Satin vs. Silk: Is One Material Better For Your Hair? 

Silk is a natural and animal protein fiber made by silkworms. Silk production dates back thousands of years, with the industry's origins rooted in China. Here's how it's made: When silkworms (baby Bombyx mori moths) reach the larva, or caterpillar, stage, they feed almost exclusively on the leaves from mulberry trees. Once full, the silkworms make intricate cocoons out of the fine silk threads of their saliva. And those threads are what we eventually turn into silk. Producers will place these cocoons out in the sun to kill off the larvae (spoiler alert: Silk isn't vegan!) and then begin the process of spinning their fibers into yarn.

It's not an easy process either: It's a time- and energy-intensive process that takes upward of 2,000 tiny silkworms to create 1 pound of silk. This is why silk has a reputation for being so luxe—and comes with a pretty price tag. Now, silk does come in a wide variety, which is why you can find more budget-friendly options out there.

As with most things we talk about here, it's ultimately up to you whether you want to use satin or silk. Both will absolutely be great options for your hair, so rest assured your hair's being cared for as you toss and turn. 

"Sleep with a silk or satin pillowcase, headscarf, or cap, which allows hair to slide as you toss and turn while sleeping. Silk and satin prevent friction (which leads to hair pulling, tugging, stretching, breaking, and tangling), and these smooth fabrics help retain the hair's natural oils," says hairstylist Miko Branch, co-founder of hair care brand Miss Jessie's Original. But the benefits of silk don't stop there: It is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial1, moisture-wicking, and breathable.

It's not just that silk and satin are fantastic for hair; other fibers can come with major downsides. Cotton or linen are porous and, therefore, rougher fabrics. For hair, this means the fabric can snag and pull at hairs, trigger physical damage, lift up the cuticle, and cause frizz. This is especially problematic for those with curly hair, which is already prone to all of these issues. They're not great for skin, either: Their porosity means the fabrics more readily absorb sebum, bacteria, and even your precious skin care products (silk and satin, on the other hand, are more repellent fabrics). 

Considering you're paying a bit more for silk and satin products (silk, in particular), you're likely wondering how you can care for them for long-term use. Notably: How can you wash them? And here's the cool thing: Because these are moisture-wicking, you don't have to wash them with the same regularity as you might with cotton. But you should still clean them every two weeks (or so) to prevent stains.