It’s not an easy process either: It’s a time- and energy-intensive process that takes upward of 2,000 tiny silkworms to create 1 pound of silk. This is why silk has a reputation for being so luxe—and comes with a pretty price tag. Now, silk does come in a wide variety, which is why you can find more budget-friendly options out there. Silk’s weight and density are measured in momme (a Japanese unit of weight equal to 3.75 grams). The higher your silk’s momme (mm), the thicker and more durable—and likely, more expensive—it is. Silk typically falls between 15 and 30 momme, with 19 mm being the average starting point. The finest silks are Mulberry silk, which is made using this traditional process and has a more uniform color and softer feel. But if you want a bit of help decoding the intricacies, here are some talking points. It’s not just that silk and satin are fantastic for hair; other fibers can come with major downsides. Cotton or linen are porous and, therefore, rougher fabrics. For hair, this means the fabric can snag and pull at hairs, trigger physical damage, lift up the cuticle, and cause frizz. This is especially problematic for those with curly hair, which is already prone to all of these issues. They’re not great for skin, either: Their porosity means the fabrics more readily absorb sebum, bacteria, and even your precious skin care products (silk and satin, on the other hand, are more repellent fabrics). If you’re looking for some options, check out our favorites here. Most silk can be machine washed on a cold, gentle cycle and hung out to air dry, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand. If you do need to throw other laundry items in with them, pick things like towels and T-shirts, as they are typically less abrasive than things like denim.
