Hey KapFam! Let’s talk about satin-lined hair accessories!
For the past few years, satin products have emerged left and right. From satin pillowcases, to satin linings inside caps and bonnets; the desire for satin-lined hair accessories has skyrocketed. Is this a legit case of supply and demand? Or have the masses been bamboozled into believing the ONLY thing that will protect their hair from breakage, dryness, and baldness is satin.
Okay, I might be exaggerating just a little bit, but lets dive a little bit deeper into this satin-lined phenomenon. I’m naturally skeptical toward anything that has massive popularity…but hey, the technological boom was also widely popular, so there may be some validity to this satin craze. Either way, I knew I wanted to do my own research because the last thing any of us should do is blindly follow the advertising and marketing “powers that be”.
So what exactly is Satin?
Satin is not a fabric, like I originally thought. It is actually a particular weaving pattern where the threads of the warp (arranged yarns) are caught and looped by the weft only at certain intervals. If silk, polyester, or nylon (known as filament fibers) are used in the satin weave, then it is termed satin. The most common material used for satin these days is polyester and it typically has a characteristic glossy surface and a dull back.
For more insight on the satin making process and origins, check out this informative post. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-satin-fabric-a-guide-to-the-types-characteristics-and-uses-for-satin#what-are-the-different-satin-weaves
Its Advantages
- Luxurious feel and aesthetic
- Floaty drape (easily forms to objects)
- Versatile
- Smooth, lustrous surface
Its Disadvantages
- Frays easily
- Prone to snagging
- Tricky to sew
- High maintenance
Satin and Hair
The main benefits of satin as it relates to hair has to do with moisture retention and friction.
Using a satin pillowcase, bonnet, or scarf will maintain the natural oils in your hair and helps to ensure moisture retention. It also allows for less friction between your hair and the fabric. In contrast, cotton is a more absorbent material and may dry out your hair at a faster rate. Compared to satin, cotton increases friction between your hair and the fabric, resulting in the possibility of hair breakage.
Maintaining moisture and reducing friction are particularly important for thick, coarse hair that is prone to breakage. In theory, anything that you can do to prevent your hair follicles from experiencing stress, whether it’s from extremes in temperature, frequent manipulation, dryness, etc. will promote hair retention and health.
However, I am of the firm belief that healthy hair is a result of many different factors. Besides genetics, a person’s overall health is the most important factor. Maintaining a healthy diet, ensuring you have the proper vitamins and minerals, and staying hydrated will ensure your hair stays healthy far beyond any hair products or hair materials. And I’m saying this as a self proclaimed “hair product junkie”. It’s like putting a pretty band-aid over a nonhealing wound. It doesn’t matter how good the outside looks. If your insides are a mess, your efforts will be futile.
The bottom line
There is definitely a place for satin-lined hair accessories in our healthy hair regimen. I think that it’s priority should be placed below maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle and nourishing your hair strands according to your hair texture. If your hair is already healthy, wearing cotton hair accessories is not going to magically damage your hair overnight. Likewise, if your hair is needing some serious TLC, wearing satin hair accessories is not going to magically restore the health of your hair.
Personally, I love to use satin pillowcases and hair accessories when I have my hair in it’s natural state and I want to prevent dryness and friction. I use my cotton hair accessories the most when my hair is in a protective style and I’m not worried about my natural hair as much. Since I keep my hair in braids or locs often, I tend to use cotton products more. The point is, there is definitely a place for both.
Satin and Scrub Caps
A surgical cap (scrub cap) is basically a bonnet that you wear in the operating room because you have to keep your head covered in a sterile environment. It actually makes sense that scrub caps should come with satin lining for those that are wanting to maintain the health of their natural hair for the reasons stated above. Especially since they are worn for your entire shift, multiple times a week. With the rise of Covid19, nurses all over the hospital have been using scrub caps to protect their hair from possible contamination as they interact with their patients.
Although satin products is gaining popularity within the black hair community, it is not exclusively for curls, kinks and coils. Any hair texture will benefit from the “tender touches” of satin. Especially if you have thin hair that is prone to breakage.
Versatility is key and here at Debola Designs, we have something for everybody. We have plenty of traditional surgical caps made with 100% cotton that are soft and comfortable. We also have an AfriKap collection that uses our signature premium Ankara fabric that is lightweight and breathable. Most recently, we added a selection of satin-lined AfriKaps made with ultra-soft “crushed” charmeuse satin lining. Our SatinKap is the most versatile option and can be used as a scrub cap, a bonnet, or a fashion accessory!
Shop our Brand New SatinKaps here: https://deboladesigns.com/product-category/afrikap/satin-lined-scrub-cap/
Let’s discuss!? Do you think that satin is here to stay and is the breakthrough natural hair remedy we’ve all been waiting for? Do you swear by satin products? Has it helped your hair care regimen? Let me know in the comments!
