Silk pillowcases: what the pros really think
If you haven’t already heard, there’s been a craze going around about silk pillowcases. It seems there is much debate around the subject of silk pillowcases holding many benefits to protecting hair. Which is why, we asked the pros what they really think about silk pillowcases...
The so-called benefits of silk pillowcases
It is argued that silk pillowcases protect the hair from friction, meaning less breakage, less tangles and less frizz. But what do the pros think?
What the pros really think
Tracey Devine Smith, ASP global ambassador says: “This is something that has been ongoing for a while with many believing it’s a myth and others swearing by this as a key hair tip which provides incredible results. It is something that I recommend to clients who are in the stages of hair repair and looking for ways to improve the condition and health of their hair. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase deters from friction breakage between the hair and materials with silk being softer and more flexible with movement.”
Paul Watts, JOICO European design team comments: “More often than not, a lot of breakage is caused when sleeping as client’s hair is more fragile than they think. When sleeping on cotton pillowcases, the friction between the fragile hair and the material causes instant breakage, split ends and snapped hair.” And if client’s hair is already damaged or in poor condition, Darrel Starkey, salon owner of Taylor’s Hair Studio warns: “It will only result in further breakage.”
Furthermore, Suzie McGull, director at Rainbow Room International and Elena Lavagni, owner and founder of Neville Hair & Beauty, give us some insight into the benefits of hydration. “Silk pillowcases retain moisture within the hair unlike cotton pillowcases that more porous,” says Suzie. “Silk also retains natural oils and is especially beneficial for curly or untreated hair which doesn’t retain as much moisture as straight hair,” says Elena.
But Paul Windle, founder of Windle London believes silk pillowcases make little difference: “It is in fact the friction of hair rubbing against hair whilst sleeping in what causes the damage during sleep, whether that is sleeping on a cotton pillowcase or a silk pillowcase.”
What should I tell clients?
Silk pillowcases are not a quick-fix result to already damaged hair. However, they can potentially be useful dependant on whether the client notices beneficial differences. The key to keeping hair looking and staying healthy is salon appointments of regular haircuts, and treatments and of course, using conditioning and protective products.
Did you catch our last article on What The Pros Really Think?
