I was on a weekend getaway in Costa Rica when one of my friends introduced me to a travel essential that I now take with me everywhere. As we were getting ready for bed on our first night, she pulled out a silk pillowcase from her carry-on and slipped it over her hotel pillow, telling me how it was so much better for her hair and skin. When I got home, I ordered my own silk pillowcase and since then, I tell everyone it’s one of the best purchases I’ve made

Why Sleep on Silk

A silk pillowcase is a small item with big benefits, and it doesn’t even need to be expensive. When I first bought my silk pillowcase, I was a little skeptical, so I opted for this one by Yanibest from Amazon. It was affordable at under $25, so I didn’t mind throwing it into the washing machine or dryer with the rest of my clothes.

I noticed right away that sleeping on a silk pillowcase cut down on hair breakage. For those with natural hair like mine, it’s especially important to sleep on a material that doesn’t rob your hair of moisture. Cotton is super absorbent, meaning that it can easily strip your hair of natural oils, and the friction of the cotton pillowcase can cause split ends or breakage.

After sleeping on a silk pillowcase for a few months, I then scoured the internet for an upgrade and bought this one by Grace Eleyae. The silk is much thicker, and the pillowcases are zipperless, so I started traveling with it everywhere. Plus, the brand is Black-owned, and the brand’s other products like this silk lined beanie hat have landed on Oprah’s favorite things list.

Bring Your Pillowcase With You

Fans of silk pillowcases say that it can keep wrinkles at bay because it can help keep your skin hydrated. For under $100, it’s a great addition to your regular skincare routine, which is not always easy to keep up while traveling. When we’re out of town, we’re exposed to circulated plane air which can dry out your skin and climate changes that our skin might not be used to. Also, if you’re like me, half the fun of traveling is eating, and a change in diet can wreak havoc on your skin.

Because silk doesn’t easily absorb hair products, dirt, or sweat from previous nights, I’ve noticed that my skin has broken out less since I’ve been using my silk pillowcase. I also don’t wake up to any sleep lines after a deep sleep. I just lightly apply my face oil before bed, I wake up the next morning with baby-smooth skin.

Silk pillowcases can also help people who suffer from allergies or skin sensitivities. Silk is naturally resistant to certain allergens, and this top-rated hypoallergenic pillowcase from Blissy is certified eco-friendly and nontoxic. Hotel detergents can be harsh on sensitive skin, and when you’re staying in a short-term rental like an Airbnb, you don’t always know if the bedding has been washed properly. I like the idea of bringing my own pillowcase because I know exactly where it’s been.

Sleeping on a silk pillowcase may sound a little over the top, but it’s an inexpensive investment you can make for your skin and hair health. They’re easy to hand wash and hang dry while you’re traveling, and they can last a long time. Pillowcases can also be rolled up and folded into a carry-on and take up less space than a wallet.

Sleeping on my own pillowcase is also a way to bring a little bit of my home with me. It’s something familiar and comforting, and it helps me to sleep better when I’m in a new place.

Main image by Valentino Nobile/Shutterstock.