CW Beauty Talk: What’s the fuzz about satin pillowcases?

Hi Couchwasabi,

I love reading your blog. I think it’s very informative and practical. I really love your hair and makeup style. I wonder how you maintain such a slim figure. Anyway, I recently heard from this famous shampoo brand that sleeping on silk or satin pillowcase is good for the hair…how true?
– Issa

Hello Issa!

Thanks for the sweet compliments. It is common for us to use cotton pillowcovers and sheets. What’s better than having a 600 threadcount Egyptian cotton set of beddings, right? The higher the threadcount, the better–true. But have you thought of switching to satin or silk beddings?

There’s a science behind choosing satin or silk over cotton. Basically, using satin or silk sheets is better for your skin and hair. How so? Let me tell you more about it.

First off, satin is better for your hair as nothing will zap the moisture and natural oils out of your mane faster than a cotton pillowcase. Ever wonder why some parts of your hair is frizzy when you wake up in the morning? Maybe it’s because you have slept roughly on that side and the combination of friction suffered by your hair and your cotton pillowcase is the culprit.

Keep in mind that cotton absorbs water or moisture. Just think of how a cotton towel dries you off when you get out of the shower. Using a silk or satin pillowcase will allow your hair to retain it’s moisture and let your hair glide through the fabric as you toss and turn while you sleep. So if you want to stay away from the fuzz, go for silk or satin!

Now, which is better–silk or satin? Both satin and silk pillowcovers provide benefits to your skin and hair through reduced friction. This reduces split ends from your hair and reduces crease wrinkles in the face caused by sleeping on cotton beddings. However, because silk is a natural protein, it also provides additional benefits for your health. Natural silk is naturally hypoallergenic and is resistant to mold, mildew, fungus and dust mites. But, of course, silk sheets are more expensive than satin.

I recently switched my pillowcovers to satin. I got some pretty satin pairs from S&R just last month and gave away some as Christmas presents. I got them for a little below Php400.00m at Buy 1 Get 1 and they come in standard and king pillow sizes–not bad, right? Pricewise, there’s not much difference between cotton and satin sheets but the benefits of switching to the latter is amazing.

Here are some tips how to take care of your satin pillowcases:
– Satin pillowcases may retain their beauty longer if washed separately from rougher fabrics. If your pillowcases need ironing, turn them inside out and iron them on low heat without steam.
– If you spill something on your satin pillowcases, simply soak them in cool water and then launder. Don’t toss them into the dryer until you are sure they are clean; the heat can set stains.
– Makeup, especially if it is oil-based, may stain satin. Wash makeup off your face before using your pillowcases.
Source: http://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-use-satin-pillowcases

I normally wash my beddings once a week or every other week, depends on how fast Pepper soils them (haha!). Both Pepper and I are enjoying our satin pillowcase. Sometimes I catch him kneading on my pillows… I’m thinking maybe he likes the slide-y feeling of his paws against the fabric. I guess this is the third benefit I get for switching to satin pillowcases. =^,^=

Let me know how it turns out for you. For other beauty concerns, just shoot me an email at couchwasabi[at]ovi[dot]com.

xx, Couchwasabi

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