SILK & SATIN PILLOWCASE FOR DANDRUFF
You might have heard of people using silk and satin pillowcases. But does it really help?
It sounds like something out of a movie, where the wealthy characters use silk pillowcases when they go to sleep. But it is actually more common than you might imagine. There is a growing trend of people using silk or satin pillowcases for their daily use.
Silk is a natural protein fibre that is extracted from silkworms or other insects. It came out of China and has become a global fabric with many uses. Satin on the other hand is not a type of fibre but a type of weaving pattern. Originally satin was made from silk, but down the years people have started creating blends with synthetic fibres such as polyester and rayon.
The most widely used pillowcases are made of cotton. It is a cheap fabric that is breathable and absorbent. But cotton pillowcases have a rough texture that can impact your skin and hair. The abrasive nature can cause inflammation on the skin and can snag your hair to cause breakage. This is where the benefits of silk pillowcases come in.
Why should you use satin or silk pillowcase for hair?
There are various benefits of sleeping on silk pillowcases, or satin pillowcases, that come from their intrinsic properties. Some of these are:
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Lower hair damage –
These pillowcases are gentler on your hair. Friction can cause split ends, knotting, frizz, tangles, and hair damage. Using a silk or satin pillowcase for hair removes the abrasion that is commonly found with cotton pillowcases. This gives you a smoother texture and does not catch your hair, helping to reduce hair breakage and maintain integrity. -
Gentler on the skin –
This is one of the biggest benefits of satin pillowcases, as it can reduce the trauma that your skin goes through. We don’t realise how rough a pillowcase can be while we’re sleeping, but it can lead to irritated and inflamed skin. The main reason to use this pillowcase is that it can reduce the wrinkles that form because of a rough pillowcase. This is especially pronounced if you toss and turn in your sleep. -
Helps to retain natural oils –
Silk does not strip away the natural oils found on your scalp and hair. It is non-absorbent and helps to regulate the oil levels of your head and face. Certain pillowcases can wipe off the natural oils that your body secretes, forcing it to produce even more and be the cause of dandruff breaking out. -
Does not absorb moisture –
Silk, and satin to a certain extent, does not absorb moisture like cotton does. What this ends up doing is that it prevents your hair from drying out and can reduce the frizz that might have appeared. It retains the moisture levels that are required for your hair, and along with the natural oils it can keep the hair strands nourished. -
Prevents bacterial growth –
Since cotton absorbs the oils and moisture from your hair and scalp, it can transfer this into your pillow which becomes feeding ground for bacteria and microbes. This is especially relevant for people who end up going to bed with wet hair. Using a satin or silk pillowcase for hair can prevent this water and oil from transferring in. This can become relevant when it comes to dandruff causing germs, which can make you hunt for a way on how to remove dandruff. -
Maintaining hairstyles –
Using a silk or satin pillowcase for hair becomes significant when you want to maintain a hairstyle. You might have spent a chunk of money at the salon to get a certain look, only to come back home and wake up with a complete mess. Since these pillowcases don’t pull on your hair strands or dry them out, it can maintain the hairstyle that you go to sleep with.
Things you should keep in mind
Although there are various benefits of using silk or satin pillowcases, there are a few points you should be aware of. Here are some hair care tips regarding the same:
- Silk is quite expensive and tougher to clean, especially high-quality silk. Satin on the other hand is cheaper and easier to clean, depending on the blend.
- Satin is generally not a breathable fabric, because it often contains synthetic fibres. This can lead to an increase in heat and sweat when you’re trying to sleep.
- Both fabrics are delicate and require additional care. You might not be able to throw them in the wash with your other clothes.
- It can aggravate your dandruff problems. There is a possibility of an increase in oil build-up on your clean hair and scalp when using these pillowcases. Dandruff is caused by a naturally occurring fungus that breaks down excessive oil, so it can end up making this problem worse and you might need some dandruff home remedies.
- It is important to select the fabric based on your hair type. Silk might work better for some, and satin blends for others.
- There are various types of fabric out there and you need to do your research before buying. There are satin pillowcases which are blended with cotton and even fake silk pillowcases, which defeats the whole point.
In general, it is important to note that using these pillowcases is not a magical solution. It’s not going to moisturise or add nutrients to your face and hair. It can help you regulate hair and scalp health, but it is important to keep your head clean. Use hair and scalp shampoos, like the Head and Shoulder Cool Menthol that keeps your scalp cool and refreshed. Or use the Head and Shoulders Smooth and Silky 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner that cleans your scalp and restores dry hair strands. Use a satin or silk pillowcase, but never forget to take care of your hair as well.
