Although hair care for natural hair can be demanding and a little overwhelming—what with all the shampoos and conditioners, strengthening and hydrating oils, masks, treatments, and styling creams on the market—the results are endlessly rewarding. There's nothing quite like showing off a head full of moisturized, healthy locks, whether you're going completely natural or rocking a stunning protective style. But one often underappreciated product is the hair wrap, which is often made of satin or silk and can come in the form of a headband, bonnet, turban, and more.
People use silk and satin hair wraps to preserve hairstyles, prevent frizz, and lock in moisture. I personally adore my growing collection of hair wraps, and wearing them has been an absolute game-changer in terms of keeping my curls looking bouncy and defined. Still, understanding the advantages of a hair wrap and shopping for the right one can be daunting, so we asked Whitney Eaddy, expert hairstylist and founder of natural haircare brand Juices & Botanics, to demystify the world of hair wraps for us. Keep scrolling for her expertise on all things hair wraps, along with some of our (and her) absolute favorite options out there. Your best hair days are well within reach.
Overview
- Best Silk Hair Wrap Overall: Slip Pure Silk Turban
- Best Hair Wrap for Overnight Wear: Shhh Silk Black Silk Sleep Bonnet
- Best Hair Wrap for Outer Wear: Grace Eleyae GE Women's Satin Lined Sleep Cap
- Best Hair Wrap for Short Hair: Damn Gina Silk Hair Wrap
- Beat Hair Wrap for Long Hair, Braids, or Locks: YPGVUO Satin Bonnet
- Best Satin Hair Wrap Overall: Khaki Wide Band Tied Silky Bonnet
Why Use a Hair Wrap?
As I mentioned, hair wraps are often overlooked, seen as either optional or only necessary when preserving a particular hairstyle for the next morning. However, for many people—particularly women with curly hair—silk and/or satin hair wraps are indispensable.
"Traditionally, head wraps have served functional purposes like protecting women's scalps from the sun, sweat, and grime," says Eaddy. The benefits of hair wraps, however, extend far beyond that. To be specific, Eaddy names five key benefits of wearing silk or satin head wraps.
First and foremost, head wraps provide protection to hair follicles. "Head wraps protect your fragile strands, reduce moisture loss, help avoid tangles and hair breakage," says Eaddy, "especially if worn at night while you sleep." For me, this is the biggest benefit: I notice a huge improvement in my curl definition and hair health when I've worn my bonnet the night before.
Secondly, Eaddy says, wraps "preserve the natural hair oils that are produced in your hair, which will benefit your hair, scalp, and skin."
And if you're trying to grow Rapunzel-length locks, hair wraps can help with that, too. "Head wraps ensure that your stands are protected from root to tip allowing for optimal protection, moisture, and length retention," says Eaddy, meaning that donning a protective hair wrap can help you achieve your hair goals sooner rather than later.
By promoting hair health in these ways, hair wraps provide quick, visible results, beautifying your locks from the inside-out. The most obvious of these results, Eaddy notes, is the way that hair wraps fight frizz by "keeping curls in place during the night while you sleep. But wearing a hair wrap—especially overnight—can also "help preserve your style at any time of the day or night." This makes a wrap the perfect accessory for those who love a low-maintenance hair routine because, in the words of Eaddy, "After sleeping in a head wrap overnight, you will have a minimal amount of work to do to refresh your style, so it saves you a lot of time getting ready in the morning."
Finally, hair wraps are more than just functional: With all the colors, styles, and designs they can come in, they're also fashion statements. "In modern times, head wraps have become a central accessory for many," agrees Eaddy. "The head wrap, just like with textured hair, is about embracing your hair and style simultaneously."
What To Look For in a Hair Wrap
First of all, there's a reason why most hair wraps are made from silk and satin. Eaddy says that when looking for something to swathe your hair in, it's best to "look for a soft material that will not irritate or scratch against the skin," and calls silk and satin "the beauty industry standard for protecting natural hair." Of course, these fabrics can be costly, but investing in a high-quality hair wrap will ultimately protect your hair health and preserve your curls, thus ultimately saving you money on products for hydration and damage repair.
When it comes to choosing between a turban, bonnet, or other style of hair wrap, though, Eaddy says that the decision is determined entirely by your "function and style goals." She explains, "Bonnets are great to protect and preserve styles, as are turbans."
Silk vs. Satin Hair Wraps
At first glance—especially to the beginner buyer—satin and silk may seem essentially the same. However, there is, indeed, a difference between the two, which Eaddy breaks down.
- "Satin is the way a fabric is woven, which means that satin fabric can be made of many fabrics, such as cotton or polyester," Eaddy explains. "Satin is made from synthetic fibers. While it may be smooth and shiny, it doesn’t necessarily have the same superpower as 100 percent silk."
- "Silk is the fabric itself. Silk is a 100 percent natural protein that is gained from the cocoons of silkworms," she goes on. "The fabric helps protect against split ends, does not absorb all the moisture found in your hair and scalp, helps maintain thermal regulation, and extends time in between your washdays."
Styling a Hair Wrap
Hair wraps can either be worn in the privacy of your own home or as fashionable accessories while you're out and about. "Turbans come in many fashionable and chic styles that can also be paired with your favorite outfit," Eaddy says. Try going monochromatic by matching your wrap to the same color scheme as the rest of your outfit, or pick a a statement hair wrap with a floral, paisley, or geometric print to add a burst of excitement to an otherwise subdued look.
Wondering how to tie your wrap? "Head wraps and scarves are extremely versatile," Eaddy reassures us. "There are endless ways to wrap and tie a head wrap, and many examples and tutorials can easily be found online."
Deals on Silk and Satin Hair Wraps
The Best Silk and Satin Hair Wraps
The Best Silk Hair Wraps
"Silk is a higher quality fabric and is the best option when it comes to hair care," says Eaddy. And not only does this fabric go a long way in terms of pretending your strands from the damage that causes split-ends and frizz, but it's also gorgeous and luxurious to the touch. Keep scrolling for some of our favorite silk hair wraps, many of which are stylist-or expert-approved.
Best known for their silk pillowcases, Slip caters to all your luxury beauty sleep needs, including the need for a premium silk hair wrap. This option is gorgeous, luxurious, and, according to users, doesn't pinch the skin while in use. It’s large, so I love it for my waist-length curls, but some users with short hair find it too big for them, so be sure to take length into account before adding it to your shopping cart.
Pros: editor-approved; made from premium silk; fits a lot of hair
Cons: runs large
Customer Review: "I sleep with it every night. I wear it when I have my tape ins installed and without them. Honestly noticed a difference in just a month with my hairdresser mentioning it as well." -Sephora
Crafted with 100 percent premium mulberry silk, this luxe hair wrap is a great go-to nighttime protection tool for optimal hair health. It promises to reduce split ends and breakage, prevent frizz, and help styles and curl patterns last longer. I love this piece for its snug-fitting elastic band, which prevents it from slipping when you’re tossing and turning. Plus, it comes in 11 distinct colorways, including both solid shades and multi-colored patterns, and you can opt into tacking on a set of matching silk hair ties to your order.
Pros: comes in multiple colors; made from silk; award-winning; has an elastic band
Cons: may be better for short hair than long hair or braids
Customer Review: "Amazing, a revelation for me. I used to wake up with frizzy hair all the time. I’ve used one these particular hair wraps for over two years and will not stop. I wake up to smooth hair everyday! Quality is fabulous. I do wash mine, I have two on the go and one new one in a box ready. Would be without mine!" -Silke London
Eaddy highly recommends the silk lined headwraps from Cee Cee’s Closet, a brand that prides itself on creating fashionable yet practical headwraps that are grounded in the African tradition of wrapping textured hair. "It has so much style,” says Eaddy of this option, “yet it offers function while protecting your hair and scalp with silk." Plus, this Black woman-owned brand ethically partners with tailors in Nigeria to create unique, responsibly made pieces that are built to last.
Pros: Black-owned and woman-owned brand; made from high quality silk; ethical brand
Cons: not as many pattern options
This is one of my favorite hair wraps—it’s comfortable, feels luxurious, and comes in four stunning colors. Plus, unlike most hair wraps, it comes in both medium and large, so you can customize your wrap depending on your head size and hair length. It’s perfect for those suffering from frizz and tangles. One customer raves, "This wrap is wonderful. I have a silk pillowcase but it doesn't do as good a job at keeping my hair tangle-free as my turban."
Pros: editor-approved; comes in multiple sizes and colors; made from premium silk
Cons: some users who toss and turn say it fell off at night
Customer Review: "I have very long, thick, hair and was able to fit this into the large hair wrap comfortably. I have definitely noticed my hair be consistently soft and silky and I got used to sleeping with it on after a few days. It has helped lessen tangles, which in turn means I do not need to brush it and ruin my waves." -Damn Gina
If you toss and turn when you sleep and, as a result, find that your hair wraps have often fallen off by the time you wake up in the morning, then this option may be for you. Its high-performance elastic is made to fits snug around the head, which is perfect for kids and restless sleepers alike. According to several reviewers, it also fits a surprising amount of hair and makes a positive difference on the appearance of curls in just one night.
Pros: elastic band; made from premium silk; fits a lot of hair
Cons: some users find the elastic too tight
Customer Review: "I have definitely noticed a difference using the bonnet. Less work in the morning." -Shhh Silk
Don’t like having your hair covered fully? No problem. "This open turban design by YGN is such a great option, especially for the summer months when you’re looking to tie up your curls and protect your edges at the same time," says Eaddy of this style from You Go Natural, which fits like a headband and safely tucks baby hairs out of the wearer’s face. And she's not the only one who loves this brand—Gabrielle Union has also been spotted sporting their pieces.
Pros: easy to style day to day; protects baby hairs and edges; expert-approved; celebrity-approved
Cons: doesn't protect lengths and ends
The Best Satin Hair Wraps
While silk hair wraps are the premium option in the world of natural haircare, satin wraps are great when you're in a pinch or on a budget. Below, some of our favorite satin hair wraps that will keep your locks looking bouncy without breaking the bank.
According to reviewers, this bonnet is deceptively large, which makes it great for long, thick hair and for protective styles like braids and locks. It's also double layered to ensure durability and longevity, and because it’s satin on both sides, it’s reversible, too. This blue floral pattern is sure to lift your spirits as you’re getting ready for sleep, but if it’s not your style, never fear—this option also comes in twelve other color options, including both patterns and solid colors.
Pros: many color options; works well with protective hairstyles; Black-owned brand; reversible; adjustable; affordable
Cons: none found
Customer Review: "I like the adjustable drawstring and having a colorful & fun printed bonnet. The bonnet is versatile and can cover multiple hairstyles. I currently have knotless braids and they fit comfortably in the bonnet." -Glow by Daye
Black-owned brand NeoCurly was founded in 2019 in order to help people with textured hair along in their natural haircare journeys. The brand makes a variety of haircare products, tools, and accessories that support curls, kinks, and healthy hair growth, including this casual beanie that’s lined with silky smooth satin. It tames flyaways, protects styles, and reduces frizz, and includes an adjustable strap for that perfect fit. And because it looks like a normal hat, it’s just as easy to incorporate into your everyday style as it is to incorporate into your sleep routine.
Pros: casual look; affordable; Black-owned brand; adjustable
Cons: won't fit the entirety of long hair
This design is excellent for long-haired ladies who don't like the way traditional bonnets force their hair into a nest at the top or back of the head. I personally use this bonnet for my waist length curly hair, and it fits all of my tresses so comfortably that I often forget I still have it on. Its elastic band is flat and not too tight while also remaining securely fastened to my head—even if I’m tossing and turning all night.
Pros: editor approved; good for long hair; good for locks; comfortable; comes in a pack of two
Cons: none found
This satin lined option is designed to look and feel regal so that you can feel luxe even while you sleep. Reviewers of all genders with type 3 to type 4 hair love this brand for its variety of pieces, which are made to be worn both at home and out and about. The bonnet’s flat adjustable band is designed to hold down and protect the wearer’s edges, and extends by several inches so that you can tie it into a bow at the front or back.
Pros: decorative; holds down edges; highly rated; affordable; Black-owned brand
Cons: headband portion is not made of satin
People love this comfortable piece, which is completely adjustable. It's called a sleeping beanie, but don't let the name fool you: Multiple reviewers write about how cute this cap looks when they're on the go. It’s made to hold and de-frizz flyaways, edges, and baby hairs, and its satin lining minimizes tangles and breakage. The outside of the cap is made from plush yet breathable jersey material that looks like any regular beanie, making it perfect for all-day wear throughout the fall and winter.
Pros: great for outer, all-day wear; affordable; lightweight
Cons: doesn't cover lengths and ends
Meet the Expert
Known as "The Growth Guru," Whitney Eaddy is an expert hairstylist who has worked with hundreds of clients around the world with the mission of helping people (especially women of color) love their natural hair textures. She has founded five haircare businesses, all of which are centered around self-love and self-acceptance.
-
For Fitness Icon Robin Arzón, Running Was Therapy. Then It Become Her Job.The Peloton instructor turned to exercise after a traumatic experience and discovered "something really magical."
-
Why the Fourth of July Is Special to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Get ready to swoon.
-
Kate Middleton Wears Princess Diana-Inspired Mint Green Blazer at Wimbledon
The princess looks beautiful in '80s fashion.
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
-
The 11 Best Magnetic Lashes of 2023
Go ahead and kiss your messy lash glue goodbye.
-
The 30 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2023, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
-
The 23 Best Beauty Advent Calendars of 2023
The gift that keeps on giving—literally.
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
-
The 12 Best Cream Eyeshadows, According to Makeup Artists
The best part? They’re so easy to apply.
