If you wake up with frizz, tangles or a flattened blow-dry, your pillowcase may be part of the problem. Switching to a satin pillowcase is one of the simplest changes you can make for your hair. Here's how it helps, who notices the biggest difference, and how to get the most from one.
Why your pillowcase matters for your hair
You spend around a third of your life with your head on a pillow, moving and turning through the night. On a regular cotton pillowcase, the slightly rough surface catches on your hair each time you move. That friction roughs up the outer layer of each strand, which shows up in the morning as frizz, knots and, over time, breakage.
Satin has a smooth, slippery surface. Hair glides over it instead of rubbing against it, so there is less friction and less of that overnight damage.
What a satin pillowcase can help with
- Less frizz: with less friction, the outer layer of the hair stays smoother.
- Fewer tangles: hair slides rather than knotting, so mornings need less detangling.
- Less breakage: fewer snags means fewer broken strands on your pillow and in your brush.
- Longer-lasting styles: blow-dries, curls and waves keep their shape better overnight.
- Moisture stays in your hair: satin doesn't soak up hair oils and leave-in products the way cotton does.
Who notices the biggest difference?
Curly and wavy hair
Curls are naturally drier and more prone to frizz. A smooth pillowcase helps them keep their definition overnight, so you need less refreshing in the morning.
Long, fine or colour-treated hair
Fine and coloured hair breaks more easily. Reducing friction every night adds up over weeks and months.
Anyone who styles their hair
If you blow-dry, straighten or curl your hair, satin helps your style last into the next day, which can mean less heat styling overall.
Satin or silk?
Both give you a smooth surface, which is what matters most for hair. Silk is a natural fibre and costs much more; satin is a smooth weave that gives a similar glide at a far more practical price, and it's easy to wash. We explain the difference in detail in our satin vs silk pillowcase guide.
Tips to get the most from a satin pillowcase
- Use it every night: the benefit comes from removing friction night after night.
- Tie hair loosely: a loose bun or plait held with a satin scrunchie avoids the creases and pull of tight elastics.
- Keep a spare set: having two sets means one is always clean while the other is in the wash.
- Follow the care label: gentle washing keeps the surface smooth for longer.
Choosing your satin pillow covers
Our satin pillow covers come as a set of 2 with 3 free satin scrunchies, in a wide range of colours and two sizes:
| Size | Fits |
|---|---|
| Standard, 17 x 27 inches / 43 x 68 cm | Most regular bed pillows |
| Large, 20 x 30 inches / 50 x 76 cm | Larger, fuller pillows |
Not sure which size you need? Our pillow cover size guide shows you how to measure. You can also browse every colour in the pillow covers collection.
Frequently asked questions
Will a satin pillowcase stop hair fall?
Hair fall has many causes, and a pillowcase can't treat them. What satin does is reduce the friction that causes breakage and tangles overnight, so you see fewer broken strands.
How long before I notice a difference?
Most people notice smoother, less tangled hair within the first few mornings.
Is satin good for skin too?
Yes. The same smooth surface drags less on your face as you move, so you wake up with fewer sleep creases.