When I was younger my mum would always make me wrap a satin scarf around my hair for bed and I would sometimes also see other’s doing a similar thing but with a cotton bandana. After going on my natural hair journey I’ve found out why this is done and which one is best to use.

Thinning edges, going bald in the back of your head and general hair breakage are side effects of sleeping on a cotton pillowcase or wearing cotton head wraps. This is because friction is created between your hair and rough fabrics which then leads to dryness, frizz, cuticle chipping, split ends and breakage. To avoid this it is recommended to wear a silk or satin scarf/bonnet on your head, or to sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase.

Resting your head on the back of fabric chairs, wearing scarves around your neck and wearing jewellery can also lead to breakage, not only from friction but from your hair getting caught in things. Protective style such as weave, braids and twists can avoid this and styles such as buns keep your hair up off your shoulders and your ends (which are the oldest and so most vulnerable part of your hair) tucked away helping you to retain length.

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