Bamboo Vs. Silk Pillowcase: 6 Reasons You Should Pick Bamboo
What Are Bamboo Pillowcases?
Bamboo pillowcases are made from bamboo yarn. This yarn is created by crushing bamboo plants into a pulp, extracting the coarser fibers from this pulp, and weaving the fibers together to create fabric. Bamboo fabric is similar in texture to cashmere and feels incredibly soft.
Many people favor bamboo pillowcases over those made with traditional fabrics for multiple reasons. In this post, we’ll be outlining some of the primary reasons why a bamboo pillowcase is a great investment for anyone, as well as why it might be better to choose bamboo over silk.
What Are Silk Pillowcases?
Silk is a material made from silkworm cocoons, which are created as silkworms spin silk around themselves over time. When silk is produced, these cocoons are unwound after being boiled to kill the silkworms inside.
Pillowcases made from silk have many similar benefits to bamboo pillowcases. However, the process of making silk is resource-intensive, which makes the material more expensive than bamboo in most cases. While silk and bamboo both have similar benefits, the differences in cost make bamboo pillowcases a more feasible investment for many people.
If you’re wondering which type of pillowcase will be the best fit for you, this post will give you all the information you need. Here are a few great reasons to choose a bamboo pillowcase instead of one made from silk or other fabrics.
1. Bamboo Pillowcases Can Be Made Sustainably
The use of bamboo to make fabric does not expend resources in a way that is unsustainable. Bamboo grows incredibly fast and is relatively easy to source in ethical ways. Unlike silk, which is produced by worms, bamboo grows on its own and simply needs to be processed to create the basis for high-quality fabric.
For anyone concerned about the impact that their purchases have on the environment, a bamboo pillowcase is a worthwhile investment. Knowing that your pillowcase was made sustainably allows you to stick to your moral and ethical convictions while taking great care of your hair and skin.
2. Bamboo Is Hypoallergenic
As a hypoallergenic material, bamboo is the ideal surface to rest your head on each night if you deal with seasonal allergies. Pillowcases made from fabrics like cotton can absorb dust and other allergens, making them potential irritants for anyone with allergies. Even if you wash your pillowcase frequently, it can still quickly pick up allergens from the air in your bedroom.
Sticking with a hypoallergenic material like bamboo for your pillowcase can make a big difference in the severity of your seasonal allergies. If you’re constantly finding yourself getting stuffy and sneezy when you hit the pillow at night, you may benefit from switching out your linen pillowcase to one made from bamboo. Even a simple switch like this can have a major impact on your sleep quality, too – allergies can make it tough to get the rest that you need each night, especially if yours are more severe.
3. Bamboo Won’t Make Your Hair Frizzy
Using a bamboo pillowcase can have a major impact on the amount of friction that occurs between your hair and your pillow. Unlike some fabrics, bamboo creates minimal friction when it comes into contact with your skin and hair. This reduced amount of friction is great news for your hair, especially if you shower at night. Letting your hair air-dry is a great idea if you take a shower before bed, but choosing the wrong pillowcase can mean your hair ends up frizzy and tangled by morning. To avoid frizz, make the switch to a bamboo pillowcase.
Like bamboo, silk is another material that will not cause friction when your hair and skin are pressed against it. When it comes to effectiveness, both bamboo and silk are equally good options for a low-friction pillowcase. It’s ultimately up to you to decide which one you like best!
4. Bamboo Is Great For Curly Hair
Anyone with curly hair knows the struggle of fighting against frizz, dryness, and other issues is a daily battle. The pillowcase that you sleep on can be a key player in keeping curly hair from getting dried out at night. If you are trying to prevent frizziness and dryness from interfering with your curls, sleeping with a bamboo pillowcase is a great choice.
If you have curly hair, the material that you lay your head on can potentially help or hurt you in terms of dryness. When your curls get dried out, they’ll quickly start losing their texture, volume, and distinct look. The friction caused by traditional pillowcases can cause your curls to lose some of their naturally-retained hydration at night, but bamboo is a great friction-free alternative.
What About Silk For Curly Hair?
Silk pillowcases are another good option for anyone with curly hair. However, there are a few drawbacks of silk when it comes to maintaining your curls. Unlike bamboo, silk is tightly woven, making it difficult for air to pass through your pillowcase. While this might not seem like a factor that would influence the quality of your sleep, it can make a big difference in one major way – making you too hot. If you have a full head of long, curly hair, your head may start feeling warm as you sleep on a silk pillowcase.
In addition, silk pillowcases may not be a great choice if you have curly hair and adhere to a vegan lifestyle. Silk products are made through methods that cause the deaths of many silkworms. While this might not be concerning to some, you may want to avoid using a silk pillowcase if you want to ensure that the products you purchase were made without causing harm to animals.
5. The Price Difference
As previously mentioned, silk pillowcases can be significantly more expensive than their bamboo counterparts. In addition, the number of resources needed to produce a single pound of silk far outnumbers the amount used to produce the same amount of bamboo. Likewise, bamboo is a much more abundant material than silk, and it can be turned into fabric much faster. For these reasons, bamboo pillowcases tend to be more budget-friendly.
You shouldn’t need to spend outside of your means to take great care of your hair and skin. A good pillowcase may be in investment, but it shouldn’t be one that you have to break the bank for. If you are concerned about the cost of a high-quality pillowcase, bamboo is the way to go.
6. Bamboo Is Better For Sensitive Skin
Bamboo has natural properties that allow it to dispel bacteria. This makes the material an ideal choice for anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin. In addition, bamboo’s bacteria-banishing properties help to keep your pillowcase smelling good until its next wash.
Your pillowcase can play a significant role in the vicious cycle of breakouts or irritated skin. If you choose the wrong fabric, your pillow may be exposing your skin to bacteria or causing increased friction and irritation. Choosing a bamboo pillowcase can help you break out of the breakout cycle, and it can also provide soothing relief for more sensitive skin.
To learn more about simple, practical ways to take better care of your hair, visit the GroMD blog. There, you’ll find helpful tips for hair care, as well as valuable information about the science of hair loss prevention.
Sources:
07 DecMade From Material Guide: Is Bamboo Fabric Sustainable?
Bamboo Bedding: Take Control of Asthma & Allergy
How Often to Wash Your Pillowcase to Prevent Acne | Health.com