14 Silk Pillowcases for Your Best Hair Day Yet
If you’re like us, you go to bed with tame hair and dewy skin and wake with tangled bedhead and creases on your face. Thankfully, the best silk pillowcases can combat these problems. Not only is high-quality silk softer and smoother on your hair and skin, but it feels luxurious too—making a silk pillowcase a great self-care gift, as well as a sleep-product essential for many beauty experts. Let’s explore frequently-asked questions regarding silk pillowcases and break down some of the best on the market.
What are the benefits of silk pillowcases?
“There are many great benefits to silk pillowcases,” says professional hairstylist and salon owner Candace Witherspoon, who recommends them to her clients. “They help hair maintain moisture, protect hair against extra frizz, and help prevent extra tangling and knots in the hair.” Celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago adds that silk is ideal for “curly-haired cuties” and “anyone with overly processed, damaged hair.”
Board-certified dermatologist Papri Sarkar, MD, agrees with Witherspoon and Santiago, saying that silk (or satin) pillowcases cause less friction and pulling on hair strands than rougher cotton pillowcases, which stick to hair and lead to breakage.
As for skin, despite claims that silk pillowcases fight acne, there isn’t evidence to back those claims, Sarkar says. Still, she recommends silk pillowcases to her clients (and loves them herself), as she believes silk pillowcases can be helpful, especially because silk regulates heat well and keeps skin and hair cooler.
“Studies have shown that people generally sleep better in cooler temperatures,” Sarkar says. “Although a silk pillowcase won’t change the ambient temperature of your surroundings, it can keep your head and face cooler. If this does help you get a better night’s sleep, that’s great for skin, as studies show that low-quality sleep is associated with increased signs of aging.”
Additionally, silk is known to be hypoallergenic, repelling moths and dust mites (ideal for anyone who suffers from allergies and asthma). Silk also absorbs less moisture than cotton, so your skin will stay more hydrated—a plus if you have dry skin or want your night cream to stay on your face.
What type of silk is best for pillowcases?
You’ll find all sorts of silk pillowcases on the market, and one word that crops up often is “momme.” The momme count of a silk pillowcase is a number up to 30 that indicates the silk’s density and weight. Similar to thread count, the higher the momme count, the higher-quality the silk. A momme count of 13 to 19 is fine, and above 25 is considered high-end (and will be correspondingly pricey). When shopping for a silk pillowcase, look for a 22-momme, as its fibers are longer, leading to smoother, more durable fabric.
Another measure for silk pillowcases is whether it has certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (meaning the pillowcase is made of at least 70% natural fibers) as well as OEKO-TEX (which guarantees that dyed and finished textiles have no chemicals or additives), per The Washington Post reports.
The most common commercial silk is mulberry silk. It comes from the Bombyx mori silkworm and is fed only mulberry leaves. Pure mulberry silk is among the most refined you’ll find; cheaper silk pillowcases are often blended with a synthetic fiber such as polyester or rayon.
What’s the difference between silk and satin pillowcases?
Satin is technically a type of weaving (not a type of natural fabric like silk). It looks as sleek and smooth as silk and is similarly less absorbent. Traditionally, satin was made from silk, but today, you’ll find most satins are created from synthetic fibers, such as rayon, polyester, and cotton. The inclusion of synthetic materials makes satin more flexible (slippery-feeling) than actual pure silk. Importantly, satin pillowcases are cheaper to produce (making them cheaper for the buyer)—but if you’re a purist, beware. Silk pillowcases are usually more durable, breathable, temperature-regulating, and hypoallergenic.
How should you care for your silk pillowcase?
“For the best results, make sure to change to a clean one at least one to two times per week,” Sarkar says. Hand-wash silk pillowcases with cool or lukewarm water and a laundry detergent designed to treat silk, such as The Laundress’ Delicate Wash or Slip’s Gentle Silk Wash. If you decide to wash by machine, use the same detergent, a mesh undergarment bag, cold water, and wash on the delicate cycle. Air dry in both cases.
Below, we’ve gathered the best silk pillowcases available right now from brands such as Slip, Blissy, Fishers Finery, Brooklinen, Myk, Casper, Parachute, and Slpbaby at retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom, and Target.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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1Slip Silk Pillowcase (Queen Size)
Slip’s silk pillowcases are cult favorites for beauty lovers (and a favorite of celebrity hairstylist Anthony Campbell, who says they help maintain your style overnight). Made of 100% mulberry silk, the 22-momme pillowcase is a SELF Favorite of our former beauty writer. “Night after night, my skin and hair literally glide over my Slip case instead of catching, which used to happen quite often when I slept on cotton pillowcases,” she previously wrote. “These days my hair feels way less dry and is definitely more manageable thanks to this wonder-working pillowcase; I even invested in the matching eye mask.”
Available in queen and king sizes.
2Blissy Mulberry Silk Pillowcase (Queen Size)
Handmade from 100% pure mulberry silk, the best-selling Blissy pillowcase has a 22-momme count, OEKO-TEX certification, and is nicely machine-washable. Plus, it’s available in a ton of pretty colors and patterns making it a great sleep gift.
Available in standard, queen, and king sizes.
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3Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase (Standard Size)
Fans of Brooklinen’s hotel-grade sheets and cozy bathrobes will want to add one of the brand’s 22-momme, OEKO TEX-certified silk pillowcases to their bedscapes. Shoppers love that the Brooklinen mulberry-silk pillowcase is machine-washable, breathable, and has an envelope closure. “The mulberry-silk pillowcases I got my mom are hands-down the best she’s ever used,” one shopper writes. “We both keep gushing over how they are so smooth and high-quality, that your pillow is always cool, and we wake up with far less bedhead-y hair. I have two of the celestial ones, but I’m considering buying another two for my other set of sheets.”
Available in standard and king sizes.
4Fishers Finery 25-Momme 100% Pure Mulberry-Silk Pillowcase (Standard Size)
Fishers Finery gives silk purists three high-grade momme counts: 19 momme, 25 momme, and 30 momme (the silkiest of its line). The award-winning, OEKO TEX-certified pillowcase is made of 100% grade 6A pure mulberry silk and has an oversized envelope closure that ensures your pillow doesn’t slip out. One of its over 6,000 Amazon buyers writes: “This pillowcase is luxurious, soft, and feels almost like running your hand over a ripple in water (which sounds like a sonnet to silk, and I’m kinda feelin’ it). I sleep better on these…. This pillowcase makes you want to sleep on it.”
Available in standard, queen, and king sizes in singles or sets of two.
5Myk 19-Momme Natural Mulberry Silk Pillowcase (Queen Size)
Similar to Fishers Finery, Myk offers 19-momme, 25-momme, and 30-momme pure-mulberry-silk pillowcases (plus combination pillows that offer silk on one side, cotton on the underside, in case you’re on a budget). Helpfully, all of Myk’s pillowcases have a zipper closure and come in many colors for all types of bedding. One shopper calls her silk pillowcase a “game changer”: “I have sensitive skin, and my dermatologist recommended I switch out my pillowcase more frequently and that I pay attention to harsh chemicals and the fabrics I sleep on. I feel like 90% of my skin issues have dissolved after purchasing this pillowcase.”
6Zimasilk 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase (Queen Size)
With over 34,000 rave reviews on Amazon, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a 19-momme silk pillowcase that arrives faster. The Zimasilk is made of 100% mulberry silk on both sides, has a zipper closure, and comes in various sizes (including for toddlers, throw pillows, and body pillows!). “I’ve had silk pillowcases before (and they weren’t really silk), so I ordered this Zimasilk case, thinking it was more of the same,” writes one shopper. “But it’s a step above the others in its silkiness and the fact that there’s a zipper—pure genius, since my pillows slip out of non-zippered cases.”
Available in standard, queen, king, toddler, throw, and body sizes.
7Parachute Silk Pillowcase (Standard Size)
Parachute makes some of our editors’ favorite plush robes, organic bedding, and loungewear, and now we can add silk pillowcases to that list. The brand’s naturally hypoallergenic pure mulberry silk are OEKO-TEX certified, are made of 25-momme silk, and have a side opening with a hidden flap (in case zippers look messy to you).
Available in standard and king sizes.
8Slpbaby Silk Pillowcase (Queen Size)
Here’s another Amazon best-selling 100%-mulberry-silk pillowcase from Slpbaby that’s one of the best budget-friendly options. If you’re a fan of vibrant colors and patterns, you’ll find splashy florals and saturated hues. “I’ve washed mine several times already and it still looks fabulous,” says one shopper. “I purchased this so my hair would be less frizzy and not in knots in the morning and it’s helped so much.”
Available in standard, queen, and king sizes.
9Mommesilk 22-Momme Silk Zippered Pillowcase (Queen Size)
Mommesilk’s 22-momme silk pillowcases have 30% more silk in them than a 19-momme case. These 100% mulberry silk pillowcases are OEKO TEX-certified, have a 600 thread count, and a hidden zipper closure. Uniquely, they’re also 100% biodegradable and can be specially gift wrapped.
Available in standard, queen, and king sizes.
10Casper
Casper Silk Pillowcase + Sleep Mask Set (Standard Size)
OG memory-foam mattress-in-a-box brand Casper sells a 100% mulberry-silk pillowcase and sleep mask set too (which actually sometimes costs less than a silk pillowcase alone).
Available in standard and king sizes.
11Bedsure Satin Pillowcase (2-Pack)
If you’re on the hunt for a satin pillowcase, the Bedsure has over 232,000 Amazon ratings (seriously). Of course, it’s not silk—it’s a polyester and satin blend. But if you’re on a tight budget, a two-pack of these is under $10, and they have that high-sheen look, which may be your boudoir’s vibe.
Available in standard, queen, and king sizes.
12Kitsch Satin Pillowcase (Standard/Queen Size)
Kitsch’s satin pillowcase is an Ulta best-seller. The satin-polyester blend (which makes it technically vegan) is less absorbent and reduces breakage and split ends. “Enjoying this new pillowcase for my curly hair,” an Ulta shopper says. “Also love the fact that I’m not waking up with lines all over my face that I would get from other pillow cases!”
Available in standard/queen and king sizes.
13Night Silk Plus Pillowcase (Standard Size)
Here’s a dual-sided pillowcase with one side that is pure mulberry silk, and the other is rayon. A pleased buyer reports: “You basically get two pillowcases with this design! My face is super dry in the winter so I use the silk side. But, I actually get oily skin in the summer, so I’m excited to try the bamboo side and see if that will help.”
Available in standard and king sizes.
14Ravmix 100% Silk Pillowcase (Standard Size)
At under $25 for this 21-momme mulberry-silk pillowcase in a standard size, it’s not hard to see why the Ravmix is a top-seller on Amazon. “It’s one of the best prices for the value for silk pillowcases I’ve found,” one shopper says. “It’s made of very good material and I love the zipper closure. The silk really helps with my skin and also helps the hair around my face to not get frizzy from tossing and turning.”
Available in standard, queen, and king sizes.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
