Wearing a silk or satin bonnet is something I never liked doing as a child. But the best silk bonnets today are nothing like the ones I grew up with.
The reason for my childhood strife: I hated looking like a chef before bed and 99% of the time I’d wake up with my bonnet lost in the sheets, or even worse, on the floor. I understood that wearing one would help protect my hair from breakage, dryness, and frizziness, and keep my strands looking healthy after a visit to the salon. But to me, they just weren’t serving their purpose if they didn’t stay on during the night.
That’s why I was excited to test some of the newest bonnets on the market, to see if they solved some of the problems I grew up with. My favorite: Sleepy Tie’s The Luxe Bonnet actually did the job of staying in place during the night and even felt comfortable to sleep in. I also loved options like the Slip Pure Silk Turban and Blissy Bonnet that both feature a sleek turban styling to avoid the oversized “chef” look I always despised. Those worked great for my 3C curly textured hair with fine strands, but I’ve also included options on this list that cater to those who have thick hair, long hair, curly hair, textured hair, braids, locs and more.
The best silk bonnets, at a glance
Best Overall: Sleepy Tie The LuxeBonnet
For many, their biggest issue with bonnets is that they don’t securely stay on your head during the night. However, Sleepy Tie’s option features an adjustable soft spandex bow tie that keeps it secure. When testing this, I loved how easy it was to wear—and the fact that it really did stay on during the entire night without any issue. The LuxeBonnet is very roomy, so those with thinner hair might feel like they have a lot of fabric on their heads, but the sizing would be great for anyone with thick hair, long hair, or anyone who uses hair tools like traditional curlers or heatless wave curlers.
Most Aesthetic: Slip Pure Silk Turban
While many silk or satin bonnets look like an oversized “chef’s hat,” the Slip Pure Silk Turban is exactly the opposite. Its turban-style design actually feels chic but is still highly functional when it comes to preventing frizz or maintaining a hair style. It’s something I might even wear around the house during the day. When trying this item, I loved how easy it was to put on since it just features an elastic band. Although there was extra room for someone who has thicker or longer hair than I do, it didn’t feel like I had a bunch of excess material hanging off of my head, which can be annoying while sleeping. However, I’m a very mobile sleeper and move around quite a bit. While the turban never fully slid off, I did readjust it during the night.
Best for Preventing Red Lines LilySilk Elastic Bonnet
One of the downsides of wearing a silk bonnet or satin bonnet is that sometimes indentations or red lines can appear on the forehead where the elastic band or tie was during the night. While these obviously fade, it can be annoying, especially for anyone rushing out of the house. However, the LilySilk Elastic Bonnet has a flat design at the front above the forehead so that issues like marks or red lines don’t happen. It also features an adjustable elastic drawstring so that you can tailor the fit depending on your head size and how much hair you have.
Best for Natural Hair Styles: Glow by Daye Satin Bonnet
Many protective bonnets or head scarves also come in satin which offers many of the same benefits as silk. The Glow by Daye Satin Bonnet is made from high grade satin to protect against split ends, dry hair and general bedhead. Additionally, the extra-large fit of this bonnet was specifically designed with long hair, thick hair, natural hair types and styles, braids and styles like roller sets in mind. However, some users sometimes still find they need a little extra room.
Best for Thick Curly Hair: Kitsch Satin Bonnet
If you have short, thin or fine hair, this bonnet might not be the best choice for you. It’s an adjustable, oversized bonnet for a reason. The Kitsch Satin Bonnet is relatively large (XL), making it a great option for anyone with very thick, curly hair or even those with styles like long braids or locs. It features an adjustable band to keep it secure and the satin is super soft for comfort.
Best for Maintaining Edges: Yanibest Sleeping Bonnet
For anyone who styles their edges or prefers to have their baby hair perfectly laid, the large spandex band around this bonnet keeps everything in place. The long band also helps to reduce unwanted marks or indentations along the forehead. The soft satin that this bonnet is made of will help to reduce frizz and overall bedhead and maintain your hair’s moisture. However, it should be noted that satin is slightly less breathable than silk, which might be a downside if you’re a hot sleeper.
Best Budget Pick: AWAYTR Bonnet
This bonnet was made for multiple hair types and textures. It comes in one size (large) but features an adjustable band for a tailored fit. While this might work for some people, there are those with smaller heads or thinner hair types will feel like this bonnet is slightly too big for their needs. It should also be noted that although these bonnets are great for sleeping, this double-layered satin option can be worn outside of the bedroom while cooking or cleaning to maintain a hairstyle or keep unwanted smells out of your hair.
Best for Preventing Frizz: Bonnet Queen Large Satin Sleep Bonnet
One of the worst things when protecting your hair is wearing a bonnet that doesn’t allow the head to breath and finding out you’ve sweat out your hairstyle in the morning. Users say that this pick is great because it manages to keep the head cool during the night. As is the case with many bonnets that offer one adjustable size, some users report that it will slip during the night. However, this large size can be beneficial for those with thicker or curly hair for reducing frizziness and friction.
Frequently asked questions about silk bonnets
Are silk bonnets good for your hair?
Minimizing frizz and avoiding breakage while sleeping isn’t always easy, but that’s where silk (or satin) bonnets come in handy. “When you sleep, your hair is rubbing against the pillow throughout the night which can create friction,” says hairstylist, Vanessa Ocando. “A silk bonnet minimizes the rubbing and helps you wake up with frizz-free hair.”
How often should I wash my silk bonnet?
How often someone chooses to wash their silk bonnets boils down to a few lifestyle factors. For Ocando, she washes her silk bonnets depending on how often she wears it and how much product she has in her hair at the time of use. “I usually wash my bonnet twice a week when I’m wearing it every night and have my hair curly, which means more curly hair product,” she says. “When I’m wearing my hair straight, I can get away with washing it once a week.” However, not washing a bonnet enough and can cause some unpleasant side effects. Tukia Allen, a hair educator coach at the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes Atlanta says, “Product transferred from bonnet to skin could lead to more oiliness of the skin, skin irritations, and pimples.”
Should I sleep with a silk bonnet every night?
Ocando points out that it’s not always necessary to use a bonnet every single night. However, wearing it while trying to prolong a style like a silk press or twist out is a great idea. Allen says wearing a bonnet every night to “keep hair in order, sleek and shiny” is what works for her.
Are silk bonnets better than silk pillowcases?
Both experts agree that silk bonnets and silk pillowcases serve the same purpose. However, when it comes to the bonnet, Allen says, “the bonnet provides more focus on keeping hair in place while sleeping.” So when it comes to maintaining a style, a bonnet might be a better choice, although both options can help protect the hair and cause less friction and frizz. “Personally, I find it easier to commit to sleeping on my silk pillowcase every night vs. using a bonnet,” says Ocando. “The pillowcase is lifesaving for my curls, and I would recommend investing in a silk pillowcase before a bonnet.” You could also use silk sheets for even more frizz protection.
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