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We spend an average of 24 years of our lives sleeping, so we might as well do it on a comfortable pillow. If you’re looking for the perfect way to protect your skin and hair while you sleep, choosing a suitable pillowcase is a must.
The material of your pillowcase can play a significant role in exacerbating or alleviating many problems such as a greasy pillow.
This article will guide you through the ins and outs of the impact of your bedding on the health of your skin, and discuss the best pillowcases for a bald head and also for hair.
Can pillowcases cause hair loss?
Although it may seem like a minor detail, the fabric of your pillowcase plays a significant role in the health and appearance of your hair. Our hair is subjected to friction every night as we turn over.
This friction can be harsh and damaging, especially with cotton or polyester pillowcases. These fabrics can snag and pull your hair, leading to friction-related damage such as breakage, frizz and split ends.
On average, we spend about a third of our lives sleeping. That’s a third of our lives during which our hair could potentially suffer friction-related damage. With this in mind, wouldn’t it make sense to invest in a fabric that can minimize this damage? or avoid any damage to you skin?
So which fabric to choose for my pillowcase
In the quest for healthier hair and skin, pillowcase material can be a real asset. Here, we explore how different materials interact with your hair:
- Cotton Pillowcases: One of the most commonly used materials, cotton is known for its breathability and comfort. However, its high absorbency can strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils and moisture. As a result, your scalp may produce more oil to compensate for lost moisture, leading to greasier hair. This cycle can feel like an endless battle against greasy hair.
- Silk Pillowcases: If you’re looking for a luxurious option that could help protect your hair, consider silk pillowcases. Silk is a protein-based fiber that doesn’t absorb moisture the way cotton does. A high-quality mulberry silk pillowcase, for example, can help retain the natural moisture of your hair and scalp. It’s also smoother than cotton, causing less friction and hair breakage, leading to healthier hair. The sericin in silk, a protein found in many high-end hair products, also helps maintain your hair’s natural moisture balance. Silk pillowcases are also particularly beneficial for people with skin problems such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Silk helps reduce rubbing and skin irritation, offering a softer, gentler sleeping environment for sensitive or problem-prone skin. Unlike cotton or polyester pillowcases, mulberry silk effectively combats skin inflammation caused by friction, helping to prevent the appearance of pimples and worsening acne. What’s more, silk is naturally resistant to dust and stains, making it an ideal choice for allergy and asthma sufferers. Dermatologists recommend its soft, smooth texture for sensitive, dry skin or skin problems such as neurodermatitis, acne or eczema. Silk pillowcases thus offer numerous benefits for skin, hair and sleep, promoting luxurious, restorative rest while caring for your skin and hair.
- Bamboo Pillowcases: Bamboo pillowcases are also worth considering, especially if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic and antibacterial option. These pillowcases can wick away moisture without stripping your hair of its natural oils, helping to maintain a balanced scalp environment. What’s more, they’re soft and breathable, enhancing the comfort of your sleep. Although soft and luxurious, bamboo pillowcases are not as smooth as silk pillowcases.
- Microfiber Pillowcases: For those on a tight budget, microfiber can be a viable choice. While not as soft or beneficial as silk or bamboo, microfiber is less absorbent than cotton. This property means it’s less likely to dry out your scalp and stimulate the overproduction of oil.
Given the different fabrics presented above, here are our recommendations:
- Silk – The Luxurious Choice: For those willing to make a high-end investment, mulberry silk pillowcases offer an elegant solution for your hair and skin. With their protein structure, these pillowcases help maintain your scalp’s natural moisture balance, reducing the overproduction of oil. What’s more, their smooth surface reduces friction, prevents hair breakage, and promotes healthier hair. It’s also an excellent choice for a bald head given its properties.
- Bamboo – The Eco-Responsible Solution: As the best alternative to silk, Bamboo pillowcases are an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious consumer. Known for their softness and breathability, these pillowcases have moisture-wicking properties that maintain a balanced scalp environment. This balance can help reduce grease and improve the overall health of your hair and your bald head
- Microfiber – The Economical Choice: If budget is a factor, consider starting with microfiber pillowcases. They absorb less moisture than cotton, reducing the likelihood of your scalp drying out and producing too much oil.
In conclusion, a good pillowcase can make a significant difference, and silk and bamboo look like a promising choice. However, remember that it’s not a quick fix. Maintaining a balanced care routine is always essential.
Silk vs Bamboo
Here’s in detail the pros and cons of silk and Bamboo fabric:
Silk
Silk is made from the cocoons of silkworms. Silkworms are actually the larvae of a certain type of butterfly. Once laid, the silkworms are fed a steady diet of mulberry leaves until they swell considerably and spin silk to create a cocoon.
These cocoons are then boiled, killing the silkworms in the process. The silk is carefully unwound and drawn into thread. It takes around 2,500 silkworms to produce just half a kilo of silk. Silk pillowcases are then woven from this thread.
Pros of silk pillowcases
- Silk’s smooth texture prevents hair from frizzing overnight.
- There’s no doubt that silk is a luxury product! That’s why silk sheets have long been coveted items, prized by kings and queens.
- Silk pillowcases also prevent the proliferation of dust mites, which is excellent news for allergy sufferers.
- Silk also prevents the proliferation of bacteria, which means silk pillowcases are an excellent option for anyone suffering from acne.
Cons of silk pillowcases
- Because silk is so difficult to harvest and produce, it’s quite expensive. Although silk pillowcases offer impressive benefits, you can achieve similar results with other materials (such as bamboo) at lower cost.
- Silk pillowcases are also difficult to maintain. They need to be professionally cleaned to last a long time. Given that many experts recommend washing your bed linen every week, the cost and inconvenience of cleaning silk pillowcases is a big drawback for most people.
- Silk pillowcases also have a tight weave, which prevents good air circulation and can heat up your pillow during the night.
- Silk production requires the killing of silkworms. Silk pillowcases are therefore not an animal-friendly option.
Bamboo
Bamboo pillowcases are made from the fast-growing bamboo plant. To make the fabric, the bamboo is first ground into a pulp. The natural fibers are then extracted from the pulp and processed into yarn.
Bamboo is considered a durable fabric because the bamboo plant, which is classified as a grass, can grow up to 36 inches in a single day!
Pros of bamboo pillowcases
- Bamboo is incredibly soft and has often been compared to the feel of cashmere and silk. This soft, smooth texture prevents hair from frizzing and tangling overnight.
- Like silk, bamboo doesn’t retain moisture and prevents the proliferation of dust mites.
- Bamboo fabric breathes and effectively regulates temperature, so you can keep that “cool pillow side” all night long. Say goodbye to a greasy scalp!
- Bamboo pillowcases are also impressively durable, machine-washable and always look like new even when you wash them again and again.
- Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, which is good news for acne sufferers. What’s more, these qualities prevent pillowcases from acquiring odors over time.
Cons of bamboo pillowcases
Although soft and luxurious, bamboo pillowcases are not as smooth as silk pillowcases. However, many people find this an advantage, as silk pillowcases are often so smooth that they slide around too much while sleeping!
Verdict
Silk pillowcases and bamboo pillowcases are excellent options for getting the most out of a good night’s sleep while caring for your hair and skin. However, bamboo pillowcases have a leg up on silk pillowcases, and here’s why:
- Price: Bamboo plants grow incredibly fast, which reduces the cost of materials. Silk, on the other hand, is more expensive to produce, as it comes from the silkworm. Bamboo is therefore soft and smooth like silk, but at a much lower price.
- Maintenance: As bamboo is non-absorbent, it resists stains and does not fade over time. And if your bamboo pillowcase does get dirty, you can simply wash it. Silk pillowcases, on the other hand, require professional cleaning to last a long time.
- Longevity: Even after repeated washing, bamboo pillowcases look as good as new. They’re also less likely to snag and fray. Unfortunately, silk pillowcases aren’t as durable and can snag on something as small as a broken fingernail!
- Breathability: With a bamboo pillowcase, you can keep your head cool all night long. Silk pillowcases have a tighter weave, which means they heat up more easily.
Bamboo pillowcases are made without cruelty to animals, unlike silk pillowcases, which kill countless silkworms during production.
Our selection
We made our selection based on customer reviews which enable us to recommend top-quality products at the best prices. The products are tested in accordance with standard norms and checklists, and certified by external testers.
Here are 7 best pillowcases for a bald head:
1. Bedsure Bamboo Pillow Cases
Made of 100% viscose from bamboo, soft, breathable, and machine washable. Comes in a set of 2 with zippered closure.
Here are some key points about this product:
- The pillowcases are made from 100% viscose derived from bamboo, making them very soft and smooth to the touch.
- They come in a set of 2, so you get a pillowcase for each of your pillows. The queen size should fit most standard queen pillows.
- The zipper closure is handy for keeping your pillow in place all night.
- Bamboo pillowcases are naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, making them ideal for hot sleepers or those with allergies.
- Overall, these bamboo pillowcases seem like a great affordable option for upgrading your bedding to be softer and more breathable. The zipper closure is also a nice feature.
The Bamboo Pillowcase Set from eLuxury Supply is a great option for anyone looking for soft, breathable pillowcases.
2. JJIMOO Silk Pillowcase
The Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is a high-quality pillowcase made from 100% mulberry silk. Some key points from my research:
- The mulberry silk is very smooth and soft, providing a luxurious feel against your skin.
- It’s breathable and helps regulate temperature throughout the night.
- The smooth surface can help reduce friction on your hair and skin to minimize bedhead, wrinkles, and acne. Those with frizzy hair or sensitive skin may see improvements.
- It’s made from high-quality mulberry silk and holds up well after washing.
- The pillowcase is hypoallergenic and resists dust mites, mold, and mildew. This makes it ideal for those with allergies.
- It comes in a zippered design to keep your pillow in place all night. No more waking up to find your pillow on the floor!
Overall, it seems like a luxurious and beneficial silk pillowcase. The price is on the higher end, but appears justified by the exceptional quality and potential skin/hair benefits. I would recommend it to anyone looking to try a silk pillowcase.
3. TOSMO Organic Bamboo Pillowcases
The TOSMO Luxury Bamboo Viscose Pillowcase is made of 100% bamboo viscose, which is a soft, breathable and hypoallergenic material. The pillowcase has a zipper closure to keep your pillow in place all night.
The bamboo material is naturally cooling and moisture-wicking, so it can help keep you comfortable while sleeping. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a good option for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Some downsides are that the fabric pills easily with washing and the zipper may snag on hair. But overall, the TOSMO pillowcase is a good quality, affordable bamboo pillowcase that stays cool and is gentle on skin.
4. ZIMASILK 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
The Zimasilk 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is a high-quality silk pillowcase at an affordable price point. Here are some key details about this product:
- Made from 100% mulberry silk, which is considered the highest grade of silk. Mulberry silk is known for its soft, smooth texture.
- Comes in a variety of sizes, including standard and queen/king.
- Features a hidden zipper for a sleek, seamless look.
- Double-layered construction for durability.
- Hypoallergenic and breathable material can help regulate temperature while sleeping.
- Gentle on skin and hair, preventing skin irritation, bedhead, and even wrinkles.
- Available at an affordable price point compared to other silk pillowcases on the market.
Overall, the Zimasilk silk pillowcase is a great option for those looking for the benefits of silk bedding on a budget. The 100% mulberry construction and hidden zipper design add premium features at an accessible price point.
5. Bedsure Bamboo Pillowcase
The Bedsure Bamboo Pillowcase is made from 100% bamboo-derived viscose rayon, giving it a soft, smooth, and cool feel. Based on the provided search results, key benefits of this pillowcase include:
- Breathability – Bamboo fabric is more breathable than cotton, helping regulate temperature and reduce heat buildup overnight.
- Moisture-wicking – The fabric quickly absorbs and evaporates moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable.
- Hypoallergenic – Bamboo pillowcases are resistant to dust mites and allergens compared to cotton.
- Softness – The pillowcase has a luxuriously soft, smooth texture that feels gentle on skin.
Potential drawbacks based on reviews are pilling and durability concerns over time. Overall, the Bedsure bamboo pillowcase provides exceptional comfort and temperature regulation for sleeping.
The hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking properties also make it ideal for allergy sufferers and hot sleepers.
6. ALASKA BEAR Natural Silk Pillowcase
The Alaska Bear silk pillowcase is a high-quality silk pillowcase at an affordable price point. It is made from 100% mulberry silk with a 600 thread count, indicating it is smooth and durable. The pillowcase is designed to be gentle on hair and skin.
It is hypoallergenic and helps regulate temperature while sleeping. Reviews mention the pillowcase helps reduce bedhead, hair breakage, and facial creases upon waking. The hidden zipper allows for easy on and off without impacting comfort.
Overall, the Alaska Bear silk pillowcase provides excellent quality and benefits at an affordable price compared to other brands. It’s a great option for those looking to experience the advantages of sleeping on silk.
7. GOKOTTA Bamboo Pillow Cases
The GOKOTTA Bamboo Pillowcases are a great option for people looking for soft, breathable, and cooling pillowcases.
- The pillowcases are made of 100% bamboo viscose, which is a very soft and silky material that feels much better than regular cotton pillowcases. The bamboo material is also more breathable and moisture-wicking than cotton.
- The breathable and moisture-wicking properties of the bamboo material help keep you cool at night. The pillowcases don’t absorb heat like cotton does. This makes them ideal for hot sleepers.
- The pillowcases have a hidden zipper closure to keep your pillow secure inside the case. The zipper is high quality and smooth.
- They are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies or skin sensitivities.
- The pillowcases are durable and long-lasting. Customers report them holding up well after multiple washes without pilling or losing their softness.
- They come in a variety of color choices from classic white to bolder hues like navy and dark grey.
Overall, the GOKOTTA Bamboo Pillowcases provide a very soft, cooling, and comfortable sleeping experience.
Their breathable and moisture-wicking bamboo material helps hot sleepers stay cooler, while being gentle on sensitive skin.
The hidden zipper keeps your pillow secure, and the cases hold up well over time. At $20 for a set of two, they provide great value.
How to maintain your pillowcases
Bamboo pillowcases
The general principles of cleaning bamboo-filled pillows are reduced to the following algorithm:
- Choose a detergent that has no bleaching effect. Chlorine-based products are not recommended for cleaning. Wash bamboo pillowcases with a gel. Powder is not very suitable in this case. The reason is that powder particles are larger than liquid products, so they rinse much less well. And, as mentioned above, complete removal of residual detergent when washing bamboo pillowcases is necessary.
- Set the “Delicate Wash” mode on the washing machine.
- In this mode, t = 30°C, spin – 400-500 rpm. If the characteristics of the delicate wash mode do not match those listed, adjust them manually.
- Activate additional rinse.
- After washing, place the pillowcase on a horizontal surface for natural drying.
Silk pillowcases
Contrary to popular belief, a quality silk pillowcase can be machine-washed, but only under certain conditions, as silk is a delicate fiber. Here’s how to do it:
- You must ALWAYS use a special LIQUID silk detergent with a neutral PH. As for bamboo fabric, you should never wash your silk pillowcase with washing powder or detergent containing bleaching agents, as you risk partial or total discoloration of your silk.
- First of all, it’s very important to use a gentle program, the gentlest possible, depending on your machine’s capabilities. A setting on the delicate textiles cycle, or even better on the wool cycle (if your washing machine provides it) is important to avoid damaging your silk pillowcase over time.
- Silk pillowcases are extremely sensitive to heat. If you have programmed your washing machine for delicate textiles, it is important to use preferably cold water or 20°. When this is not possible, the water temperature should never exceed 30°. Be careful, as some gentle programs are set to 40°….
- Linen protectors are essential for protecting your silk pillowcase in the washing machine. What’s more, we recommend washing alone: avoid washing your silk pillowcase with other fabrics, which could simply rub off.
- For drying, you can hang or lay your pillowcase flat on a dry towel. Avoid tumble-drying, even on the gentle program: your pillowcase will dry flat in less than two hours, or even an hour, inflicting unnecessary heat. Silk is extremely sensitive to heat, and should never be dried in the sun or on a radiator. Do not wring out silk products
Machine wash cold or maximum at 20°/30°, dry flat and follow all our recommendations, and your silk pillowcase will be with you for years to come!