These Are the Best Pillowcases for Your Hair and Skin (2025)

Every night, your pillowcase plays a silent but significant role in your beauty routine. While you’re dreaming, this seemingly innocent piece of fabric can either support or sabotage your skin and hair health.

The wrong pillowcase can lead to frizzy hair, skin irritation, and even accelerated aging, while the right one can be your nightly beauty ally. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the best pillowcase for your skin and hair.

What to consider when choosing a pillowcase

Not all pillowcases are created equal, especially when it comes to your beauty routine. Here are the key factors to keep in mind, according to Anil Shah, MD, a skin expert and facial plastic surgeon based in Chicago:

• Skin sensitivity: If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, the fabric’s texture and breathability matter.
• Hair type: Curly, fine, or chemically treated hair requires special consideration to prevent damage and frizz.
• Moisture retention: Some fabrics help your skin and hair maintain hydration better than others.
• Friction reduction: Smooth fabrics can minimize skin creases and hair breakage.

Best pillowcase for hair and skin

The right pillowcase can be a game-changer for your beauty routine. “The ideal fabric is going to preserve your facial oils and avoid trauma to your skin, while preventing inflammation and dirt to seep into your face,” says Shah. “The material of the pillowcase won’t regenerate your face, but the wrong material can prevent your natural regeneration from occurring.”

Here’s a closer look at how different pillowcase fabrics stack up.

Silk Pillowcases: the beauty industry’s golden standard

Silk pillowcases aren’t just luxurious—they’re a skincare and haircare powerhouse. Here’s the thing: “The higher, the density of the fabric, the better it is,” says Shah. “Silk is one of the higher density fabrics, allowing hair and skin to glide right over it.”

The naturally smooth surface reduces friction, which means:

• Less hair breakage
• Reduced facial creases
• Improved moisture retention
• Hypoallergenic properties

Satin pillowcases: a budget-friendly alternative

While not quite as beneficial as silk, satin offers similar smooth properties at a more accessible price point. Many beauty experts recommend satin as an entry point into eventually upgrading your pillowcase to silk. But for better skin and hair health, satin is a decent option:

• Reduced hair friction
• More affordable than silk
• Helps prevent hair frizz
• Smoother skin surface

“The ideal fabric is going to preserve your facial oils and avoid trauma to your skin, while preventing inflammation and dirt to seep into your face. The material of the pillowcase won’t regenerate your face, but the wrong material can prevent your natural regeneration from occurring.”

-Anil Shah, MD, a skin expert and facial plastic surgeon based in Chicago

Cotton pillowcases: the traditional option

Traditional cotton has some drawbacks for beauty, though it remains the most common pillowcase material worldwide. While cotton’s durability and easy care make it popular, its effects on skin and hair are just so-so:

• Higher friction
• Absorbs moisture from skin and hair
• Can cause hair frizz and skin irritation
• Most common and least expensive option

Bamboo pillowcases: the eco-friendly choice

Bamboo offers some unique benefits that make it increasingly popular among the eco-conscious, seeking both sustainability and skin-friendly features:

• Naturally hypoallergenic
• Moisture-wicking
• Soft texture
• Environmentally sustainable

Linen pillowcases: breathable but rough

“Low density fabrics, including linen, feel tactically much rougher,” says Shah. “The consequences for hair can be dried, frizzled, and frayed because coarseness of these fabrics can actually pull at your hair causing potential hair loss.”

While praised for its cooling properties and durability, its texture requires careful consideration:

• Extremely breathable
• Natural temperature regulation
• Rougher texture can cause more friction
• Be cautious if you have delicate skin and hair

Pillowcase care tips

Taking care of your pillowcase is just as important as picking the right one. Think about it: It’s something your skin and hair spend hours on every single night.

The wrong pillowcase care routine can lead to a buildup of oils, dirt, and bacteria on skin and hair. Plus, proper care can help your pillowcase last longer and keep it working its magic. Here’s how to keep your pillowcase (and your skin and hair) in top shape:

• Wash regularly: Try to wash your pillowcase every one to two weeks to remove buildup from oils, sweat, and skincare products. If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, washing more frequently may be beneficial.
• Choose gentle detergents: Stick to mild detergents to avoid irritating your skin or causing allergic reactions. “Look for detergents labeled ‘dermatologist-tested’ or free of dyes and fragrances,” adds Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell – New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
• Skip fabric softeners: Fabric softeners can leave behind residue that may clog pores or cause irritation. Plus, they can reduce the effectiveness of moisture-wicking materials like silk or bamboo.
• Handle delicate fabrics with care: For silk or other delicate materials, hand washing is a better option. If you are using a machine, select the delicate cycle with cold water and use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
• Replace regularly: Over time, pillowcases can wear out and harbor bacteria deep in the fibers even with regular washing. Swap them out for new ones every six to 12 months or sooner if they show signs of damage.

FAQs

What is the best pillowcase fabric for hair and skin?

Silk is widely considered the best fabric, offering the smoothest surface with minimal friction and maximum moisture retention.

Do pillowcases really affect hair and skin health?

Absolutely! The right pillowcase can reduce hair breakage, prevent skin creases, and help maintain your skincare and haircare routine’s effectiveness. “Pillows made from rough or coarse fabrics can create friction, which may lead to skin creases that, over time, contribute to wrinkles,” says Garshik.

How often should I change my pillowcase?

Ideally, change and wash your pillowcase every one to two weeks to prevent buildup of oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Find the best pillowcase for your hair and skin at Saatva

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silk pillowcase

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