The best silk hair wraps for sleeping in to protect your curly or Afro hair (from someone who wears one *every* night)
Silk hair wraps can be worn by people with all hair types, but are particularly beneficial for those with curly and Afro hair. Why? They keep protective hairstyles in check, preventing matting and breakage. Which – trust me – can be an absolute nightmare to tackle. (Think: lots of hair tugging and potential tears.)
It has been instilled into me for as long as I can remember just how beneficial the best hair wraps can be for my Afro hair. And everyone was correct: I’ve had my fair share of moments when I’ve been too tired to get my hair wrap from the next room, and ultimately, I regret it the next morning when I have to untangle it.
The hairdressing industry is becoming a lot more inclusive of late, and what once required a lengthy Google to find a Black hair shop where I can stock up on hair wraps, can simply now be resolved with a quick trip to Boots. I’ve tried my fair share of hair bonnets over the years, and there are more than enough to suit everyone’s needs. Trust.
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“As some textured hairs tend to be drier and less oily, silk hair wraps are more common in the textured hair space as this type of fabric along with satin allows the hair to breathe and lock in moisture,” award-winning celebrity hairstylist and hair expert Dionne Smith told us.
Thankfully, with many brands becoming more inclusive, we’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to the best silk hair wraps. We’ve tried and tested the best on the market and whether you’re looking for something on a budget, more high end, available on the high street or from a small business, we’ve got the roundup that’ll give you your best hair yet. Here's everything you need to know.
What is a silk hair wrap for?
Silk hair wraps – also known often as a bonnet/turban – keep your hair wrapped up during the night to help retain moisture, keep hair smooth and help protective styles like braids to last longer. Without protection during the night, hair can become dry and tangled, amongst many other things. While silk hair wraps are more commonly used by people with Afro and curly hair types, they can be used by everyone.
Are silk hair wraps worth it?
“They certainly are worth it," Dionne Smith said. "And by introducing them to your daily routine you will see the difference over time to your hair. Plus, your hairstyles will last longer… and we all want that, right?” If you’re unsure whether a silk hair wrap is right for you try an affordable one to begin with like this £5.99 one from Amazon and see how you get on.
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We've also found silk pyjamas, silk pillowcases, silk bedding, silk face masks and silk scrunchies.
For more from Freelance Commerce Writer Vanese Maddix follow her on Instagram @itsvanesem.
Which are the best silk hair wraps? Keep scrolling to shop our full edit of the best silk hair wraps, as tested by someone who wears one every night.
Best luxury silk hair wrap
Slip Pure Silk Turban, £70, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Available in a variety of colours and made from 100% pure mulberry silk, Slip’s breathable and ultra-soft turban is both gentle on the skin and hair. Available in one size, this is the perfect pick for all hair types. No having to worry about twisted, dry or damaged hair at night. This turban is a total luxury to fall asleep and wake up in.
Save when you shop for silk hair wraps with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best silk hair wrap to use with leave-in conditioner
Kitsch Satin Sleep Bonnet, £24, Beauty Bay
Why we love it: Kitsch’s sleep bonnet creates a friction-free barrier for all hair types to help reduce breakage, tangles and hair thinning. Kitsch suggests adding a leave-in conditioner to the hair at the same time to seal in all moisture and encourage hair growth.
Save when you shop for the best silk hair wraps with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Best slip-on/slip-off silk hair wrap
SILKE London Hair Wrap The Eva, £50, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Made from 100% silk, SILKE London has made a name for itself with its chic line of silk hair wraps. The silk is rich in amino acids which are known for their moisture and strengthening benefits. Simply wrap hair up at night and watch the magic happen.
Save when you shop for the best silk hair wraps with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best hair wrap to keeps curls intact
Satin Sleep Turban, £16, Only Curls
Why we love it: No matter your curl type, this one size fits all sleep turban helps to reduce frizz and prevent damage that can occur when uncovered hair is directly on a pillowcase. The turban is elasticated with a bow at the front for an added touch.
Best affordable hair wrap
Kitsch Satin Sleep Cap, £10, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Priced at an affordable £10, Kitsch’s satin sleep cap aims to protect hair against hair damage. Whether or not you use a leave-in conditioner before tucking in your hair, you can bet you’ll still wake up with fresh feeling hair thanks to the lightweight charmeuse material. It really is such an affordable price for equally good quality.
Save when you shop for silk hair wraps with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best hair wrap on Amazon
Golden Apple 3PCS Elastic Satin Night Sleep Cap, £15.99, Amazon
Why we love it: This is a personal favourite of mine as I’ve been using this bonnet for the past few months. Wearing it throughout the night has had considerable benefits on my afro hair from less frizz to no breakage. The bonnet has an elastic band, making it easier to get your desired fit and not having to worry about it being too big or small. This Amazon bonnet can also be worn as a shower cap and comes in a set of 3.
Best silk hair wrap set
Pure Silk Wrap and Scrunchie Set, £25, M&S
Why we love it: This luxury pure silk wrap and scrunchie set offers all-day protection with the silk wrap helping to retain moisture throughout the night, reducing dryness and friction. The silk scrunchie helps to prevent breakage and tugging on the hair when wearing it throughout the day.
Save when you shop for silk hair wraps with these Marks and Spencer discount codes.
Best hair wrap recommended by a hairstylist
Cantu Satin Bonnet Classic, £9, Boots
Why we love it: Cantu’s satin bonnet is the perfect addition to your sleep routine, not only does it help to protect hair from breakage and frizz but knot-free locks too. Created with only the best ultra-soft and super silky satin material for a stress-free hair experience the following day.
Cantu’s bonnet was also recommended by Celebrity Hairstylist Dionne Smith who says “I love the range that Cantu Beauty offer and as textured hair specialists they have really considered all scenarios,” she continues “Cantu have an extra-long bonnet for braids/locks, one for afro and puffs and others. The ranges are for all aspects of textured hair/protective styles.”
Save when you shop for the best silk hair wraps with these Boots discount codes.
Best silk hair wrap for Instagram appeal
Oyster Pink Silk Capuchon, £58, Mille Saisons
Why we love it: You can still rock something stylish while protecting your hair and Mille Saisons’ sleep cap is the perfect example. Created with luxurious grade A mulberry silk to give you smoother and softer hair, along with frizz reduction and lined with a glossy shine of satin on the inside and out. The sleep cap is available in an array of colours from oyster pink to sapphire teal for the ultimate Instagram appeal.
Best vegan-friendly hair wrap
Grow Gorgeous Satin Bonnet, £28.35, SkinStore
Why we love it: It’s easy to forget that materials used to create hair wraps aren’t always inclusive, but Grow Gorgeous has that all sorted with its vegan-friendly satin bonnet. The snug fit reduces the chances of the bonnet falling off in the night with the hair potentially becoming dry and tangled. So sit back, relax and get ready to wake up as Becky with the good hair!
Best hair wrap for Afro hair
Unique Satin Lining African Print Bonnet, £15.49, Afrocenchix
Why we love it: The Afrocenchix bonnet is one of the best for Afro hair types. Whether you choose to wear yours strictly for bed or under a hat for a quick nip to the shops, your hair is in good company. Made with satin lining, your hair is sure to retain all moisture and stay in place all night. Available in one size fits all for hassle-free wear.
