Bamboo pillowcases and what they do for skin and hair
Short answer: A smooth pillowcase creates less friction against hair and face than a rough one. Bamboo viscose is smooth and absorbs moisture, which many people find more comfortable at night. It is a matter of comfort, not a treatment.
Friction against your hair
When you turn in your sleep, your hair slides across the pillowcase many times during the night. A rough fabric pulls at the hair and can mean more tangles and frizz in the morning. A smooth case offers less resistance, so the hair glides more easily. Many people with long or curly hair notice the difference.
Moisture on your face
Your face gives off moisture and warmth at night, and the pillow is close all the time. A case that absorbs the moisture and lets it evaporate feels drier and cooler against the skin than one that holds it. Bamboo viscose absorbs moisture well, and many find that comfortable. See bamboo bedding.
No promises
A pillowcase is not a skincare treatment, and it cannot promise anything about wrinkles, blemishes or hair loss. It can give a softer and more pleasant surface to sleep on, and that is all. If you have problems with your skin or hair, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist about it.
Change it often
The pillowcase gets dirty faster than the rest of the bedding, because it is in direct contact with face and hair. Skin oil, sweat and traces of cream and hair products settle in the fabric. Change it more often than the duvet cover, once a week for most people, or turn the pillow midweek.
The size
The standard pillow in Denmark measures 60x63 centimetres, and most pillowcases fit it. If you have a different pillow, such as a long pillow or a smaller one, measure it before you buy. A case that fits snugly gives a smoother surface without folds under your cheek, and the pillow stays in place.
Washing
Wash the pillowcase at 40 degrees without fabric softener, which otherwise leaves a film on the fibres and reduces moisture absorption. Turn it inside out and use a mild detergent. Hang it to dry, and the surface stays smooth for longer. See how to wash bamboo bedding.
For warm sleepers
If you sweat at night, you notice the difference most at the pillow, where your head gives off a lot of heat. A case that absorbs moisture can feel less clammy when you turn the pillow. It does not remove the cause of night sweats, and if they persist, talk to your doctor. See bamboo bedding for night sweats.
Hair and products
If you use oil, cream or other products on your hair or face in the evening, some of it ends up in the pillowcase. That can cause marks and make the fabric less smooth over time. Let products sink in before you go to bed, or lay a towel over the pillow if you use a lot.
Two cases in rotation
With two pillowcases, you can swap midweek without having to wash. It is an easy way to keep a fresh surface against your face, especially in warm periods. Choose the same colour as the rest of your bedding, so the bed still looks unified.
The rest of the home
A soft pillowcase goes well with what you wear and use at home in the evening and at night. Many choose the same material for nightwear and loungewear, so everything feels the same against the skin. See the other home textiles and homewear in home and homewear in bamboo.
Frequently asked questions
How often should the pillowcase be changed?
More often than the duvet cover, once a week for most people. If you sweat a lot or use products in your hair, changing it more often can be a good idea.
Can a pillowcase prevent wrinkles?
We cannot promise that. A smooth case creates less friction, and many find it comfortable, but it is not a treatment. Talk to a dermatologist if you have skin problems.
Why should I not use fabric softener?
Fabric softener leaves a thin film on the fibres, which reduces moisture absorption and can make the surface less smooth. A mild detergent is enough to keep the case clean.
See our range of bamboo sleepwear for women.
