If you have curly hair, you already know it needs extra care—and even your pillowcase can make a big difference in how your curls look and feel.

Hey there, Curly Top. This blog is for you.

Whether you love your curls, or just "live" with them, your curly hair requires special care. "Bed head" is your natural waking state. There's no such thing as "running a brush" through your hair and neatening things up (ha!). Your vanity is packed with hair care products: curl cream, leave in conditioner, hair serum and various lotions and potions that promise to improve the texture of your natural hair. You check the humidity levels outside before you even think about using a blow dryer or flat iron. And if you want bangs? Well, proceed with extreme caution.

We see you, curly girls (and guys). Quite a few of us on the Mulberry Park Silks design team have naturally curly hair. And we've got great news: you can help condition, control, and protect your wayward curls while you sleep by choosing the proper pillowcase. Read on to learn why your pillowcase can make a huge difference. We'll be comparing silk vs. satin pillowcases; talking about the benefits of each; and explaining why choosing a silk pillowcase over satin or cotton is a smart move for your curly hair.

Why Curly Hair Needs Special Care

We know, you could probably write your own book on this topic. But understanding the special structure of curly hair goes a long way toward figuring out how best to care for it. A (curly haired) scientist at Northwestern University breaks it down, saying that curly hair is different in both the shape of the follicle (oval, vs. the round shape of straight hair) and the way it embeds into the scalp (at an angle) which makes it much more difficult for curly hair to stay moisturized despite the natural oils in the scalp. This is why curly hair is dryer and more prone to frizz and breakage.

Knowing that curly hair is dryer and more prone to frizz and breakage, keeping it well-conditioned and hydrated should be your top priority. And to make that happen, there's one thing you should definitely do: stop sleeping on a cotton pillowcase. There are two important reasons for this:

• Cotton is naturally absorbent, and can pull moisture from your hair (and skin!) while you sleep. This means that your cotton pillowcase is actually working against you as a "reverse conditioner" that dries out your already delicate curls.
• Cotton is a plant-based fabric. Even the finest cotton pillowcase has tiny fibers that can pull and tear at your hair while you sleep. This adds to hair breakage and frizzy hair.

It's time to move on from your regular pillowcase and switch to something that's better for your hair.

Silk vs Satin Pillowcases: Why Your Choice Matters for Curly Hair

It comes down to one word: friction. A pure mulberry silk pillowcase and even most polyester satin pillowcases (made from petroleum-based chemicals) minimize or even eliminate friction. This protects hair from being pulled, tugged, and tangled during the night. Unfortunately, there is some confusion in the marketplace between pure silk pillowcases and their (man-made) counterparts that are often sold as "satin weave" or "silk satin."

Silk and satin are definitely NOT the same thing. While a satin weave pillowcase can minimize friction (and that's a good thing!) there are many benefits to real silk pillowcases that satin pillowcases just can't deliver. If you want the best for your hair, choose a pure mulberry silk pillowcase.

Silk Pillowcases vs Satin: The Best Option for Curly Hair

At Mulberry Park Silks, a big part of our mission is educating clients about all the wonderful health and beauty benefits of silk (particularly as compared to satin, which is often confused for silk, or represented as silk by unscrupulous retailers). Silk and satin are very different , and only a pure mulberry silk delivers the full benefits that your curly hair needs.

• Silk is a natural fiber, not man-made like satin.
• Along with being friction free, pure silk fiber contains proteins and amino acids that work to condition and moisturize your hair while you sleep. In fact, many salon-quality shampoo and hair care products contain silk protein ingredients.
• Silk is breathable, and naturally temperature regulating. It wicks away moisture and naturally regulates body temperature to keep you comfortable (note: this is a huge benefit of silk sheets, which are great for year-round sleep).
• Silk is hypoallergenic and naturally resistant to dustmites, making it perfect for hair and sensitive skin!

Best of all, a pure silk pillowcase need not break the bank! At Mulberry Park Silks, we offer silk pillowcases in a range of momme weights and prices. 

Caring for Your Silk Pillowcase (and Your Curls)

Taking proper care of your silk pillowcase ,means it will take care of you -- and your precious curls -- for a long time! And it's easy to do. Our silk fabric can be laundered by hand or machine-washed in a silk-only load on a gentle cycle. We do recommend putting your pillowcase inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snags, and using a detergent specially formulated for silk, like this one from Heritage Park Laundry Essentials . Your silk pillowcase should be hung to dry away from direct sunlight; it will be ready to place back on your pillow in a couple of hours or less. While you can iron your silk pillowcase, it can easily be smoothed out by hand and any wrinkles will release on their own in a day or two.

Why Mulberry Park Silks Pillowcases Are the Best for Curly Hair

Choosing a pillowcase from Mulberry Park Silks is a wonderful investment in your hair, skin, and overall health. We founded this company with the mission of bringing the finest silk bedding and accessories to the market at fair prices. We are very proud to have done just that, and can confidently say that any product purchased from Mulberry Park Silks is of superior quality. To explain why, we use the helpful acronym "CHARMS"

Ch - Charmeuse weave. Charmeuse is a style of weaving silk threads into a specific pattern to create a smooth luster on one side of the fabric and a matte finish on the reverse.

A - Grade 6A silk is the highest quality. All Mulberry Park Silks are made of Grade 6A silk.

R - Real 100 percent pure mulberry silk. All of our products are made with pure mulberry silk which is finer, smoother, and more consistently colored than other silk.

M - Momme weight of 19, 22, and 30. This is a measure of weight, similar to thread count.

S - Safe for people and the environment as certified by OEKO-TEX ® . Although silk is "natural," we've taken the extra step to independently certify that our silk contains no harmful dyes or toxins.

When you purchase a silk pillowcase from Mulberry Park Silks, you are buying the finest quality silk from a family-owned business proudly headquartered in Branford, Connecticut, USA. We stand behind our products, and are here to help and answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Curly Hair Care and Silk Pillowcases

1. Why does curly hair need special care?

Curly hair has a unique shape that makes it more prone to dryness, frizz, and tangles than straight hair. Because natural oils have a harder time coating each curl, keeping moisture in your curls is a challenge. That's why curly hair care often includes curl cream, leave-in conditioner, and gentle products designed to protect hair texture.

2. How can a silk pillowcase help curly hair?

A silk pillowcase is one of the best investments for curly hair. The smooth silk surface reduces friction, which helps prevent frizz, tangles, and breakage while you sleep. Unlike a cotton pillowcase, which pulls moisture from hair, silk keeps curls hydrated and helps define natural hair texture.

3. What's the difference between silk and satin pillowcases?

Silk pillowcases are made from natural silk fiber, while satin is usually woven from polyester or other synthetic materials. Both reduce friction, but only silk delivers the full benefits for hair and skin. Satin pillowcases may minimize frizz at night, but a pure mulberry silk pillowcase helps retain moisture, conditions hair, and supports healthy curls.

4. Are silk pillowcases good for skin too?

Yes. Dermatologists often recommend silk pillowcases because they are gentle on the skin, reducing friction and preventing sleep creases that can turn into wrinkles. Silk is also less absorbent than cotton, so your nighttime skincare products stay on your skin instead of soaking into your pillow.

5. How do I wash a silk pillowcase?

Silk pillowcases should be washed with care to maintain fabric quality. Use a washing machine on the delicate cycle with cold or lukewarm water, or try hand washing for extra protection. Always wash silk in a mesh laundry bag with gentle detergent, then hang to dry. Avoid harsh products, hot water, or rough handling.

6. How often should I wash silk pillowcases?

For best results, wash your silk pillowcases every one to two weeks. Regular washing keeps them free from oils, hair products, and buildup while preserving silk's natural shine and softness.

7. What products should I use for curly hair at night?

On damp or wet hair, apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to lock in moisture and enhance curl texture. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase helps these products work overnight without being absorbed like they would on cotton.

8. Are silk pillowcases worth the investment?

Many people wonder if silk pillowcases are just expensive options. While brands like Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase, Blissy Silk Pillowcase, and Brooklinen market luxury products, Mulberry Park Silks offers the same quality at a fair price. Investing in silk pays off in healthier hair, smoother skin, and long-lasting comfort.

9. What sizes and colors do silk pillowcases come in?

Silk pillowcases are available in standard, queen, and king sizes, with a variety of color options. Choosing the right fit ensures your silk case stays smooth on the pillow all night, helping reduce tangles and frizz.

10. Can a silk pillowcase help with acne?

Some dermatologists suggest that silk pillowcases may help acne-prone skin. Because silk doesn't absorb oils and skincare products the way cotton does, it creates a cleaner sleep surface that may benefit sensitive or breakout-prone skin.

11. What's the best way to dry curly hair?

Wet hair is fragile, so handle it with care. Skip cotton towels that cause frizz and breakage, and instead use a microfiber towel or soft cotton T-shirt to blot curls gently. This protects hair texture and reduces frizz.

12. How much time does curly hair care take?

Caring for curly hair can feel time-consuming at first, but a consistent routine saves hours in the long run. Taking the time to apply curl cream, use a silk pillowcase, and avoid harsh shampoos helps keep curls defined, soft, and frizz-free week after week.

13. Do silk pillowcases make good gifts?

Yes! A silk pillowcase is a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves self-care, hair care, or skincare. Many retailers also offer gift cards, making it easy for the person receiving it to choose their favorite color, size, and silk weight.

14. Why choose Mulberry Park Silks?

Our silk pillowcases are made from the highest-quality mulberry silk in a charmeuse weave. Each silk case is OEKO-TEX® certified, safe for people and the environment, and designed for lasting quality. Compared to expensive options like Slip or Blissy, Mulberry Park Silks offers premium silk pillowcases at a fair price with unbeatable value. We also offer a variety of pure silk accessories like our silk head scarves and bonnets, designed to keep curls bouncy and moisturized day or night.