Growing up with frizzy hair, I never understood why it would look like a dry, tangled mess every morning. Now I realize it’s because I was, one, using a cotton pillowcase, and two, I wasn’t using one of these magical inventions called a silk hair cap for sleeping.
Using a wrap, bonnet, or cap while sleeping isn’t new; it’s been used by generations of women with curly and textured hair. And those of us with fine and delicate hair are taking note! Today’s silk hair caps for sleeping are not only made with better materials, but there’s now loads of pretty options, too!
I only recently started wearing a silk sleeping cap (and using a silk pillowcase!) because I was hesitant to believe it worked—it initially felt like pseudo-science. But, over the past few months, I noticed my hair has fewer frizzy pieces and looks softer and smoother every morning.
As someone who’s now a silk hair cap convert, these are the best ones available in the market today.
Looking for a silk pillowcase that was specially designed JUST for hair? Shop The Pillowcase here.
Hold on, how do you wear a hair cover for sleeping?
One of the questions I normally get when I tell people I use a silk hair cap to sleep is, “Doesn’t it come off during the night?”
My answer: if you wear the right size, it won’t!
Think of a silk sleep cap for hair like a hat. If it’s too small, it’s tight around your head and will eventually come off. If it’s too big, it’ll cover half your head. When it’s the right size, it easily covers your scalp without feeling like it’s glued down to your head.
As a messy sleeper (I toss and turn and usually sleep on my side) with a small head and shoulder-length hair, I’m more partial to a cap than a bonnet. Of course, your preference will depend on your hair length and hair texture.
First, brush your hair so there are no knots. If you have wavy, curly, or coily hair, skip this step as it might ruin your mane’s texture. Next, bend over and bring all your hair to the front.
Carefully put the cap on the base of your head and slowly put sections of hair in the cap. Once all the hair’s in, turn the cap to the back.
Tip: You can also plop your hair in the cap if you have thicker hair! Using a silk hair scrunchie, loosely tie them in the front, and use the silk cap to “cup” them.
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1. Strands of Silk Silk Sleeping Cap
- Price: AU$59
- Where to order: strandsofsilk.com
Strands of Silk’s silk hair cap for sleeping is the type of hair product that you wish you knew about ages ago. It comes in three sizes: S/M, M/L, and X/L and is made with 100% pure mulberry silk!
It has two elastic silk bands that sit on the base of your neck and the top of your forehead, so it sits comfortably for hours of snooze time. Still worried it’ll come off at night? Strands of Silk comes with an extra tie to secure it on various head shapes and sizes.
One review that caught my eye:
“It’s so comfortable and I was able to get it in my size. It’s 100% silk and the quality is amazing…It leaves my hair so soft and shiny the next day, and I’m noticing less hair breakage around my forehead.” – Emma Stuckey
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2. Slip Black Turban
- Price: AU$95
- Where to order: Sephora AU, slip.com
A list of silk hair products wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Slip—one of the OGs who made us want to use silk scrunchies, pillowcases, and now, silk caps.
Slip calls their version of a silk hair cap for sleeping a turban, but it does the same thing: protect your hair at night to prevent breakage and frizziness. It’s double-lined with pure silk and comes in a timeless design (and fun colours) with an elastic to fit a bunch of head sizes.
If you’ve been looking for a silk sleep cap for curly hair, Slip’s version is the answer to your prayers!
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3. Silke London Hair Wrap
- Price: AU$98
- Where to order: silkelondon.com, Adore Beauty
Silke London’s hair cap is special in that it works for all hair types, from straight to wavy and curly!
In a study of people who used their hair wrap, 95% saw an improvement in their hair. This is because it’s made with 100% silk, and as we know, anything made from this beautiful material can protect your hair against moisture-absorbing cotton pillowcases.
If you want to prolong or protect your hairstyle throughout the week, Silke London is the key. Aside from helping promote hair growth, it saves you time in the morning from repetitive heat styling—plus, less heat damage, yay!
One reviewer says:
“My hair is silkier in the morning than before I went to bed, and didn’t require washing for a whole week.” – Karen R.
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4. LilySilk Classic Pleated Silk Cap
- Price: AU$49
- Where to order: lilysilk.com
Don’t let LilySilk’s silk cap design fool you. It may look like something suitable for a baby, but it was intentionally designed that way to allow more hair to fit.
It’s made with LilySilk’s signature fabric, Silk Charmeuse, which is a unique weaving technique that creates a pearl-like glossy finish on one side and a matte finish on the other. This makes it more breathable, moisture-retaining, and long-lasting!
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5. Shhh Silk Pink Silk Sleep Bonnet
- Price: AU$75
- Where to order: The Iconic, Adore Beauty, shhhsilk.com
Whether you want to wake up to smooth, frizz-free locks or want your hairstyle to last more than a day, a silk sleeping bonnet will do all this for you and more. This silk hair cap for sleeping easily cradles your head and moves when you move, so it never comes off!
Got a lot of hair? Just wrap it in a loose pony, pop the bonnet on, and be on your way to dreamland.
This reviewer shares:
“I love my new silk sleep bonnet! It was worth the wait. It feels luxurious and stays on through the night most of the time, even though I tend to toss and turn. I’ve already noticed an improvement in my hair’s fullness and texture.” – Erin Gonzalez
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6. Grace Eleyae All Silk Turban
- Price: $95
- Where to order: graceeleyae.com
As someone with a small head, it’s hard to find a silk cap that isn’t too big. Luckily, Grace Eleyae has blessed the hair world with the All Silk Turban. If your head’s on the smaller size of the spectrum, like mine, and have curly or coily hair, you’ll love this.
It’s a double-lined silk turban that’s so lightweight you can wear it in summer without breaking a sweat! It also comes with hidden drawstrings to get the perfect fit for your hair and keep it in place.
Check out this review:
“The silk turban is the fit and style I was looking for as I travel. I’m pleased that I’ll not only protect my tresses, but look fashionable in the process.” – Sharon D.
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7. MYK Silk Silk Night Sleeping Cap
- Price: $25
- Where to order: myksilk.com
MYK Silk’s silk cap sounds too good to be true: it’s an affordable silk hair cap for sleeping, comes in a bunch of fun colors like pink, lavender, and yellow, and is made with 100% pure mulberry silk. But, you better believe it because its 4.7-star rating doesn’t lie!
MYK securely protects and nourishes your locks, thanks to its elastic headband that won’t irritate skin. Sleep soundly knowing it’s clinically tested, hypoallergenic, and combats dry and frizzy hair.
Tons of reviews agree:
“The sleeping cap is so soft and comfortable. I love it” – Ethelrine C.
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8. Zima Silk 22 Momme Silk Sleep Cap
- Price: $48
- Where to order: zimasilk.com
If you’re like me and often worry about how long a silk hair cap lasts, you can rest easy knowing Zima Silk’s version has 22 momme. Most silk products have 22 momme as it needs to be a thicker fabric to endure countless washes and uses.
Zima Silk’s version is ultra soft, lightweight, breathable, and great for your hair. It minimizes hair abrasion to keep your strands smooth and frizz-free.
But, what we love most about it is how it’s so stylish, you can also use it to keep your hair away from your face whenever you do your skincare and makeup routines!
One review that caught my eye:
“I love this cap. It’s more elegant and less Little House on the Prairie than other sleeping caps I’ve seen, and it’s actually silk so I don’t overheat. It does a great job of protecting my curls.” – Hippiechiqui
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9. Desmend Silk Bonnet
Price: Starts at AU$19
Where to order: Amazon
Who knew Amazon has a ton of silk cap options? This amazing find is one of the best silk sleep caps for long hair.
It’s made with 19 momme mulberry silk, has an extra wide band to feel comfortable on your forehead, and the bonnet stretches to perfectly keep your long tresses intact.
One review says:
“Good quality, cute packaging. I have long, straight, fine hair and my hair easily breaks (thankfully. it grows back very quick). I wore this for one night and my hair doesn’t feel dried out and fragile.” – Pug spaghetti
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10. Rachel Silk Silk Pleated Bonnet
Price: $39.90
Where to order: rachelsilk.com
If you have long and thick hair, you’ll need something durable that can easily hold onto a lot of strands. Why not invest in Rachel Silk’s Silk Pleated Bonnet then? It’s made with 30 momme mulberry silk (the heaviest on this list), so it feels extra luxe on your hair while guaranteeing it to last.
This bonnet’s thick and smooth texture will give your hair the best sleep of its life by protecting it against the friction of your tossing and turning. When you use this, you’ll surely have a good hair day.
Check out this review:
“I love my silk bonnet. It stays on all night! No more waking up in the middle of the night, putting my scarf back on. I just tuck my hair inside and wake up with nice hair. No more bad hair days! Wish I had this years ago!” – Gloria V.
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So, what’s the best silk hair cap for sleeping?
Each one on this list is a must-have in their own right. But, if you’re a newbie to the world of silk hair caps, try the more affordable ones, like Rachel Silk, Desmend, and MYK.
Just because they don’t cost an arm and a leg doesn’t mean they’re poor quality. Rachel Silk’s hair cap even has 30 momme silk, which is the thickest on this list!
On the other hand, if you have thick or long hair, go for Desmend. But, if you want to make sure your investment is worth it, you can’t go wrong with either Slip or Grace Eleyae’s hair turbans!
Looking to grow your silk hair cap or silk bonnet collection so you have a number to rotate throughout the week? We know how annoying it can be waiting for a silk hair cap to dry; we recommend you purchase any of these.