Best Silk Pillowcases for Healthy Hair
September 22, 2026 · 3 min read · by Justice Pallais
No brand paid to be included and there are no affiliate links. Product details come from each brand's own product page (or a major retailer's, where noted) as of September 2026; formulas and names change, so check the label before you buy.
Cotton pillowcases are slightly rough, and they absorb moisture. Over a night of turning over, that friction roughs up the hair's cuticle and pulls at knots, which shows up as frizz, flyaways and breakage, and as a blowout that has fallen by morning. Silk is smoother and less absorbent, so hair slides rather than drags.
It matters most for hair that is already more fragile: lightened or colored hair, and extensions, where tangles at the attachment points are the problem to avoid.
What the numbers mean
- Momme is silk's weight, a measure of how dense the fabric is. Around 19 is light; 22 is a common premium weight; 25 to 30 is heavy and usually more durable.
- Grade describes the fiber quality, with 6A the top of the common scale: long, even fibers that make a smoother fabric.
- Mulberry silk comes from silkworms fed only on mulberry leaves and is the standard for pillowcases.
- Closure matters in practice. A zipper or deep envelope keeps the pillow from sliding out at night.
At a glance
| Pillowcase | Momme | Grade | Closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mulberry Park Silks 30 Momme | 30 | 6A | Deep envelope |
| Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase | 22 | 6A | Zipper or envelope |
| Blissy Silk Pillowcase | 22 | 6A | Hidden zipper |
| Quince 100% Mulberry Silk | 22 | Not stated | Zipper |
| LILYSILK 19 Momme Terse | 19 | Not stated | Envelope |
1. Mulberry Park Silks 30 Momme Pillowcase
The heaviest silk here: 30 momme, grade 6A mulberry silk on both sides, in a charmeuse weave, and OEKO-TEX certified. It comes only with an extra-deep envelope closure. The brand describes it as suited to thick, coiled and curly hair.
Good for: durability, and thick or curly hair. Brand page
2. Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase
Slip's pillowcase is 22 momme, grade 6A long-fiber mulberry silk, which the brand calls Slipsilk, and it comes in zippered and envelope versions and many colors.
Good for: the well-known option, in the most colors. Brand page
3. Blissy Silk Pillowcase
Also 22 momme, grade 6A mulberry silk, OEKO-TEX certified, with a hidden zipper. Blissy lists it as suited to chemically and color-treated hair, and says it can be machine washed on gentle in a mesh bag.
Good for: easy care. Brand page
4. Quince 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
22 momme mulberry silk with a zipper closure, OEKO-TEX certified and washable. Quince does not state a silk grade.
Good for: a 22 momme silk at a lower price point. Brand page
5. LILYSILK 19 Momme Terse Silk Pillowcase
A lighter 19 momme mulberry silk with an envelope closure. The page states OEKO-TEX certification but not a silk grade.
Good for: trying silk before investing in a heavier weight. Brand page
Getting the most out of silk
- Wash it gently and cool, following the label. Heat and harsh detergent are what wear silk out.
- Pair it with a loose, high bun or a soft scrunchie to keep a blowout. See the best ways to make a blowout last.
- With extensions, brush out and loosely braid before bed as well. Silk reduces friction but does not replace detangling. See washing and sleeping in hair extensions.
- Go to bed with dry hair. Damp hair on any pillowcase tangles and dents.
Silk pairs well with the rest of a color-care routine: see the best hair masks for color-treated hair and how to make balayage last.
Frequently asked questions
Is satin as good as silk?
Satin is a weave, usually polyester, not a fiber. Good satin is smooth and reduces friction too, but it does not breathe or regulate moisture the way silk does. It is a reasonable budget alternative.
What momme should I buy?
22 momme is a good balance of smoothness, durability and price. 19 is lighter and cheaper; 25 to 30 is heavier and tends to last longer.
Do silk pillowcases help hair extensions?
Yes. Less friction means fewer tangles at the attachment points overnight. Brushing out and loosely braiding before bed still matters.
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