Last Updated on December 18, 2022 by Gaga
Ever wonder how “bad hair days” come to be? When you have something resembling a tumbleweed sitting on your head, your first instinct is likely to grab the flat iron to correct the mess. Though it often feels like a stroke of bad luck or a sign of worse things to come, it’s really not that deep. One likely reason for your messy hair is your pillowcase.
As harmless as they may seem, pillowcases have the power to affect your skin and hair while you sleep. Think about it: you spend a decent amount of hours every night with your head nestled on a pillowcase. If you often twist in your sleep and use a rough pillowcase, a frizzy head of hair is inevitable. Similarly, if you suffer from hair breakage and split ends, a gentle pillowcase would be a good way to go.
Today, we’re breaking down the benefits of bamboo pillowcases and exploring some options available in the market.
What are the benefits of a Bamboo Pillowcase for Hair?
While traditional cotton pillowcases are more cost-friendly, they tend to absorb natural oils leaving your hair dry and brittle. They also have a rough surface that may cause unwanted friction as you move in your sleep.
Bamboo pillowcases, however, are the superior option for you as they can:
Reduce frizz and tangling: Bamboo pillowcases have a silky-smooth feel, which reduces tension and allows your strands to effortlessly glide over the surface. As a result, you’ll notice less frizz and overall healthier hair. Similarly, if you have textured hair, ditching your cotton pillowcase for one made of bamboo may improve the health of your hair in the long term.
Protect your style: You’ll also notice increased longevity in your hairstyle when using a bamboo pillowcase. For example, that blowout you spent way too much money on at the salon will last longer when you sleep on an ultra-smooth bamboo pillowcase.
Keep you cool and dry: Unlike cotton or silk, which often get warm, bamboo pillowcases make you feel cooler in hot weather. Bamboo fabric is a highly sweat-absorbent material that in addition to cooling properties helps to keep your hairstyle in place.
Additional Benefits of Bamboo Pillowcases
Bamboo has been emerging in all forms lately: straws, utensils, and toothbrushes – just to name a few. To provide more eco-friendly options, brands are open to making just about anything bamboo. So, if you are environmentally conscious, bamboo likely has already earned your attention.
Bamboo pillowcases do more than just care for your hair. Below are some additional benefits of using a bamboo pillowcase.
Bamboo might be hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Some evidence suggests that bamboo fibers can slow down the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Less microbial and high breathability help protect sensitive skin from inflammation.
Bamboo is low maintenance. Bamboo fabric can go in the washer and dryer. You should wash bamboo pillowcases on a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water. They do wrinkle in the dryer. To reduce wrinkling issues, put them to lay flat after the drying cycle or hang them on a drying rack to air dry.
Bamboo pillowcases are vegan-friendly: If you’re vegan, a bamboo pillowcase may be a good alternative to silk for you, as they don’t sacrifice the welfare of animals in production. Plus, bamboo is a highly renewable resource.
Bamboo vs Silk Pillowcase
For years, silk pillowcases have been hailed as one of the best solutions for hair damage. Silk fabric has a smooth, luxurious surface, so it’s less likely that your hair will suffer from frizz and tangles.
Unfortunately, good things come at a cost – the same can be said for silk pillowcases. High-quality silk is one of the most expensive fabrics on the market. If you’re trying to save money, a bamboo pillowcase could be a more economical option.
Bamboo pillowcases are easier to maintain. To retain its softness, Silk should be hand washed whenever possible. Bamboo pillowcases can be tossed into the washing machine with your everyday clothes, but make sure to avoid hot water.
Another factor to consider is the production method of silk. Silk pillowcases are made from silkworms, meaning they are not a viable option for vegans or anyone concerned about animal welfare.
Which Bamboo Fabrics are Eco-Friendly?
Well, it depends on how bamboo fibers have been made. The bamboo plant is highly sustainable as a raw material. However, some products made of bamboo aren’t eco-friendly as the production method also matters.
1. Bamboo viscose/rayon: The majority of bamboo pillow covers are made of bamboo viscose, also known as bamboo rayon. The viscose rayon process involves the use of potentially hazardous chemicals and isn’t good for the planet. In addition to that, some manufacturers don’t use ethical labor practices.
2. Bamboo Lyocell is an innovative and high-quality textile for bedding products. Bamboo lyocell fabric is sustainably sourced and is also stronger and softer than bamboo rayon. Ettitude is the first company that makes bedding products from this innovative textile material. Their exclusive line of bamboo bedding is called CleanBamboo.
3. Bamboo Linen: (also known as bast bamboo fiber), is produced mechanically, without chemicals. This bamboo fabric is sustainably manufactured and eco-friendly, but it is slightly coarse and wrinkles easily. The coarse texture makes it a non-suitable option for pillow covers. Another disadvantage is that this bamboo textile requires a lot of maintenance (ironing).
How to Choose the Best Bamboo Pillowcase for Hair?
When purchasing a pillowcase with your hair in mind, you should pay attention to the type of bamboo fabric used to make the product you are going to buy.
Bamboo pillow covers made of bamboo rayon are prevalent in this market segment. They are soft and gentle on your hair. Plus, they can increase your sleep quality during hot summer nights. However, if you are environmentally conscious, you can’t rest assured that you have purchased a ‘green’ product.
Pillowcases made with bamboo linen fibers are the most environmentally friendly option. However, this fabric doesn’t feel silky and won’t offer any benefit to your hair. That is why bamboo linen fabric is not a good choice for your pillowcase.
Pillowcases made of bamboo lyocell are an ideal option that can meet both the customer demand for a high-quality product and a sustainable production process. They are made from 100% bamboo and add a luxurious touch to your bedroom. Bamboo lyocell tends to be more expensive than bamboo viscose (rayon) fabric, but it will help you put your bad hair days to rest.
Gaga is a blogger and founder of the Softer Hair website. She often says that insomnia is to blame for her first blogging attempts. Being the night owl, she hated the morning alarm. She left her office job and returned to what she loved most - writing.