You may be seeking ways to handle frizzy, flat or tangled hair. One popular approach is to wear a silk bonnet at night, to prevent your hair from losing its shape or getting split ends due to movement and friction against the pillow.
If you are considering one, master hairdresser Antonio Weinitschke spells out why people wear them and what matters if you choose to do so too.
You pull a silk bonnet over your hair for the night so it can act as a protective cover and prevent your hair structure from being damaged by friction.
“Your hair retains its natural shape better as a result,” he says.
These are especially good for people who move around a lot in their sleep as a bonnet can be an easy way to prevent hair breakage.
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Why silk works so well
Silk is an ideal material to protect your hair as it is smooth and temperature-regulating. It feels pleasantly cool in summer and retains heat in winter.
Unlike cotton, silk absorbs hardly any moisture so conditioning agents and natural oils remain in your hair instead of being transferred to the pillowcase.
That means your hair feels softer and less brittle the next day.
Another advantage is that hairstyles last longer. If you have curls, waves or blow-dried styles in the evening, you can better maintain the shape overnight.
What hair types is the bonnet suitable for?
Originally, silk bonnets were mainly used in Afro hair care as Black hair tends to be dry and fragile. It can also help maintain a hairstyle if the hairstyle is “set” to last for several days.
But these days, lots of people with straight or fine hair are also wearing the bonnets, which you can buy in different shapes.
Get a tight-fitting model for short or straight hair, while a loose-fitting version works better for hairstyles with more volume. For long hair, cap shapes are ideal, as the hair can be tucked inside them.
Make sure the bonnet fits comfortably and does not slip.
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An alternative and silk bonnet care
If you feel uncomfortable wearing one, try switching to a silk or satin pillowcase as these materials are also smooth and gentle on your hair structure. They prevent hair from sticking to the surface or losing its shape due to heat.
As for caring for your silk bonnet, know that silk is delicate – so wash it carefully.
Weinitschke recommends hand washing with lukewarm water. You could also wash it in a gentle cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees is also possible, but without a strong spin cycle.
After washing, let your bonnet air dry to keep the material supple and durable. – dpa
