Why More Australians Are Sleeping in Hair Bonnets (And What It Does for Your Hair)

Woman wearing a mulberry silk hair bonnet for sleep

Silk hair bonnets have quietly become a staple in many Australian hair-care routines — and for good reason. Designed to protect hair while you sleep, a silk hair bonnet helps reduce friction, minimise tangles, and support healthier-looking hair overnight.

When you wrap your hair in a bonnet before bed, you’re creating a smooth, protective layer that helps preserve moisture and maintain your hairstyle for longer. Without that protection, hair can rub against cotton bedding, leading to dryness, frizz, and unnecessary breakage — often resulting in more product use and extra styling in the morning.

Silk bonnets offer a simple, low-effort way to support your hair while you sleep, all while feeling soft, breathable, and comfortable against the scalp.

Why so many people swear by silk hair bonnets:

  • Less frizz overnight: Tossing and turning can create friction that roughens the hair cuticle. Silk’s smooth surface helps reduce that friction, leaving hair calmer by morning.
  • Fewer tangles: By keeping hair contained and protected, silk bonnets help prevent knots and matting, making morning styling quicker and gentler.
  • More skin-friendly: Hair can collect oils and products during the day. Wearing a bonnet helps keep those residues off your pillow and away from your skin.
  • Helps products work better: Oils, serums, and leave-in treatments stay on your hair — not absorbed into your pillowcase — so they can do their job overnight.
  • Supports hydration: Unlike cotton, silk doesn’t draw moisture away from your hair, helping it feel softer and less dry over time.

Silk or satin — what’s the difference?

Both silk and satin bonnets can help reduce friction, but they’re not the same. Silk is a natural fibre produced by the Bombyx mori silkworm and is prized for its breathability, temperature regulation, and soft, skin-friendly feel.

Satin refers to a weave rather than a fibre and is often made from polyester. While satin can feel smooth and is usually more affordable, it doesn’t offer the same natural breathability or comfort as pure mulberry silk.

For those who prioritise comfort, natural fibres, and long-term hair care, a 100% mulberry silk bonnet is often the preferred choice — especially for overnight wear.

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