Ever detangled your hair and then wondered why you wake up with frizz, knots or tangles in your hair only eight hours later? Or better yet, why some people have more wrinkles when compared to others with silk sheets and pillowcases? Well, you are not alone.
Simply put, cotton products are the culprits here. There's no easy way to say it, so let's just put it out there!
For years, most people have been using silk products to wrap their hair while they sleep and when they wake up their hair looks shinier than ever. With that in mind, scroll down to understand why silk should be a priority item on your next shopping list.
What is Silk?
Silk is the most durable natural fibre in the world. It is famous for its shine, lustre, sustainable fibres and durability. Besides that, it has a long trading history around the globe. In fact, silk is seen as the epitome of luxury, all thanks to its high production cost, elegant appearance and soft feel.
Silk is more like an indulgence, but definitely worth the price due to its many superior qualities. It's not only the finest of all fibres but also the strongest of them all. It is used to make rugs, accessories, garments, home furnishings and tapestries among other items. What's more, silk is a very popular textile in fashion design and high-end textiles.
Silk is the natural protein fibre that silkworms produce. Although other insects are also capable of producing silk, only the silk from silkworms is used for textile purposes. In the world today, we have a wide range of commercially produced and consumed silk. So let's look at some of the different types. 
What is Mulberry Silk?
Mulberry silk is not only the most popular type of silk there is but also the highest quality we have in the market. In fact, mulberry silk accounts for almost 90% of the silk supply in the world. And what sets apart the mulberry silk from all other types is the production process.
Mulberry silk is mostly imported from China, where there are farmers who grow the mulberry trees. The leaves of this tree are the preferred diet for silkworms. After that, when these silkworms form cocoons they can be spun into threads and fibres of raw silk.
However, during the production process, there are strict guidelines that must ensure the silkworm larvae makes smooth, elegant, round, and uniform threads. The silk extracted from silkworm that feeds of mulberry trees is white, soft, and highly refined.
Also, it has a more uniform color when compared to other types of silk. And not only is it sturdy and durable, but it also has the most luxurious feeling.
What are the Different Types of Silk?
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1. Charmeuse Silk
Charmeuse silk is precisely what we have in mind whenever we think of the traditional silk. Most people call it the satin silk. It features a shimmery satin weave in the front, although at the back of the fabric it has a dull matte finish.
Charmeuse silk comes with a beautiful drape to it, all thanks to its soft and lightweight nature. The qualities of this type of silk make it ideal for the production of delicate lingerie, dresses, blouses and scarves. This is the type of silk you should choose when seeking hair protection during sleep.
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2. Chiffon
When it comes to chiffon, it's basically a very lightweight kind of silk made from fine twisted yarns. The fabric is intentionally spaced out to make it transparent. Unless when used with scarves, chiffon garments typically require backing or lining.
The fabric can, however, be used to make special occasion dresses, linings in addition to scarves. And just like most other types of silk, it offers a beautiful drape. It's just what you would go for if you need to create volume or layering.
Other Types of Silk Include:
- Brocade Silk - highly decorative woven fabric made of coloured silks & often with gold & silver metallic threads
- Dupion Silk - distinctive pearlescent look, this material is often made in a two-tone look.
- Georgette Silk - soft, lightweight (though not as sheer as a chiffon silk) with a slightly crinkled surface texture
- Organza - thin, sheer fabric with a sheen finish. Historically made of silk though now often made of synthetic materials to keep costs down
How to Distinguish Between Good and Poor-Quality Silk?
The worldwide reputation of silk is that it's a universal premier luxury fabric. Throughout history, silk has been used for various purposes, and to date, it still remains the fabric of choice for most high-end applications.
The best thing about silk is that it is a very high-quality fabric. However, several factors set apart expensive silk fabrics from the cheap ones. These include:
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Mulberry Cultivated Silk vs. Wild Silk:
First of all, cultivated silkworms create a smoother finish, higher quality and is often more expensive than the silk created by wild silkworms. Cultivated silk has a brightness that may be difficult to replicate in wild silk due to the non-uniform texture.
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Momme Count:
Another factor that helps you distinguish excellent and poor-quality silk is the momme count. In case you are wondering what this is; it's a unique weight measurement used for high-quality fabrics. Typically, good quality silk should not be less than 12 momme. A higher momme weight means that more silk was used in the production process of the fabric.
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Thread Count:
The thread count of the silk is the other distinguishing factor. Generally, good quality silk should exceed a thread count of 400. The thread and momme count are the leading indicators of the durability of that particular silk fabric.
So, what is the Momme Count and How Does it Affect Fabric Quality?
As we've already mentioned, momme is like the measurement of the weight, and therefore the thickness of the silk fabric. It helps to determine the silk quality. It's similar to how we use thread count to assess the quality of cotton. Given that silk is such a fine fabric, using thread count would be inaccurate.
And when it comes to the momme count, a higher momme weight means the thicker the fabric and the better the quality of silk fabric. If you are a first-time silk buyer, 19 momme is a good option for bedding that will experience a lot of use. It's generally the industry standard weight for sleepwear, headscarves and lingerie.
It's perfectly light enough to give you ultimate comfort but at the same time durable enough to last. However, when it comes to other silk products, the momme count could be pushed even higher to offer an even better silk quality.
What is Satin?
You probably know satin as just a soft, shiny fabric used to make fancy dresses. However, there's more to it than just that. The satin weave could comprise many other types of materials. Also, it can be used in many different ways besides being the go-to fabric for bride's maid gowns and dresses.
Mostly, satin refers to the weave itself and not the textile as most people think. Most fabric that we refer to as satin in items from upholstery to bags is not natural and comes with a soft and shiny finish. While satin has a lustrous outer surface, it comes with a duller surface on the other side.
Silk vs. Satin: What is Better for Your Hair?
Satin is a much cheaper option compared to silk. However, if you aim to use an all-natural fibre, then silk is the best fabric for you. A satin pillowcase or headscarf might provide you with similar benefits as silk when made with a better-quality woven technique such as charmeuse satin.
Is Silk Good for My Hair? Does it Make a Difference?
Of course, silk is great for your hair. In fact, silk is one of the best ways to protect your hair in 2020 just like it would have been in thousands of years ago. Take time and imagine the luxurious feel of running your fingers across a piece of silk fabric; it feels insanely smooth, right? That's the same gliding sensation that your hair experiences and the reason why silk causes less abrasive friction as it protects your hair compared to other materials.
Actually, that is why silk is popping up in most of the fashionable hair accessories that you have in mind. This material plays an essential role in the health of your hair. That's because silk allows your hair to move smoothly, unlike other materials. And that's not all!
Silk helps to preserve the blow dried stretch in your hair for days. And this means you don't have to continually expose your hair to heat to maintain its flawless look. All you have to do is use silk as an accessory, especially when you sleep, and your hair will be perfect for a simple brush in the morning.
When you use silk your hair will look smoother and shinier than ever before. It will almost feel like you blow-dry your hair every other day. But the truth of the matter is that; you've been using silk. 
How Can I Use Silk to Protect My Hair and Skin?
There are several ways you can accessorise with silk to your advantage. With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the best ways you can use this fabric to protect your hair and skin.
1. Pillowcase
Well, truth be told, sleeping on a silk pillowcase will not only make you feel like a member of the royal family, but it will also do wonders for your skin and hair. And that's why most experts will recommend the use of silk.
Silk typically has little to zero absorbency. What that means is that the silk pillowcase will not transfer or absorb your hair's natural oils. Therefore, maintain the fresh and moisturised hair look.
The second thing is that if you use a silk pillowcase, it will help reduce friction. Your hair will naturally glide over the pillow as you sleep hence reducing tangles in your hair. Natural hair is quite delicate, no matter the type of hair you have. We all spend close to eight or more hours in sleep. So, ensuring that your hair is protected using quality fabric is crucial.
Smooth fabrics such as silk will encourage your hair to grow strong and healthy without any split ends or less frizz. Another major factor you should have in mind is that cotton pillowcases lead to premature wrinkles on your face.
2. Silk Scarf
Most people love using silk scarves. It's an accessory that you could literally spot any time of the day. During the day, silk scarves are a fun way to add some playfulness to your outfit.
And at night you can use silk scarves to wrap your hair to protect it. That's mostly because silk scarfs reduce the friction between your hair and any surfaces hence eliminating damage to the shafts of your hair, or "hair burns". More importantly, wrapping your hair in silk will ensure it doesn't fall out of place like, for instance, if you sleep with rollers on.
3. Scrunchie
Using a scrunchie made out of silk will help prevent the breaking or pulling of hair when you take it down or put your hair up. On the other hand, elastic bands hurt the health of your hair as they cause unnecessary and excessive tension on the strands.
4. Silk-lined Hats
Well, we all know that hat hair is never an easy look to pull off. But if you wear a silk-lined hat, you can improve your style and still look fresh. And on top of that, the silk lining is far less harsh to your hair when compared to other materials, for instance, cotton, wool or even polyester mixes.
5. Headbands
Headbands are currently making headway in trends and fashion, and we can all get behind it. That's because headbands are great when washing your face or when using your skincare treatment. More importantly, silk headbands are a cool accessory, and at the same time, it can pull your hair back without any damage.
6. Silk Proteins
I know this might be outside the realms of what you'd consider when thinking of silk, but bear with me for a moment, deal? Most, if not all, of the products we use today, have an element of silk proteins. From shampoos and masks to conditioners. And that's because silk proteins act as anti-breakage agent and also heat protectant.
Thanks to these qualities, silk proteins can help to reinforce and strengthen your hair. And since silk has an insane ability to retain water, it can also infuse moisture into your hair. It's an all round star performer - strengthens and hydrates!
In summary, we prefer silk over satin for maintaining healthy hair...
Silk and satin are both improvements for your hair vs. cotton or linen. Though the feeling of a smooth silk just cannot be beaten.
Check out our beautiful floral 16 momme silk scarf for sale here - in stock now!
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