Frequently Asked Questions
Are silk bonnets actually good for your hair?
“Silk bonnets are the ideal option for nighttime hair protection,” says Marie, noting that silk’s natural fibers help “reduce friction, frizz, and even protect against breakage.” That reduction in friction is critical, since constant rubbing while you sleep can lead to dryness and long-term damage. Cotton pillowcases, on the other hand, actively harm hair health, Maya Smith warns. They “absorb moisture from your hair, along with any products you apply,” she explains—whereas bonnets help counteract moisture loss and preserve styles overnight by minimizing disruption, Atlanta-based cosmetologist Mika Smith adds. And for restless sleepers, that protection matters even more, since “tossing and turning while sleeping causes friction, which results in breakage, thinning, and dehydrated strands,” according to NYC-based cosmetologist Cataanda James.
How often should you wash hair bonnets?
“Clients [should] wash their bonnets with the same frequency they wash their hair,” advises Marie, since bonnets collect oils, sweat, and product residue night after night. If you are wearing longer-lasting styles, such as braids, twists, or locs, she recommends “washing or swapping out your bonnet weekly” to keep buildup from transferring back onto the hair and scalp. Having more than one bonnet in rotation is especially useful so you’re never without hair protection.
When should you wear a silk bonnet?
All three experts agree: A silk or satin bonnet should be part of your daily hair-care routine, and not just reserved for freshly-styled hair. “Unless you’re using a silk pillowcase, you should sleep nightly with a bonnet to protect your scalp and hair follicles,” says Maya Smith. Mika Smith notes it’s ideal for all hair types, especially braids, curls, or protective styles. James adds that even for daytime naps, a bonnet helps preserve the integrity of your hair. “Silky hair plus a silk bonnet equals smooth, healthy hair that flows,” says James.
How do you keep a silk bonnet on overnight?
Finding the right fit is essential to keeping your bonnet from slipping. Maya Smith recommends looking for bonnets with adjustable bands or a snug, secure fit. Mika Smith suggests using the drawstrings or tying the bonnet at the base of your head for extra hold, and even using a silk scarf or headband on top for backup. James offers another hack: “Pulling your hair into a loose pineapple or three to four ponytails helps the bonnet fit better and stay on throughout the night.”
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new hair dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best bonnets for protecting natural hair overnight, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair stylists—who have different types of hair, concerns, desired outcomes. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, safety and ease of use, and value. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
