our favourite products from pillowcases to accessories that you can try at home!

Introducing Michele Scott-Lynch, Founder of Boucléme:

“Using a silk pillowcase can offer several benefits for hair, skin, and sleep quality. Silk pillowcases are smoother than traditional pillowcases, which means less friction on the hair, a big contributor to frizz. The Bouclème pillowcase is made from 100% pure mulberry silk – this is considered the highest quality silk available due to being smoother, stronger, and more durable than other silk types, ensuring long-lasting benefits for hair and skin. Silk pillowcases help your hair and skin retain their natural oils by preventing moisture loss, making silk an excellent choice for people with dry hair or skin. Sleeping on silk can also enhance your sleep quality – discomfort from overheating is lessened, due to silk being a naturally breathable fabric.”

Sonal Keay, Founder of silk accessory and skincare brand, This is Silk, walks us through the benefits of using a silk pillowcase for skin health:

“We have been drawn to silk for thousands of years and it is well known for its luxurious allure, but science is now beginning to understand why silk continues to captivate us. Silk is a protein with a remarkable affinity with our skin - we share over 90% of the same amino acids. Silk peptides have been clinically proven to synthesize collagen in our skin. They are especially good for our skin because the fabric is smooth at a molecular level (as opposed to cotton which looks smooth to the naked eye but is actually a coarse fibre) and this smooth surface protects our delicate facial skin as we sleep. It also hydrates our skin as the fabric does not draw water, and enables the facial products we apply before bed to stay put. People who sleep on silk pillowcases consistently report smoother, softer and more hydrated skin, and the science backs that up."

Anel Lamine, Skincare Expert, Facialist and Founder of Skin By Anel Lamine, adds:

“Apart from silk being a softer, and smooth material to sleep on. There are several benefits to switching to a silk pillowcase, firstly silk does not absorb a lot of moisture meaning when you apply your evening serums or creams your skin will be benefitting from their hydration and not your pillowcase. Silk pillowcases are much smoother and great for delicate, sensitive skins like acne, mature and any temporary skin conditions like sunburn. I don’t really believe there are any negatives to using a silk pillowcase, however they can be more pricey than your standard cotton ones. You can find online stockist who are reasonably priced. I would aim to change your pillowcase every 2 days; you can use both sides and generally silk doesn’t harbor bacteria in the same way cotton does.”

Aside from hair and skin benefits, if you struggle sleeping a silk pillowcase could be worth a try, Stephen Goknel, Sleep Guru, explains:

“Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can really help improve the quality of your sleep, as silks are a naturally wicking and breathable fabric. As well as this, silk works super well for hair health, as they're anti-frizz. Bamboo silk stands apart here as a more eco-friendly fabric, however Bamboo is naturally antibacterial as well, so can be great for oily or acne-prone skin health too. The definition of 'BEAUTY SLEEP'! When looking for a better night's sleep, it's that breathability and wicking that are most important for your body, and the added benefits like anti-frizz and fine-line prevention which are the cherry on the cake.”

Bouclème Silk Envelope Pillowcase

Made from 100% mulberry silk with a thickness of 22 momme, this silk pillowcase keeps frizz at bay and helps curls retain moisture. Plus it keeps your face crease free and glowing in the morning. Oeko-tex certified means no harmful chemicals or dyes were used in the making.

Available at Bouclème for £38

Luff Sleep 100% Organic Bamboo Silk Pillowcases (2 Pack)

Cool in the summer and warm in the winter, the refreshingly soft bamboo fabric has a 700 Thread count to give you the silky smooth comfort you deserve. Nanoweave® Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-allergy so your skin will enjoy the benefits. Preventing dust mites, wrinkles and frizz. Promoting better moisture retention and a softer complexion.

Available at Luff Sleep for £34.99

Only Curls Satin Sleep Turban

Wake up to soft, lustrous hair with this Satin Sleep Turban. The team at Only Curls have updated the traditional satin bonnet into this fully lined, sleek turban, with a cute bow at the front. Helping to keep hair intact overnight, this is essential not only for your morning routine but to keep hair in place for any early morning meetings or events.

Available at Only Curls for £16

This Is Silk Tempest Grey Silk Pillowcase

Incredibly soft and lustrous skin for delicate facial skin. This pillowcase can help with fine lines and sleepy creases on your face, whilst calming hair frizz and preventing unmanageable bedhead. What’s more is that the delicate material will help you sleep like a baby.

Available at This Is Silk for £67

ESPA Oxford Edge Silk Pillowcase

Sink into slumber with ESPA’s Silk Pillowcase. Soft and decadent, this 100% silk pillowcase will soothe you to sleep with care.  Inherent properties of silk keep you cool and refreshed, with breathable qualities to support a heavenly night’s sleep. 

Available at ESPA for £60

Drowsy Skinny Scrunchie Set

We are all guilty of losing of our scrunchies and hairbands but these are the ones you’ll want to never stop wearing. This skinny silk scrunchie set are the beauty essentials to elevate your hair health and style from AM to PM. Keep your delicate hair protected from damage at all times with 22 momme silk which helps hair thickness and volume.

Available at Drowsy for £35