After bleaching my hair white a few years ago, it's unsurprising that it has never been the same. This is especially the case in the morning, when I wake up with aggressive bedhead that requires several minutes of brushing, leaving my 2A/2B waves and curls frizzy and prone to breakage.
While researching ways to tame my bedhead and improve the health of my hair, I kept coming across advice that suggested I switch from a cotton pillowcase to a silk one. Curious to see if this simple swap would actually work, I tried Cozy Earth's 100% mulberry silk pillowcase (which the brand kindly sent me). These were the results.
My hair before the silk pillowcase
I've been using 100% cotton pillowcases for the past few years. While I wouldn't say they've provided the most luxurious experience, they get the job done. However, I wake up every day with tangled, frizzy hair and fabric lines on my face. This is compounded by the fact that I'm a hot sleeper, which adds to the chaos -- especially since my cotton pillowcases aren't cooling me down.
Following wavy hair routines, post-shower, I would use a leave-in conditioner or wave spray to scrunch my hair, emphasizing my curls. I try not to use too much product since my hair is thin and prone to looking oily. After that, it dries and looks presentable. But then, I go to bed and wake up with this…
My unruly bedhead. Anna Gragert/CNET
This hair is tangled to the point where it requires brushing (combing through with my fingers won't work). I'm left with a poof of frizz with no defined curls or waves in sight. This has happened so often that I've stopped performing my post-shower wavy hair routine since my bedhead is powerful enough to make the whole endeavor feel pointless.
Silk pillowcases reduce friction and don't absorb as much moisture, which helps preserve hairstyles, maintain hair hydration and prevent tangles and breakage. Because of the gentle fabric, it is also said to be great for sensitive, acne-prone skin -- though it is not a one-stop miracle cure. With this information in mind, I switched out my cotton pillowcase for a silk one.
My hair after the silk pillowcase
Upon resting my head on the pillowcase, I immediately felt a difference. The lack of friction made it easier for me to glide my skin and hair across the case, while the fabric has more of a cooling effect than cotton (perfect for hot sleepers like me). Now, for the real test: sleeping with the silk pillowcase.
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