If you often wake up looking like lightning has struck you down in the middle of the night, then the best silk hair wraps for sleeping are about to have you waking up looking and feeling like the goddess you were destined to be. Wearing a silk hair wrap provides a protective barrier between your hair and the pillow. This reduces the risk of breakage, preserves your cute hairstyles overnight and can even promote hair growth. So you can hop out of bed looking like the best version of yourself with minimal effort.
Silk hair wraps have a long history in the role of hair and beauty and have been used by various cultures for centuries. The use of satin and silk head scarves, bonnets or wraps for hair care gained popularity as people recognised the benefits of the materials in reducing friction and promoting overall hair health. So, after you give your hair a good clean with your favourite hair growth shampoo, give it a good dry with the hair dryer, style it and then pop it into a silk hair wrap, and you are ready to sleep. Don't worry, we give a step-by-step guide at the end of this article.
Best hair wraps for sleeping at a glance:
• Best silk wrap overall: SILKE Hair Wrap - view on Cult Beauty
• Best multi-use silk bonnet: Multi-Use Silk Tie Bonnet - view on LilySilk
• Best silk wrap for thick hair: Slip Pure Silk Turban - view on John Lewis
Hair wrapping has been particularly prevalent among the Afro-Caribbean community, and people with textured or curly hair. Hair wrapping for these hair types is especially important because minimising breakage and maintaining moisture are crucial for having healthy hair. However, all hair types can benefit from using silk hair wraps.
Best satin and silk hair wraps for sleeping
Best silk wrap overall
Credit: Cult Beauty www.cultbeauty.co.uk
SILKE hair wraps have become one of the most popular brands of hair wraps. SILKE uses pure mulberry silk, which is favoured for its luxurious feel and hypoallergenic properties. We love that this hair wrap comes in a selection of colours to suit your individual style.
Customer review: "This has made a huge difference to my thick curly hair. I've used other bonnets, but this is the one that has made the biggest difference. My hair is silkier to the touch, and my curls are less frizzy between refreshes. This morning, I took the hair wrap off, shook my head, and I was good to go! "
Pros
- It fits all head sizes
- 100 per cent mulberry silk
- Multiple colour options
Cons
- Some found the material thin
Best silk wrap for thick hair
Credit: John Lewis Walmart
Slip has developed and refined silk wraps for more than ten years to provide the ultimate wrap that offers softness and durability. In laboratory testing, slipsilk was shown to create 43 per cent less friction*, on average, versus cotton pillowcases. (*Compared to widely available cotton pillowcases with a 220-360 thread count.)
Customer review: "I don't normally leave reviews but I purchased this to help with my hair that normally gets knotty in the night, and I've started to see some thinning on the sides. After a couple of months of using this, I have noticed I no longer wake up with knotty hair, and it's helped reduce the amount of restyling and straightening the next day as well as feeling like it's helping the snagging of my hair and thinning on the sides. In terms of size, I have an average size head, and it fits lovely with an elastic stretch - so it should be comfortable for most. It stays on and feels great!"
Pros
- Suits all hair types
- Laboratory tested
- Great for gifting
Cons
- It may be a loose fit on short and/or fine hair
Top pick for design
Credit: Sephorawww.sephora.co.uk
The SILKE Hair Wrap protects the hair to eliminate the nightly friction of bed linen against your hair cuticles that causes breakages, frizz and split ends. We love this gorgeous, understated chic design.
Customer review: "It takes a few days to get used to due to the stitching on the front, and you have to pull it down over your ears to keep it on at night, but it has worked wonders for my hair! I didn’t wash it for over a week, and it kept it knot-free, shiny and clean."
Pros
- Handmade in London
- 100 per cent silk
- Chic design
Cons
- Some found it slips during the night
Best multi-use silk bonnet
Credit: Lily Silkwww.lilysilk.com
This pure silk bonnet from LILYSILK doesn't just feel luxurious — it also looks sophisticated too. Made with 100 per cent mulberry silk, it features an elastic band to help it stay put all night.
Pros
- Neutral colours
- Responsibly crafted
- Adjustable band
Cons
- No online customer reviews
Best multi-pack
Credit: AmazonWhilst silk bonnets are a great investment, satin sleep wraps are a cheaper alternative. This two-pack sleep bonnet will help protect your hair from friction and potential breakage. We love that this sleep wrap comes in different sizes, making it less likely to fall on while you are sleeping.
Customer review: "I love these bonnets so much that I have ordered three (six pieces in total), including for members of my family. You get two per order in black and shimmery maroon colour. The material is flawless satin, and it comes in different sizes.
"I ordered XL because we do have long hair in our family, and I personally am transitioning, so half of my hair is straight (keratin treated), and half of it is curly. The bonnets have a comfortable band which prevents it from moving while tossing and turning at night. The bonnet stays on, yet it’s so comfortable.
"Since the bonnet slides on the pillow, there is no trauma to the hair. I have noticed less breakage for sure. Also, I don’t like to see shedding hair on the pillow or bed, so this bonnet means less mental trauma as well due to less hair shedding and also the fact that any hair isn’t dispersed on the bed. I would definitely buy this product again."
Pros
- Different sizing options
- Two hair wraps
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some found that the colour transfers onto white pillows
Best for silk wrap braids and big hair
Credit: AmazonHaving big hair shouldn't stop you from wearing a bonnet, albeit it makes it a little bit more challenging.
This silk wrap has been designed with bigger hair in mind, and it is larger than the other wraps on the list.
Customer review: "It's a beautiful bonnet. My daughter loves it. She has super curly hair."
Pros
- Great for braids, rollers, hair clamps and up-dos
- Tie band
- Cute design
Cons
- Not silk
Best adjustable silk style hair wrap
Credit: AmazonPerfect for people who have slightly smaller heads, this silk sleep bonnet can be tightened or loosened for comfort. This hair wrap is thermo-regulating, which helps to keep your head nice and cool whilst you rest.
Customer review: "Saw huge improvement after using this at night. My hair the next day is finally no longer frizzy and brittle! I also apply a bit of hair oil on the ends of my hair before wearing the bonnet. The only downside is, it kind of slips around if I’m moving my head on the pillow, so I have to be extra careful about it."
Pros
- Adjustable drawstring
- Thermo regulating
- Sustainably sourced
Cons
- You have to pull the drawstrings tight
Best silk wrap long hair
Credit: Etsy www.etsy.com
If you have long hair, then you will know that finding a head wrap that fits all of your luscious locks can be a challenge. Whilst your standard wrap may come off, this extra-long hair satin bonnet will protect your hair throughout the night.
Customer review: "I adore! My hair is super smooth and doesn't tangle the next day! A big must when you have washed your hair, you put it on at least one night with it, and your hair is slightly damp, and it stays beautiful throughout the week."
Pros
- High-quality satin
- Adjustable tie
- One size fits all.
Cons
- Hand wash and air-dry it
Best for thin hair
Credit: Look fantastic This satin hair wrap is one size fits all. However, after reading the reviews, most customers found that this was the best wrap for thin hair because it is a little smaller than some of the other wraps on this list.
Customer review: "I love this. It fits really well and protects your hair well."
Pros
- Perfect for curly hair
- 100 per cent polyester satin
- Fits most
Cons
- Not adjustable
What is the difference between satin and silk hair wraps?
Satin and silk hair wraps are both popular choices for protecting hair, but they differ in material composition. Silk is a natural fibre produced by silkworms, prized for its smooth texture and ability to retain moisture. Silk hair wraps are known for reducing friction, preventing breakage, and maintaining hair health.
On the other hand, satin refers to a weave pattern rather than a specific material, and it can be made from various fibres, including polyester, acetate, or nylon. While satin can offer a similar smoothness to silk, it may not possess the same natural moisture-retaining properties. Some people may prefer silk for its luxurious feel and potential benefits for hair, but others may opt for satin wraps as they are more affordable.
How to use a silk wrap for sleeping
**Start with clean hair:
**Begin with clean, dry, or slightly damp hair. You can apply a leave-in conditioner or any preferred hair products before wrapping.
**Brush or comb your hair:
**Gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles. This helps reduce knots and tangles while wrapping.
**Choose the right wrap:
**Select a silk bonnet or wrap. Ensure it is large enough to comfortably cover your hair without causing compression.
**Gather your hair:
**Bend forward slightly and gather all your hair at the top of your head as if creating a high ponytail. Smooth out any bumps or knots.
**Secure the hair:
**Use a silk scrunchie or a hair-friendly elastic band to secure the gathered hair in a loose ponytail. This helps prevent hair from shifting during the night.
**Place the silk wrap or bonnet:
**Hold the silk wrap or bonnet open and gently place it over your hair. Ensure that all your hair is comfortably enclosed within the wrap.
**Adjust for comfort:
**Make sure the wrap is snug but not too tight. The goal is to keep your hair in place without causing tension on your scalp.
**Secure in place:
**If your wrap has ties or an elastic band, secure it in place. Make sure it won't slip off during the night.
**Cover your edges:
**Pay attention to your edges and baby hairs, ensuring they are tucked into the wrap. This helps protect these delicate areas.
**Sleep comfortably:
**With your hair securely wrapped, you're ready to sleep. The silk wrap will help minimize friction, reduce breakage, and maintain your hairstyle.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively wrap your hair in a silk bonnet or wrap to promote hair health and wake up with a well-maintained hairstyle. If you don't like the idea of wearing something on your head, you can try a silk pillowcase instead.
Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that make her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.