Are you still using cotton for your beautiful kinky hair and delicate skin? It’s time for a switch – here’s why.
Silk is a luxurious, decadent and ancient fabric, with origins dating back to China as early as the 3 millennium BCE. While Black women began using silk to protect their hair as far back as the 20th century, its benefits have gained even more spotlight in recent years.
As a natural protein fibre, silk contains natural proteins, including 18 amino acids which can help accelerate skin metabolism and reduce the effects of ageing. And here’s the best part: these effects are even more active at night, when your skin does the heavy lifting of cell regeneration. This is just one of the many benefits attached to using this fabric to protect your hair and skin.
So, in case you’re not convinced yet, here’s why your pillowcases and other fabrics that your hair and skin constantly interact with should get an upgrade, and silk is your best choice.
The problem with cotton
I’ll be the first to admit that cotton is a great fabric: breathable, affordable and accessible. While it’s good for underwear, it’s not the best for kinky hair and your skin. Cotton fabric, when used for pillowcases, may appear harmless, but it can actually be damaging to your hair — especially your Black girl curls. The texture of cotton causes friction and frizz, which in turn results in breakage and moisture loss for kinky hair.
It’s also not great for skin. It absorbs the much-needed moisture, which causes sleep creases, exacerbating dryness for people with dry skin. It also traps these compounds that seep into skin and cause irritation and other avoidable problems.
The benefits of silk for hair
You can’t talk about caring for Black women’s hair without mentioning the almighty bonnet, head wraps and scarves. Hair protection for Black women is deeply cultural, with proven methods passed down from mother to daughter and generation to generation. Bonnets are a big part of this, and any Black woman can attest that silk is the best choice for protecting our hair. Due to the texture of our hair, it’s easily prone to dryness, which often causes breakage, frizz and just a less healthy head of hair. The soft, sleek fabric allows for reduced friction and snagging, leading to less breakage and frizz.
Silk also helps retain your hair’s natural oils and moisture, with only an 11% absorption level, compared to cotton’s 30%. Additionally, the fabric’s smooth texture is perfect for maintaining our protective hairstyles.
Read also: Power is a print and a fabric: Decoding the language of what we wear
The benefits of silk for skin
As I previously stated, this natural fibre has incredible non-absorbent properties, allowing your skincare products to stay longer on your skin. This is unlike cotton, which immediately absorbs the products, minimising their use and effectiveness.
With its smooth, luxurious feel, silk as a fabric has less friction with skin, minimising sleep creases and wrinkles. Due to its breathable and temperature-regulating properties, silk is great for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Finally, it possesses hypoallergenic properties, making it highly unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. It’s more expensive than cotton, but in the long run, your skin and hair will thank you for the luxurious feel and effects of using this fabric. Invest in silk bonnets, pillowcases, hair and scrunchies (if that’s your thing), and if you’re as invested in the soft life as we are, extend this to clothing like pyjamas, robes and lounge wear.
Common concerns and myths
Perhaps the most common myth around silk is that it is a fragile material due to its lightweight. On the contrary, it’s one of the strongest natural fibres, which makes it durable. A well-made, quality silk piece can last for decades and even become an heirloom piece. Another myth is the cost of care and maintenance of silk items. While it requires careful attention because of its delicate nature, it’s not overly complicated. Taking care of your silk items, like pillowcases and bonnets, requires gentle care like hand washing or gentle dry cleaning. It’s also a matter of understanding the type of silk it is. Embossed silk velvet, for instance, should only be dry-cleaned to preserve its intricate design.
There’s also the concern about the cost-effectiveness of sticking with silk in the long run, but think about it this way: if you stick with cotton or other more absorbent fabrics, you’ll inevitably spend more money on skincare and also treating issues that could come with skin and hair that dries out faster. Spend that money on silk, so you don’t have to spend that money.
Ultimately, while cotton has its merits, the benefits of silk for your hair and skin are undeniable. From preserving moisture and reducing breakage in kinky hair to minimising sleep creases and enhancing the effectiveness of your skincare, silk offers a luxurious and beneficial upgrade.
Although the initial investment might be higher, the long-term advantages for healthier hair and more radiant skin make silk a worthwhile choice. Make the switch and experience the incredible and satisfying difference silk can make.
