In the world of hair care, the terms silk scrunchies, silk bonnet, and silk pillowcases are not unknown, but if occasionally you find yourself wondering how exactly silk keeps the hair hydrated, you will discover all the answers you need right here!
How Sleeping with Silk Hydrates the Hair
How Silk Hydrates the Hair
Silk certainly isn't cheap, but even though it's thought to be a smart investment, you might wonder how worthwhile it is to spend the money on it.
Curly hair is often prone to dryness because of its structure, which makes it more challenging for natural oils and sebum to move down the hair shaft compared to straight hair. This can result in a lack of moisture and make it feel like a struggle to maintain hydration.
To combat this, individuals with curly hair often rely on moisturizing treatments and infusing moisture into their hair. While silk doesn't provide hydration directly, it does play a role in maintaining moisture levels in the following ways:
1, Reduced friction
Silk is a smooth fabric that doesn't soak up moisture. This means that if you use a silk headwrap or sleep on a silk pillowcase, your hair can stay hydrated because the smooth surface doesn't cause much friction and helps to keep moisture in.
On the other hand, materials like cotton can absorb moisture from your hair and hair products, especially after your nighttime hair care routine. When you move around in bed, the cotton can tug and pull at your hair, causing frizz and absorbing even more moisture. So, when you wake up, your hair might look like a big frizzy mess! But you can prevent that with silk.
2, Retains moisture
Silk retains moisture by its unique properties. The smooth surface of silk doesn't create much friction against your hair, preventing moisture loss. Additionally, silk doesn't absorb moisture like other materials such as cotton. Instead, it allows moisture to remain on the surface of your hair, helping to keep it hydrated.
3, Less absorption of hair care products
If you're taking care of your hair and trying to make it healthy again, you need to pay attention to your nighttime routine. Whether you're using oil massages, leave-in conditioners, or scalp medications, it's important that they have a chance to work.
But if you use cotton materials, they can absorb those products, leaving your hair with less moisture and nourishment. This is where silk comes in handy. Silk allows those products to stay on your hair and do their job, keeping your hair hydrated and well-nourished.
4, Keep your hair clean
Silk is great for keeping your hair clean. It has a smooth surface that creates less friction against your hair, which reduces tangles and prevents the buildup of dirt, oil, and product residue.
Unlike materials like cotton, silk doesn't absorb the natural oils produced by your scalp or the hair products you use. This means that when you sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a silk headwrap, your hair stays cleaner for a longer time.
Silk doesn't soak up the oils from your hair, allowing it to maintain its natural oils. This keeps your hair healthier and less prone to becoming greasy or dirty. By preserving the natural oils, silk also helps stimulate hair growth and reduces the need for frequent washing.
Regular shampoos often contain harsh surfactants that can strip away the natural oils and sebum from your hair. So, it's best to avoid overwashing and opt for sulfate-free shampoos instead. By using silk and reducing the frequency of washing, your hair stays hydrated and healthier.
5, Protect against external factors
To keep your hair hydrated and maintain its curl pattern, wearing a silk headwrap is a fantastic idea. Whether you're in a car seat or stepping out in humid weather, a silk headwrap can prevent your hair from absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, which can lead to frizz.
It's also beneficial when facing strong winds and cold temperatures that can leave your hair dry and in poor condition. By wearing a silk headwrap, you create a barrier that helps retain moisture in your hair and prevents it from getting dehydrated. This way, your curls stay defined and healthy.