2 mins
Silk Pillowcases
We spoke to the pros to find out what they really think about silk pillowcases
If you haven’t already heard, there’s been a craze going around on social media following the latest surge in silk pillowcases. Social media enthusiasts have taken to TikTok and Instagram to shout about their latest product purchase, hailing the benefits to skin and hair.
SILK ALSO RETAINS NATURAL OILS AND IS ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL FOR CURLY OR UNTREATED HAIR WHICH DOESN’T RETAIN AS MUCH MOISTURE AS STRAIGHT HAIR
The debate stands as users claim silky bedding protects the hair from friction, meaning less breakage, less tangles, and less frizz in comparison to an ordinary cotton pillowcase. But is this true? Or are customers going too far to get their beauty sleep?
What the Pros Think
“This is something that has been ongoing for a while with many believing it’s a myth and others swearing by this as a key hair tip which provides incredible results,” says Tracey Ann Smith, ASP global ambassador. “It is something that I recommend to clients who are in the stages of hair repair and looking for ways to improve the condition and health of their hair. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase deters from friction breakage between the hair and materials, with silk being softer and more flexible with movement.”
Paul Watts, JOICO European design team comments: “More often than not, a lot of breakage is caused when sleeping as client’s hair is more fragile than they think. When sleeping on cotton pillowcases, the friction between the fragile hair and the material causes instant breakage, split ends and snapped hair.” And if clients’ hair is already damaged or in poor condition, Darrel Starkey, salon owner of Taylor’s Hair Studio warns that it will only result in further breakage.
But Paul Windle, founder of Windle London, believes they make little difference to the hair at all, telling us: “It is in fact, the friction of hair rubbing against hair while sleeping that causes the damage during sleep, whether that is sleeping on a cotton pillowcase or a silk pillowcase.”
Suzie McGill, director at Rainbow
Room International, and Elena Lavagni, owner and founder of Neville Hair and Beauty, stress how silk pillowcases can benefit hair hydration. “Silk pillowcases retain moisture within the hair unlike cotton pillowcases that are more porous,” says Suzie. “Silk also retains natural oils and is especially beneficial for curly or untreated hair which doesn’t retain as much moisture as straight hair,” says Elena.
What should I tell clients?
You can educate your clients by explaining that the key to keeping hair looking and staying healthy is salon appointments of regular haircuts, and a mix of treatments using conditioning and protective products, which suit the client individually.
It’s important to tell clients that silk pillowcases are not a quick-fix result to already damaged hair, yet they can potentially be useful depending on whether the client notices beneficial differences. hji.co.uk