People are constantly looking for the magic fix for everything, so what if I told you that you could fix practically every insecurity from your shoulders up?

Silk pillowcases are taking the internet by storm. Their supporters promise a multitude of benefits for skin, hair, and health; that you will feel now like the soothing feel of a silk pillow, and some that you will feel for the rest of your life like the prevention of wrinkles and hair breakage. There is no doubt that these silk pillowcases feel more luxurious during the night, but do they really live up to all of the claims?

Let’s start with the hair benefits. The one I find most attractive is the frizz/bed head prevention. A silk pillowcase’s smooth surface prevents friction which supposedly leads to less frizz and tangles. Since silk is less porous than fabrics such as cotton and linen, it is also supposed to help your hair maintain moisture. This prevents breakage and leaves your hair looking shiny and bouncy.

Now onto the skin. Similar to hair, your skin also benefits from less friction and more moisture. Less friction leads to less development of wrinkles since your skin is not being stretched and pulled every which way. The silk also helps to hydrate your skin. Which is important around here!

A benefit that your hair doesn’t gain is the soothing feeling of the pillowcase. Since silk is smoother than other fabrics it irritates skin less, so a silk pillowcase is supposedly a good option for people with sensitive skin or who are prone to irritated skin or acne.

A less publicized benefit is that a silk pillowcase is less likely to make you sick. Silk is hypoallergenic and non-toxic, but contrary to popular belief it is not actually antimicrobial. Silk tends to absorb fewer particles from your skincare, and room. This means that it is less likely to hold on to things like dust which could trigger allergies. Since silk is naturally breathable it can reduce allergy symptoms too. Many silk pillowcases are also certified to be nontoxic, meaning they are free of harmful chemicals, toxins, and other irritants.

There is also an argument to be made that silk pillowcases increase sleep quality. Everyone knows the feeling of laying in bed trying to fall asleep and you realise you are too hot. The obvious next step is to flip your pillow over to the cold side, but then…that side is also warm. The insult “I hope your pillow is warm on both sides” has also been increasing in popularity due to the uncomfortable sensation. Due to their light, breathable, and natural fibers, silk pillowcases are incredible at regulating temperature, leading to a pillow that has two cool sides.

One negative of silk pillowcases is their price tag. While there are many luxury brands gaining popularity, there are a surprising amount of silk pillowcases being sold on Amazon for less than $20. Next, I will walk you through my experience with two pillowcases at different price points.

I am very grateful to have received two silk pillowcases for Christmas this year. One is from a more high-end brand called Blissy and the one from an Amazon seller.

Opening the two cases on christmas morning, Blissy’s packaging was significantly nicer and came with more care instructions, while the Amazon one came in a plastic bag. They both felt smooth. The Amazon case seemed to be thicker while still being more see-through than the Blissy one. Before using either of the pillowcases, I washed them with cool water. After the first wash, they were still about the same in terms of smoothness.

After sleeping on them for about a month I can say that I have seen and felt an improvement in my hair and sleep quality, but not my skin. I have always had acne and there will always be ups and downs. Sometimes you have clear skin and then sometimes it flares up. It is hard to measure over the course of the last month if the pillowcases have truly made a change. If they have it isn’t very noticeable.

I wake every morning with fewer tangles in my hair and I notice less damage when I have to sleep with my hair still wet. Both pillows feel luxurious and soothing on your skin during the whole night.

From the past month of experience I can confidently recommend a silk pillowcase in general. In terms of how much to spend, I am surprisingly happier with the Amazon one. After the second wash the Blissy one became less smooth and is more wrinkled. The Amazon one appears to be holding up better, making it more comfortable to sleep on. Therefore I recommend an Amazon silk pillowcase over the more luxurious brands and cotton pillowcases.