Are Satin Pillowcases Better for Skin and Hair?

If you've never thought about the importance of a good pillowcase, you may want to think again. I am not talking about thread count. I am talking about satin versus cotton. Recently, I learned that satin pillowcases may be better for hair health (and later learned that it matters for skin health too). Some of you may have already known this, but for those who had no clue (I know I am not the only one), this is for you.

It all began with The Haircut.

I couldn't stand it anymore. I'd put off getting my hair cut for months. I reached the breaking point on a recent Saturday afternoon. With my hair flopping about and static-charged, I felt like one of those old troll dolls with the big hair. Breathless with desperation, I called the salon.

My new hairdresser AKA Detective Hairdresser

The receptionist told me that my long-time hairdresser had moved on to new pastures. I was determined to get my hair cut anyway and, in my typical, less-than-tactful, way said to her, "Well, I guess I will make an appointment anyway if one is available."

I arrived fifteen minutes early, prepared to wait. But my new hair lady went to work on me immediately and without the usual small talk. I'm used to talkers and clearly she wasn't one of them, which was fine with me. I really don't like getting a haircut. There is something weird about having a stranger's hands in my hair and I like to get the whole process over with as soon as possible.

Since she didn't seem inclined to chatter with me as she cut my hair, I quickly went into my haircut Zen mode. I closed my eyes and sat quietly. I was on my best hair cut behavior.

Suddenly she spoke: "You sleep on your left side, don't you?"

That jarred me. How could she possibly know this? I imagined everything from a huge cowlick emerging and waving at her, to scars or bruising on the scalp, or even a skull deformity. I do a lot of research in forensic science and am familiar with changes that occur after death-- for instance, changes that indicate a body's original position (i.e. the pooling of blood in the lowest points). Changes that occur in the living are not at the forefront of my mind.

When I expressed my surprise that she knew what side I slept on, she explained. "Your hair is much thinner on the left side."

Yikes! I imagined myself years down the road with only half a head of hair. "I will start sleeping on my right side then!"

"Oh...it's too late for that now," she said, ominously.

Panicked, I asked her what I could do.

"Satin pillowcases," she said. She looked me in the eye. This hairdresser was quick on the draw, in more ways than one (she was fast with the scissors) and sensed I did not understand. She continued, "You see, cotton pillowcases have a rougher surface. This creates friction between the pillow and hair, which creates breakage."

Oh.

I believed her, but researched the topic on the internet to see what others had to say. My research showed me that nearly everyone seems to agree that satin or silk pillowcases are better for your hair and skin than cotton.

I also discovered some sites that amused me. Did you know, for instance, that there is a Beauty Tips for Ministers site? I didn't. And I won't make any comment about big preacher hair. Okay I just did. Sorry (and no offense meant). All kidding aside, the blog was full of great info and the link is included with this article (see the resources section).

While researching the hair health benefits of satin, I also learned that satin is supposed to better for skin health.

Satin pillowcases and skin health:

According to an article on metro.co.uk, which can be viewed here titled "Satin Sleep Will 'Beat Age,' " sleeping on cotton pillows is bad for the skin and can cause premature aging. Satin pillowcases are also said to help allergy sufferers because satin is hypoallergenic.

There are conflicting opinions on this. Some dermatologists say there is no real proof that sleeping on satin or silk will help keep skin looking younger longer. Others insist satin does help and that, furthermore, all allergy sufferers should use satin pillowcases instead of cotton.

Will switching to satin pillowcases really keep my hair and skin healthier? The arguments in favor of satin seem plausible. It makes sense that cutting down on friction between hair and pillow will help preserve the hair. Can satin pillowcases help prevent wrinkles? I really don't know about that one. Either way, I am going to try satin pillowcases for my hair's sake.