I Tried Sleeping on a Mulberry Silk Pillowcase—And My Hair Felt Softer And Less Damaged
Updated: Oct. 05, 2023
Our health editor tested this mulberry silk pillowcase and spoke with hair experts to find out its real benefits.
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As a health editor, I’ll admit something that now seems quite foolish: I’ve always assumed that all pillowcases are pretty much the same. Sure, some feel softer against your face or have a pretty pattern, but beyond that, they’re all just…material that covers your pillow, right? Wrong. When I think about all the hours I press my hair and face against a pillowcase now, it’s obvious that the material matters.
When I swapped my cotton pillowcase for the mulberry silk pillowcase from Fishers Finery, I was surprised at how quickly I noticed a difference in my hair. It’s clear that silk pillowcases are the superior choice for beauty sleep. I honestly don’t know how I suffered through cotton blend options for 44 years.
What is a mulberry silk pillowcase?
There are many silk and satin pillowcases on the market, but not all of them follow the luxurious standards Fishers Finery has set. The brand is known for its fine silk products, including mulberry silk. It’s the highest quality available, known for its long individual fibers and uniform color, and is made by silkworms who dine only on mulberry leaves. Quince’s silk collection is also made from this luxe material.
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
This mulberry silk pillowcase helps prevent wrinkles, reduce hair frizz and regulate sleep.
The mulberry silk pillowcase is made from 100% long-strand, grade 6A pure mulberry silk. The term “momme” is the unit used to measure the weight of silk thread, and this version is 25mm. So, 25mm means that it has 25 pounds per 100 yards of silk. The company also offers 19mm and 30mm styles.
Mulberry silk pillowcase benefits
One of the benefits of mulberry silk is that it’s hypoallergenic, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive skin. Silk is also breathable and stays cool (as I can attest to, and I live in Phoenix where it’s always hot). Finally, because silk is so smooth, this pillowcase reduces friction.
“Silk pillowcases drastically reduce friction by comparison to other types of materials such as microfiber or cotton,” says William Gaunitz, FWTS, certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology. “Microfiber and cotton can produce friction while you’re sleeping for eight hours and decrease tugging which could lead to more excessive hair loss than needed.”
He says that silk pillowcases also increase scalp hydration because they don’t absorb moisture. “Increased natural hydration on the scalp will lead to less intrinsic inflammation and ultimately better body and volume to the hair.”
How I tested my mulberry silk pillowcase
When I opened the Fishers Finery package, I was delighted to feel the slippery and cool material against my fingertips. There’s an oversized envelope-style flap to help keep your pillow securely inside. Beyond that, the pillowcase is rather nondescript without any design elements.
Normally, I would first wash any new bedding before using it. However, I quickly noted that the care instructions suggest dry cleaning or hand washing. I didn’t have it in me to fuss around with either of those options so late at night, so I decided to throw caution to the wind and sleep on it fresh out of the plastic wrap.
As I lay down on my DreamCloud mattress, I let my face hit the cool silk first. It felt amazing, almost regal, and I immediately decided my next major splurge would be silk bedsheets. Then, I turned on my back, so my hair was lying directly on the pillow.
My fiancé laughed as I began gliding my head back and forth, in awe of how my hair moved with the fabric instead of creating the static and tangles I was used to enduring. I knew right away this slipperiness would help preserve a blowout, which is priceless. In the morning, I was not disappointed.
When I awoke, I was blown away by the lack of pillowcase-induced creases on my face and how my hair hardly needed a brushing because there were no tangles. And there were no stray hairs on the pillowcase (usually there are a handful), which signaled that my old cotton version must have caused friction-induced breakage. Plus, my pillowcase was still cool to the touch, which is unheard of for this hot sleeper. Heck, my hair even felt softer. I was instantly hooked.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and stays cool
- Reduces hair damage caused by friction
- Helps skin retain moisture
- 100% pure mulberry silk
- Envelope enclosure keeps your pillow securely inside—no annoying zippers
- Ample sizing for standard, queen or king pillows (be sure to choose the right size)
Cons
- Dry clean or hand wash recommended, or machine wash on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag
- It’s pricier than traditional cotton/blend pillowcases (though more affordable than some higher-end brands.)
- Some beauty routines, like slugging, may stain or ruin silk
What hair experts have to say about silk pillowcases
Almost everyone can benefit from making the switch to a mulberry silk pillowcase (alongside these 20 natural ways to have great hair for less). “People suffering from traction alopecia, telogen effluvium or inflammatory scalp conditions like psoriasis may benefit drastically from utilizing silk pillowcases,” says Gaunitz. “These conditions would respond positively to the lack of tension on the hair and the more natural hydration that the silk pillowcase could provide.”
And those with curls or who are prone to frizzy hair stand to gain plenty too. “Natural and curly hair texture tends to be a bit more dry than other types of hair,” says Samantha Gradilone of Fabio Scalia Salon. “Unlike cotton, silk doesn’t absorb moisture, so a lot of my clients who have very dry hair would benefit from trying a silk pillowcase. A lot of people don’t know it, but cotton can actually strip the natural moisture and oils in your hair.”
Gradilone also recommends silk pillowcases to her clients with hair extensions because “the number one enemy of hair extensions is tangles and knots.” With a silk pillowcase, the hair can glide over the silk and avoid any unwanted hair tangles.
What Amazon reviewers think about the mulberry silk pillowcase
It seems I’m not alone in my love for Fishers Finery’s mulberry silk pillowcase.
“These are great silk pillowcases!” raves five-star reviewer Katherine. “The silk is buttery soft and helps prevent frizz and breakage overnight. The silk doesn’t stain easily and holds up after washing. Highly recommend.”
Verified purchaser BK notes, “Silk is dreamy. If you want a good [sleep] think about it and get it. I absolutely love the feel on my face and am excited at the idea of less hair breakage/knots and a more moisturized face as the seasons transition.”
Final verdict after more than a year of use
I simply cannot imagine switching back to the cotton blend options I’m used to. There’s just too much to love about this silky superstar. I’m experiencing less hair breakage, but even the cooling sensation alone would be enough to sway me. And when I pair this pillowcase with my luxurious silk pajamas, it’s just the best sensation ever.
It’s honestly been impossible to remember to hand wash this pillowcase (or even put it in a mesh bag before tossing it in the wash), and dry cleaning is just not something I’m willing to spend money on. I’ve been washing it in my regular laundry cycle and letting it air dry on a rack. Truth be told, it’s even ended up in the dryer a few times. I’m pleased to report it doesn’t appear to be any worse for wear.
Because this pillowcase is so darn silky, I’ve noticed the loose scrunchie I sleep in to keep my long hair out of my face tends to just slide out in the middle of the night (something that doesn’t happen when I use other pillowcases). This probably bodes well for my hair health because it glides around on the pillowcase instead of getting tangled. I’ve also noticed that on the days when I don’t straighten my hair, my natural curls hold up so much better after a night on this pillowcase—they are less frizzy and the curls stay more defined.
I keep meaning to buy a second one to use when this one is in the laundry, so I never have to be without it. Today’s that day!
Where to buy Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
VIA MERCHANT
We Tried It
Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
This mulberry silk pillowcase helps prevent wrinkles, reduce hair frizz and regulate sleep.
My favorite mulberry silk pillowcase can be found on Amazon, priced at $49.99 for a single standard case. It’s also on the Fishers Finery website. Once you go silk, you’ll never go back.
About the experts
- William Gaunitz: William Gaunitz, FWTS, is a certified trichologist. Trichology is the study of diseases or problems related to the hair and scalp, as well as their treatments. He is also the founder of Advanced Trichology.
- Samantha Gradilone: Samantha Gradilone is a stylist at Fabio Scalia Salon. She participates in multiple Fashion Weeks and with a variety of clients, styling runway, editorial and bridal looks.
