Best Pillowcases for Oily Hair: Cut Grease and Buildup While You Sleep

 

Struggling with oily hair? Your pillowcase may be playing a bigger role than you think—it's essential to a healthy hair care routine.

If you're ready to say goodbye to greasy hair, switch to a mulberry silk pillowcase like Blissy's. Silk can help reduce oil buildup and prevent breakouts, keeping your hair and skin feeling fresh.

What Causes Oily Hair—And What Your Pillowcase Has to Do With It

Oily hair has several causes, ranging from the wrong pillowcase to hormonal shifts. The following are potential reasons for increased hair oil production:

• Overactive sebaceous glands → Your scalp produces sebum (oil) to keep hair healthy. But genetics, hormones, chronic stress, poor diet, and illness can cause excess oil.

• Overwashing → Can strip the scalp of its natural oils, prompting oil glands to overcompensate for dry or brittle hair and dry skin.

• Hair products → Buildup isn't good for your scalp or hair texture. Heavy conditioners, leave-ins, and styling products can accumulate and attract more dirt and oil.

• Touching your hair → Fight the urge to play with your hair, as your hands deposit oils.

• Your pillowcase → Some pillowcases absorb oil and dirt, then transfer them to your hair and skin.

How the Wrong Pillowcase Can Wreck Your Hair Care Routine

Many pillowcases hold onto dirt, sweat, oil, and hair and skincare products. As you sleep each night, these all pass back to your hair and skin. So, no matter why you have oily hair, your pillowcase can worsen it.

This is why special pillowcases are essential for healthier locks. Certain fabrics, like cotton, trap more oil, causing hair to retain excess oil from the pillowcase.

The solution is silk. Silk pillowcases absorb moisture less so you won't get greasy hair. Plus, silk's ultra-smooth texture and reduced friction lessen split ends and hair breakage.

Why Cotton Pillowcases Can Disrupt Your Hair and Skin Routine

Cotton pillowcases can contribute to oiliness and imbalance. (They're also not hypoallergenic, which can cause problems for sensitive skin.) 

Cotton absorbs moisture and oils

Cotton acts like a sponge. It soaks up sweat, oils from your face and scalp, and natural oils and haircare products from your strands. Over time, this buildup can:

• Pass back onto your scalp and hair while you sleep

• Clog follicles

• Weigh down strands

• Leave hair greasy or limp even after washing

Dirty cotton = oil recycling

Because cotton retains residue, your pillowcase can become a cycle of re-contamination:

1. You wash your hair.
2. You go to sleep on an unwashed pillowcase.
3. That pillowcase transfers yesterday’s oils and buildup onto your clean hair.
4. Your hair looks oily again faster than it should.

Friction and imbalance

Cotton pillowcases also create friction, which can:

• Disrupt your scalp’s barrier

• Stimulate excess oil production in those with sensitive skin

• Lead to breakage or irritation on the scalp and hairline

Silk vs Satin Pillowcases: Which Is Better for Oily Hair and Dry Skin?

Although they look similar, satin pillowcases are not the same as silk—satin is not as beneficial.

The following chart compares satin vs silk pillowcases for oily hair:

Feature	Silk	Satin
Composition	Natural fiber crafted from silkworm cocoons	Made from synthetic fabric like polyester or nylon
Oil absorption	Absorbs very little oil, helps keep hair balanced	Absorbs some oil but not as much as cotton
Oil transfer	Fantastic—keeps oil from transferring back to hair	May transfer some oil but helps a little
Friction	Nearly friction-free smooth texture, prevents hair breakage	Low friction but can still cause some irritation and hair breakage
Breathability	High—breathable, helps control oil and heat	Medium—reduced breathability and oil control
Sensitive skin	Excellent—hypoallergenic and soothing	Less soft and calming to sensitive skin than silk
Durability	Lasts up to 10 years if properly cared for	Durable but tends to snag, texture degrades with regular use
Price	Higher yet affordable price, a worthy investment	Lower cost for those on a budget
Maintenance	Easy—Blissy Silk Pillowcases are machine-washable, air dry best	Easy—machine-washable, can be put in the dryer but better to air dr

Best Fabrics for Pillowcases That Fight Oily Hair: Ranked

Not all fabrics are ideal for oily hair. When choosing a pillowcase, it’s important to consider the material, how it interacts with your hair and scalp, and the weave quality. This is important if you're dealing with excess oil.

So, which are the best pillowcases for your oily hair? Here's how common pillowcase fabrics compare:

1. Silk pillowcases → The BEST pillowcases for greasy hair. They're ultra-low friction, soothing, help maintain scalp balance, and won't soak up oils.
2. Satin pillowcases → Satin is a smooth, low-friction, affordable option. But, its synthetic material is not breathable and rougher than natural silk.
3. Bamboo pillowcases → Bamboo fabric is antibacterial and cooling. It's gentler on the scalp than cotton, but retains more oil than silk or satin.
4. Cotton pillowcases → One of the WORST pillowcases for oily scalp. They strip hair of oils, which will transfer to your skin and hair if not washed enough. Friction can irritate delicate skin.

Why Silk Is #1: Dermatologist-Approved, Moisture-Wicking, and Oil-Resistant

Sleeping on silk is the best choice for healthier hair and skin. Silk pillowcases will transform your locks and nix grease because silk:

• Won't absorb oil or pass it back to your hair and skin—your strands will have better moisture retention. Dry or brittle hair can quickly become greasy hair.

• Has much less friction than cotton and satin pillowcases. Silk has 43% less friction than cotton.

• Is a naturally hypoallergenic material. Sensitive skin → healthier skin overnight.

• Is a natural fiber. Blissy's mulberry silk is also certified safe, eco-friendly, and non-toxic.

All the qualities above are why dermatologists have tested and recommend sleeping on Blissy Silk Pillowcases. Silk pillowcases help maintain moisture while reducing grease on both your hair and skin.

Futher Reading: Is Silk Hypoallergenic? Blissy Silk Backed by Clinical Studies

Should You Avoid Cotton If You Have an Oily Hair Type?

Yes—cotton is highly absorbent, meaning it can soak up the natural oils from your scalp. While that might sound helpful, it can backfire, drawing oil away and causing your scalp to overproduce oil to compensate.

It can also trap moisture, sweat, and product residue, which may transfer back to your hair and scalp. This can clog pores or worsen oiliness.

Unlike cotton, sleeping on silk is gentler on your scalp and hair, reduces oil buildup, and minimizes irritation caused by friction.

Can Silk Pillowcases Help With Acne?

Yes—silk pillowcases can make a noticeable difference for acne-prone skin. Unlike cotton, which can absorb natural oils, skincare products, and bacteria, silk fabric has a smooth texture that minimizes friction and doesn't trap residue.

By sleeping on silk, you're less likely to irritate delicate skin or clog pores—especially important for side sleepers. Plus, silk helps keep skin hydrated, which supports a healthier barrier and reduces the oil overproduction that can trigger breakouts.

That’s why many consider Blissy the best anti-acne pillowcase—it’s naturally hypoallergenic, clinically proven non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-approved. If you’re following a consistent hair care routine, switching to Blissy is a simple upgrade for your hair type and your skin.

Blissy's Mulberry Silk Pillowcases: The Top Choice for Oily Hair

Blissy offers the best silk pillowcase for oily hair. Blissy's award-winning mulberry silk pillowcase:

• Helps promote hair and scalp health

• Is scientifically proven to be gentle on the scalp

• Is dermatologist-tested to prevent scalp irritation

• Has received praise from thousands—over 130,000 five-star reviews

Clinically Proven To Be Non-Comedogenic and Breathable

Blissy Silk Pillowcases are the only clinically proven non-comedogenic pillowcases on the market. This means that they won't clog pores or worsen scalp buildup—they're incredible if you have oily hair.

In a clinical study of 108 people after 6 weeks, 91% of participants noticed a visible boost in hair health using Blissy. And, 90% reported clearer skin.

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez:

"Clinical studies are everything when it comes to skin and hair. I highly recommend Blissy."
-Dr. Mara Weinsten-Velez, Board Certified Dermatologist

Recommended by Board-Certified Dermatologists

Our mulberry silk pillowcases are the only dermatologist-approved pillowcases, unlike inferior silk blends.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aleksandra Brown recognizes the benefits of sleeping on Blissy silk:

"Traditional pillowcases can sabotage your skin by trapping dirt and bacteria... I recommend Blissy for clearer skin and hair health.

-Dr. Aleksandra Brown, Board-Certified Dermatologist

Trusted by Thousands and Featured on Good Morning America

Customers, beauty editors, and the media can’t stop raving about Blissy! Blissy has been featured on syndicated TV morning shows including Good Morning America, Live With Kelly & Mark, and others.

Thousands love Blissy Silk Pillowcases. Here are just a couple testimonials:

“I’ve cut down on hair products since using my Blissy silk pillowcase.” → Prevention Magazine review

"I tried using satin pillowcases...I found it wasn't really working, so I switched to Blissy, and since I've been using them, my hair has been so much better. I've had less breakage." → Lisa Lavoie, Saint Paul AB, Canada

How to Keep Oily Hair Fresher Between Washes

Ready for grease-free, hydrated locks? Try the following tips for gorgeous, healthy hair.

Switch your pillowcase weekly—or more

Switching your pillowcase at least once a week helps prevent oil, sweat, and buildup from moving back onto your hair and scalp. If you have especially oily hair, it's ideal to change it every few days.

Avoid over-conditioning and touching your hair

Too much conditioner can weigh your hair down and increase oil buildup. Touching your hair often spreads oils from your hands. Stick to lightweight products and keep your hands off to help your scalp stay balanced.

Consider a mulberry silk sleep bonnet for extra protection

Ultra-smooth mulberry silk has reduced friction. It's perfect for textured hair and retaining moisture overnight. The luxe Blissy Bonnet and other silk hair accessories, like Blissy Sleep Masks, can help keep your hair and skin looking and feeling their best.

Still have questions about silk pillowcases? Find answers in the FAQ section below.

FAQs About Pillowcases and Oily Hair

Is silk or satin better for oily hair?

Silk. Satin pillowcases are an affordable option. But, mulberry silk pillows offer better benefits like reduced friction and superior oil control.

What's the best silk pillowcase if you have oily hair?

The best silk pillowcase for oily hair is the Blissy Silk Pillowcase—it’s made from 100% mulberry silk, which helps keep hair cleaner, supports healthier skin, and prevents oil transfer by retaining moisture, unlike cotton. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic, making it ideal for any hair type.

Could your pillowcase be making your hair greasy?

Yes. Pillow cases made from materials like cotton, bamboo, and satin can trap oils and more moisture, leading to greasy hair.

How often should you wash your pillowcase?

At least once a week to remove oil, sweat, and product residue. If you have very oily hair or skin, washing your pillowcase every few days is best for overall hair health.

Not washing your pillowcase regularly can create a cycle of oiliness, breakouts, and scalp irritation.

Will silk help my hair stay cleaner longer?

Yes. Mulberry silk fabric is gentle on hair and helps reduce friction, which can prevent oils from transferring back to your hair. Silk pillowcases can keep your hair cleaner by minimizing oil buildup.