Oily hair: why sleeping on a silk pillowcase changes everything

Oily hair can be frustrating. You wash it, it looks fine for a day (maybe two), and then it's flat, greasy, and stuck to your scalp again. Sound familiar?

If you've tried switching shampoos, spacing out wash days, or skipping conditioner near the roots and nothing seems to work, the issue might not be what you're putting on your hair. It could be what your hair is resting on at night.

Yes, we're talking about your pillowcase. And more specifically, why switching to a silk pillowcase could actually help regulate oil production, reduce scalp buildup, and make your hair feel fresher for longer. Here's how.

1. It helps regulate oil without over-drying your scalp

Cotton pillowcases are highly absorbent. They absorb moisture not just from your face, but from your scalp too. That might sound like a good thing if you've got oily roots, but it actually backfires. Your scalp, sensing the dryness, starts producing even more oil to compensate.

A silk pillowcase, especially one made with high-quality mulberry silk, doesn't strip your scalp the same way. It helps your skin maintain balance. Instead of soaking up your natural oils, it allows your scalp to retain just enough to stay hydrated, without going into overdrive. This creates a calmer, more consistent oil production cycle over time.

2. It prevents friction that leads to frizz and breakage

If you wake up with flat, messy, or frizzy hair, it's not just about how you styled it. It could be the result of friction. As you move around in your sleep, your hair rubs against the pillowcase. With cotton, that friction causes roughness, knots, and even hair breakage, especially if your strands are already delicate or dry.

Mulberry silk pillowcases offer a smooth, low-friction surface that helps prevent this. The smooth surface lets your hair glide as you sleep, reducing tangles and damage. Less friction means you can reduce hair breakages at the root or ends, and have a more consistent texture in the morning. It's an easy way to protect your strands while doing nothing at all.

3. It keeps your scalp cleaner and less irritated

Greasy hair isn't just about sebum. Often, it's made worse by scalp buildup from leftover product, sweat, and grime that collect overnight. When you sleep on cotton, that buildup sits against your scalp for hours, creating the perfect environment for blocked follicles and scalp irritation.

Silk pillowcases are less absorbent and far more breathable. They don't trap residue or bacteria as easily as cotton, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin or acne-prone areas along the hairline. By switching to naturally hypoallergenic silk, you help your scalp stay cleaner between washes, which plays a big role in reducing oil and itchiness.

4. It supports both your hair and your skin

You already know silk is better for your skin. It's cool, breathable, and won't soak up your moisturiser. But it's also great for your scalp, and by extension, your roots. Since both your hair and face touch the pillow every night, it only makes sense to upgrade what they're resting on.

Mulberry silk doesn't just reduce friction. It also helps your scalp stay balanced and your strands stay intact. Unlike cotton, it doesn't dry out the ends while leaving your roots greasy. This makes silk a smart addition to any nighttime hair care routine, especially if you're aiming for better scalp and overall hair health without constantly reaching for clarifying shampoos.

5. It works quietly while you sleep

A silk pillowcase won't change your scalp overnight. But over time, it creates the kind of environment where your hair can reset. Less friction, less absorption, less buildup—all while you sleep. And once you make the switch, there's no effort required. It's one of the few changes you can make that doesn't require daily upkeep.

For best results, go for 22 momme mulberry silk pillowcases, like the ones from Drowsy. They're thicker, smoother, and made to last (unlike polyester satin pillowcases). If you sleep with wet hair or have struggled with greasy roots and texture issues, this one swap can help you go longer between washes while promoting healthier hair day to day.

Why Drowsy's silk pillowcases are worth the upgrade

There's silk, and then there's the real thing. At Drowsy, we use 100% mulberry silk in all of our pillowcases. That means no blends, no synthetics, and no weird coatings that cancel out the benefits. You're getting fabric that's breathable, smooth, and kind to your hair and skin.

The pillowcases feature a neat hidden edge design that stays in place all night, even if you toss and turn. The colour options are chosen to complement a range of bedroom styles. If you've been searching for the best silk pillowcase, one that supports scalp health and stands up to everyday use, Drowsy delivers.