What's the Best Pillowcase Fabric for Curly Hair? Silk, Satin & Other Materials For Curls

Key Takeaways

• Silk pillowcases made from 25 momme Grade 6A Mulberry silk are ideal for curly hair; they help reduce friction, lock in moisture, and keep frizz and breakage to a minimum.

• Satin pillowcases are a decent, wallet-friendly vegan option. They’re smooth, but they don’t hold onto moisture or prevent static as well as silk.

• Cotton pillowcases aren’t the best for curls; they create too much friction and absorb moisture, which can leave hair dry and more prone to damage.

• Bamboo pillowcases are soft and breathable, but they still don’t match silk’s ability to retain moisture and glide smoothly against hair.

• Mayfairsilk offers high-quality mulberry silk pillowcases that feel luxurious and help keep curls healthy, smooth, and hydrated while you sleep.

Why Your Pillowcase Makes or Breaks Curly Hair

Your pillowcase can totally make or break your curls. All that tossing and turning while you sleep? It creates friction, and curly hair doesn’t love that. Rough fabrics tug, tangle, and suck out moisture, leaving you with a frizzy mess in the morning. But a smooth pillowcase is your curls' best friend, letting them glide instead of snag. Think about it: you shift around up to 40 times a night. That’s 40 chances to either protect your curls or ruin your hard work. Your pillowcase matters, big time.

Comparing Pillowcase Fabrics

Pros & Cons of Silk Pillowcases

Benefits

• Reduces Frizz & Breakage: Silk’s smooth surface lets curls glide without getting caught, so you wake up with fewer tangles and less damage.

• Locks in Moisture: It doesn’t soak up your hair’s natural oils or products, helping your curls stay hydrated and shiny.

• Prevents Static: No flyaways here; silk won’t generate the static that makes your hair misbehave.

• Temperature Regulation: Cool in summer, cozy in winter. Silk helps you sleep comfortably all year round.

Silk pillowcases adjust with you, making every season feel just right.

• Gentle on Hair: With its soft, protein-based fibers, silk is a dream for delicate or textured hair.

Drawbacks

• Cost: High-quality silk isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for.

• Not Vegan: Since it’s made from silkworms, it’s not always a fit for vegan lifestyles.

Pros & Cons of Satin Pillowcases

Benefits

• Reduces Friction: Satin's smooth finish mimics silk, helping to protect curls from frizz and knots.

• Affordable & Vegan: Usually made from synthetic fibers, satin is easier on the wallet and animal-friendly.

• Good for Frizz Control: A decent-quality satin (like charmeuse) can come pretty close to silk in curl care.

Drawbacks

• Moisture Retention: It doesn’t dry out your hair like cotton, but it can’t match silk for keeping curls moisturized.

• Static Electricity: Some synthetic satins can build up static, which means more flyaways.

• Breathability: Less airflow than silk, so it might feel hot or sweaty, especially in warm weather.

Cotton Pillowcases

Benefits

• Breathability and Comfort: Cotton pillowcases let air flow easily, helping prevent overheating for a cooler, more comfortable sleep.

• Durability and Easy Maintenance: Cotton holds up well to frequent washing and stays in good shape, making it a low-maintenance, long-lasting choice.

Drawbacks

• High Friction: Cotton’s texture is too rough for curls; it pulls, tangles, and causes breakage.

• Absorbs Moisture: It soaks up all the good stuff from your hair, leaving curls dry and brittle.

Cotton pillowcases might look cozy, but they’re rough on curls and soak up the moisture your hair needs to stay healthy and hydrated.

Recommendation: Cotton pillowcases just don’t do curly hair any favors; best to skip them.

Other Materials

Bamboo

Bamboo pillowcases are a pretty solid upgrade from cotton. It’s soft, breathable, and better at holding onto moisture. They’re a great pick if you're after something plant-based and hypoallergenic. Still, when caring for your curls, they don’t quite match up to silk or a high-quality satin.

Expert Recommendations

If you’re serious about protecting your curls overnight, Mulberry silk is hard to beat. It keeps your hair hydrated, smooth, and frizz-free while you sleep. For a vegan-friendly and more affordable option, charmeuse satin does a decent job, too. Just know it might not keep moisture in quite as well as silk. The real no-goes are cotton and cheap synthetics. They’re rough, drying, and basically the enemy of healthy curls.

Care Tips for Silk & Satin Pillowcases

Treat them gently; wash with cold water on a delicate cycle, and use a detergent that’s silk-safe. Skip the dryer and let them air dry flat to keep their smooth feel. A little extra care goes a long way in keeping them looking and feeling luxe.

Why Choose Mayfairsilk for Your Curly Hair Care Needs?

Curly hair needs extra love at night, and that starts with the right pillowcase. Mayfairsilk uses only the finest 25 momme Grade 6A Mulberry silk to help protect your curls while you sleep. The ultra-smooth texture reduces friction, locks in moisture, and helps keep frizz and breakage in check so your curls stay soft, defined, and healthy.

Our collection covers everything from pure silk pillowcases and bedding sets to eye masks, scrunchies, and cushion covers, all thoughtfully designed to support your hair, skin, and sleep. Each piece is crafted with care in London and made to look as beautiful as it feels.

Mayfairsilk pillowcase looks elegant and protects your curls while you sleep.

We’re big on sustainability, too. All our silk is biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it's free from harmful chemicals. Our production process keeps carbon emissions low, and every purchase helps plant a tree to support a healthier planet.

Since 2011, we’ve earned the trust of customers and industry experts around the world, picking up awards and glowing reviews for our comfort, style, and dedication to well-being.

Your curls deserve the best, and Mayfairsilk is the perfect choice for you. 

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I wash my silk or satin pillowcase?

Aim to wash it every 7–10 days. If you use heavy hair products or have acne-prone skin, once a week is better. Stick to gentle wash cycles, mild detergent, and air-drying whenever possible to keep the fabric in top shape.

Can I use fabric softener on my hair-friendly pillowcase?

Skip the fabric softener. It can coat the fabric, weigh down your hair, and ruin the smooth texture that makes these pillowcases great in the first place. Instead, use a bit of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to keep things fresh and clean without buildup.

Will a silk pillowcase help with hair growth?

Not directly, but it protects your hair from breakage, which means you’re less likely to lose length as it grows. It also helps keep your scalp and strands moisturized, creating a healthy environment for growth.

Can silk pillowcases help with frizzy straight hair, too?

Definitely. Silk isn’t just for curls; straight hair benefits too. It cuts down on frizz, flyaways, and that dreaded bedhead. Your hair stays smoother overnight, and you may even find yourself reaching for the flat iron a lot less.

What makes Mayfairsilk pillowcases sustainable?

Our silk is biodegradable and produced with significantly lower carbon emissions compared to cotton and synthetic fabrics. All products are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, free of harmful chemicals, and can be composted at the end of their life.