The best silk bonnet rests on six points: a named fibre, mulberry silk; a shape suited to your hair length; a fastening that does not tighten; an adjustable size; a wide enough front band; simple care. Comfort comes as much from the shape as from the fibre.
What a silk bonnet brings at night
At night, hair rubs against the pillow. This friction can break the fibre and disturb the lengths. Silk is smooth: hair glides instead of rubbing.
The bonnet solves a second problem. It contains the hair, so strands tangle less with each other during sleep. Detangling is quicker in the morning.
The 6 criteria
| Criterion | What to check | Effect on comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Material | “Mulberry silk” on the label | Less friction than with cotton |
| Shape | Round, long or tie-on | Contains the mass of hair without crushing it |
| Fastening | Ribbons to tie rather than elastic | Less pressure on the forehead and temples |
| Size | One size adjusted by the ribbons | Adapts to every head size |
| Band | Wide front band | The bonnet stays in place without tightening |
| Care | Hand wash 30 °C, dry flat in the shade | The fibre stays supple |
1. The material
The bonnet should name its fibre. “Mulberry silk” means a natural silk. The term “satin” means a weave: it can be made of silk, polyester or a blend. Check the composition before the product name.
2. The shape
A round bonnet suits medium lengths and short cuts. A long bonnet takes hair that falls below the shoulder blades. A tie-on bonnet can also be worn during the day, over a bun.
3. The fastening
Ribbons tie at the nape of the neck and loosen in one movement. An elastic band tightens more and sometimes leaves a mark on the forehead. For night-time use, ribbons remain more comfortable.
4. The size
A one-size bonnet adjusts with its ribbons. The bonnet should cover the hair without compressing the head. A bonnet that is too small rides up during the night and lets the lengths out.
5. The front band
A wide band spreads the hold across the forehead. It avoids the pressure point of a thin band and stops the bonnet from slipping when you change position.
6. Care
Hand wash at 30 °C maximum, dry flat in the shade. A wash that is too hot fades the silk and loosens the seams.
Round, long or tie-on: which shape for which hair
Length decides. Down to the shoulders, a round bonnet is enough. Beyond that, a long bonnet avoids folding the ends. For very voluminous hair, a tie-on bonnet is easier to put on.
The material does not change with the shape. It is mulberry silk that brings the glide, whatever the cut.
How to wear it without it slipping
- Tilt your head forward and gather your hair on top of your head.
- Place the bonnet from the nape towards the forehead, with the band lying flat.
- Tie the ribbons at the nape of the neck, without tightening.
- Make a reef knot: it holds better than a single knot.
Silk or satin bonnet for everyday use
A polyester satin bonnet also glides over your hair, which explains its popularity. The difference is mostly felt in use: polyester breathes less, whereas mulberry silk is a natural fibre, light on the head. In return, it needs washing by hand.
So the question comes down to your nights. If your head gets hot quickly, or if you wear a bonnet every night, the material matters more.
Signs you have chosen the wrong bonnet
- It rides up during the night. It is too small for the volume of your hair, or the ribbons are badly tied. Gather your hair higher, or switch to a roomier size.
- It leaves a mark on your forehead. The band is too thin or too tight. The hold should come from the width of the band, not from pressure.
- The ends poke out. Your lengths extend beyond the shape you chose. A long bonnet, or tucking the ends upwards before closing it, solves the problem.
- It feels hot. Check the composition: shiny polyester breathes less than mulberry silk.
- It loses its softness. Water that is too hot and fabric softener damage the fibre. Go back to hand washing at 30 °C.
Depending on your hair type
- Fine hair. It tangles quickly. Gather it without a tight scrunchie and keep the knot loose.
- Oily hair. A bonnet does not create sebum. Avoid putting a rich product on your roots before wearing it, and wash it more often.
- Short hair. A round bonnet is enough. It keeps your cut in place and limits cowlicks in the morning.
How many bonnets you need
A bonnet worn every night is washed every one to two weeks and dried flat, in the shade. A second bonnet saves you a night without protection while the first one dries: that is the idea behind the Duo.
How much a mulberry silk bonnet costs
Our mulberry silk bonnet is 49 €, one size, in three colours. The Duo format brings together two bonnets for 70 €.
The Silk sleep trio format combines a bonnet, a mask and a pillowcase for 119 €, in matching colours: the pieces may arrive in separate parcels. Free delivery from 49 € in France and the European Union.
To compare materials, read what mulberry silk is and our silk or satin comparison. The bonnet combines with the silk pillowcase and the silk eye mask.
Frequently asked questions
Does a silk bonnet make hair grow?
Its role is to limit friction at night, and so breakage of the lengths. Growth depends on other factors.
Can I sleep in a silk bonnet every night?
Yes. The bonnet can be worn every night, as long as you do not tighten the ribbons and you wash it regularly. A hand wash every one to two weeks is enough for everyday use.
Do I need a silk bonnet and a silk pillowcase at the same time?
Both protect, at different levels. The pillowcase covers the whole pillow and also protects the face. The bonnet contains the hair and stops it tangling with itself. Many people combine the two.
Does the bonnet stay on very long hair?
On long hair, a long or tie-on bonnet holds the lengths better than a round one. Tie the ribbons at the nape of the neck without tightening and slide the ends upwards before closing.
How do I wash a silk bonnet?
By hand, at 30 °C maximum, with a mild soap. Press without wringing, then dry flat in the shade. The tumble dryer and fabric softener damage the fibre and ruin the drape.
Can I wear the bonnet during the day?
Yes. A ribbon bonnet can be worn over a bun or during a hair treatment. It also protects the lengths when you sleep on a train or a plane.
