Microfibre vs Silk Pillowcases: Which is Better for Hair and Skin?

Mayfairsilk: Luxurious Slumber in Matte Silk As Featured in Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar & Vanity Fair Experience True Silk Luxury: Silk Pillowcases · 25 Momme: Transform your beauty sleep with our signature pillowcases that help reduce friction on hair and skin while regulating temperature throughout the night. Silk Sheets · 22 Momme: Envelop yourself in the ultimate bedding experience with our thermoregulating complete sets, crafted from lustrous Grade 6A Mulberry silk with an exquisite matte finish. Exclusive Limited Edition Prints: Elevate your bedroom aesthetic with our designer patterns, created in small batches for those who appreciate distinctive luxury. The Mayfairsilk Difference: ✓ Grade 6A Mulberry silk (the highest quality available) ✓ Thicker, more durable weave (22–25 Momme vs. standard 19) ✓ Natural thermoregulation for year-round comfort ✓ British owned and designed ✓ UK-based warehouse for fast, reliable delivery ✓ 30-night sleep guarantee on pillowcases Luxury Without Compromise: Free Next-Day Delivery on orders over £50 to the UK and €180/$180 to the EU/US. All taxes and duties calculated upfront—no surprise charges. Discover Mayfairsilk Today →

What Are Microfibre Pillowcases Made From?

Microfibre is a synthetic material, most commonly made from ultra-fine polyester fibres, sometimes blended with nylon. The fibres are engineered to be extremely fine (less than one denier per filament), which gives microfibre its characteristic softness. 

However, as a petroleum-derived synthetic, it lacks the natural biological properties of silk. It's manufactured to mimic softness, not to replicate the structural benefits of a protein-based fibre.

What Are Silk Pillowcases Made From?

Silk is a natural protein fibre produced by silkworms. The highest-quality silk used in pillowcases is mulberry silk, named after the mulberry leaves silkworms are fed, and it's composed of a core protein called fibroin, surrounded by sericin. This protein structure is remarkably similar to human skin and hair, which is a key reason silk interacts so gently with both.

When shopping for silk pillowcases, two quality markers matter most: grade and momme weight. Grade 6A is the highest classification of long-fibre mulberry silk, indicating superior uniformity and strength. Momme (mm) measures the weight and density of the silk. 25 momme is considered the sweet spot for pillowcases, offering durability without sacrificing that signature smooth feel. At Mayfairsilk, we produce pillowcases precisely to these specifications.

Mulberry silk pillowcases are gentle on hair and skin because they are made from fibroin, which is similar to human skin and hair. 

Microfibre vs Silk: Key Differences

Friction & Hair Breakage

Microfibre, while softer than cotton, generates more friction than silk. Its tightly woven synthetic structure creates microscopic resistance that adds up over the course of a night's sleep, contributing to hair damage that's easy to overlook until it becomes a pattern.

Silk has an exceptionally low friction coefficient, meaning hair glides across it rather than catching and pulling. This directly reduces breakage, frizz, and tangles overnight.

Moisture Retention

Microfibre is engineered to be absorbent. That's what makes microfibre towels so effective at drying hair quickly. But that same absorption quality works against you on a pillowcase, quietly pulling hydration from your skin and stripping natural oils from your hair through the night.

Silk, on the other hand, is far less absorbent than both cotton and microfibre, which means it doesn't draw moisture away from your skin or hair while you sleep.

Breathability & Temperature Control

Microfibre tends to trap heat, which can lead to sweating overnight. For skin that's prone to congestion or sensitivity, that added warmth and trapped moisture create the kind of environment that can aggravate breakouts and irritation. 

Silk is a naturally temperature-regulating fibre. It keeps you cool when it's warm and retains gentle warmth when temperatures drop. Its breathability means your skin rests in a more stable, comfortable environment from the first hour of sleep to the last.

Silk is best for skin and hair health because it is hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating. 

Skin Sensitivity & Allergies

Microfibre, being synthetic, doesn't offer hypoallergenic properties. Silk, on the other hand, is naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and resistant to dust mites. Its protein-based composition is free of the harsh chemicals and synthetic dyes commonly found in processed microfibre products. 

High-grade Mulberry Silk pillowcases, like those from Mayfairsilk, provide a genuinely clean surface for sensitive skin to rest against night after night. Our silk pillowcases are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning they have been tested for and found free from over 400 harmful substances. 

Price & Long-Term Value

Microfibre pillowcases are significantly cheaper upfront. But when you factor in longevity, performance, and what you're actually getting for your skin and hair, the value calculation shifts. 

A high-quality 25 momme Grade 6A mulberry silk pillowcase is built to last, and the cumulative benefit to your skin's hydration, your hair's integrity, and your overall sleep quality adds up to real, measurable returns.

Microfibre vs Silk Pillowcases: Comparison Table

Why Mayfairsilk Pure Mulberry Pillowcases Win for Skin & Hair Health

Mayfairsilk offers a range of high-grade silk pieces, including pillowcases, sheets, duvet sets, and hair accessories.

Microfibre can be a fine upgrade from cotton, but it can't match silk when it comes to protecting hair and skin overnight. The gap shows up in breakage, moisture loss, and how skin feels by morning. Once you know what each fabric actually does while you sleep, the choice between them stops being close. 

At Mayfairsilk, our pillowcases are naturally hypoallergenic, free from harmful chemicals and dyes, and designed to reduce friction, preserve skin and hair hydration, regulate temperature, and support healthier-looking skin and hair, night after night. Recommended by Harley Street dermatologists and backed by a 30-night sleep guarantee, our pillowcases are trusted for their proven impact on skin and hair health. Try Mayfairsilk pure mulberry silk pillowcases today to experience the difference. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are microfibre pillowcases good for skin?

Microfibre pillowcases are softer than cotton and generate less friction, which does make them a minor improvement for skin compared to a standard cotton pillowcase. However, microfibre is highly absorbent, drawing moisture away from your skin overnight and working against your skincare routine rather than supporting it. It also lacks the hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties of natural silk. So while microfibre isn't harmful to skin, it's not the most beneficial option.

Are microfibre pillowcases good for your hair?

Microfibre is gentler on hair than cotton. It produces less friction and causes fewer tangles and snags. But compared to silk, it still absorbs the natural oils and moisture from your hair, which can lead to dryness and brittleness over time. Silk remains the superior option for hair protection because it lets strands glide freely while preserving the scalp's natural oils and any products you've applied.

What is the downside of a silk pillowcase?

The most obvious downside is cost. A high-quality 25 momme Grade 6A mulberry silk pillowcase is a premium investment compared to microfibre or cotton alternatives. There's also a care consideration, as silk requires more mindful washing, typically a gentle cold machine wash or hand wash cycle, and should not be tumble dried on high heat. Despite these considerations, the skin and hair benefits of a high-grade silk pillowcase consistently outweigh the drawbacks for most people.

How often should you wash silk pillowcases?

It is generally recommended to wash your silk pillowcase every 1 to 2 weeks. However, if you use heavy skincare products or hair treatments before bed, washing weekly helps keep the fabric fresh and performing at its best. Use a gentle, pH-neutral detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics, wash on a cool, gentle cycle or by hand, and allow it to air-dry away from direct sunlight.

What's the advantage of choosing Mayfairsilk pillowcases?

At Mayfairsilk, our pure mulberry silk pillowcases are naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and resistant to dust mites, making them suitable even for the most sensitive skin types, including those with eczema or acne-prone skin. Every piece is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning the silk touching your face each night has been tested to ensure the absence of harmful substances and finished without formaldehyde-based treatments or allergenic dyes.  

*Note: The prices and product listings mentioned above are approximate and may vary over time or by location. Actual costs can differ based on pricing policies, provider experience, and market conditions.