The 11 Best Satin and Silk Hair Wraps to Keep Curls Bouncy and Defined

 Two women wearing silk hair wraps.
Two women wearing silk hair wraps.

Hair care for natural hair can be demanding and a little overwhelming—what with all the shampoos and conditioners, strengthening and hydrating hair oilsmasks, treatments, and styling creams on the market. But the results are endlessly rewarding. There's nothing quite like showing off a head full of moisturized, healthy hair, whether you're going completely natural or wearing a stunning protective style. One often underappreciated yet essential product is the satin or silk hair wrap, which can come in the form of a headband, bonnet, turban, and more.

The best silk and satin hair wraps 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 to keep my curls looking bouncy and defined.

Finding the right hair wrap for your length and curl pattern depends on a multitude of factors, from fabric type to size and texture. For a head start, I asked Whitney Eaddy, expert hairstylist and founder of natural haircare brand Juices & Botanics, to demystify the world of hair wraps. Keep scrolling for her expertise on what defines the best hair wraps, along with some of Marie Claire's absolute favorite options out there. Your best hair days are well within reach.

Overview

Why Use a Hair Wrap?

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," Eaddy says. 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," the expert elaborates, "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, wraps preserve the natural oils your hair produces, benefitting your hair, scalp, and skin.

If you're trying to grow your hair to Rapunzel-lengths, a wraps can help with that, too. "Head wraps ensure that your strands are protected from root to tip, allowing for optimal protection, moisture, and length retention," Eaddy explains. In other words, a protective hair wrap can help you achieve your hair goals sooner rather than later.

By promoting hair health, hair wraps provide quick, visible results—essentially beautifying your hair from the inside-out. The most obvious of these result is the way that hair wraps fight frizz by keeping curls in place while you sleep.

Wearing a hair wrap—especially overnight—can also "help preserve your style at any time of the day or night," Eaddy notes. This makes a wrap the perfect accessory for those who love a low-maintenance hair routine: "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," Eaddy agrees. "The head wrap, just like with textured hair, is about embracing your hair and style simultaneously."

What To Look For in a Hair Wrap

There's a reason why most hair wraps are made from silk and satin. When looking for something to swathe your hair in, soft materials that won't irritate or scratch against the skin are paramount. Silk and satin, Eaddy notes, are "the beauty industry standard for protecting natural hair."

These fabrics can be costly, but investing in a high-quality hair wrap will ultimately protect your hair health and preserve your curls. Ultimately, that saves you money on products for hydration and damage repair.

As for choosing between a turban, bonnet, or other style of hair wrap, let your function and style goals be your guide. Eaddy adds, "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. There is, however, 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," she continues. "Silk is a 100 percent natural protein that is gained from the cocoons of silkworms. 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."

The Best Silk Hair Wraps

"Silk is a higher quality fabric and is the best option when it comes to hair care," says Eaddy. Not only does this fabric go a long way in terms of protecting your hair from the damage that causes split-ends and frizz, but it's also gorgeous and luxurious to the touch.

Slip Pure Silk Turban
Slip Pure Silk Turban

Slip Pure Silk Turban

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, luxuriously soft, and, according to users, doesn't pinch the skin while in use. I love it for my waist-length curls, but some users with short hair find it too big for them. 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

Silke London Silk Hair Wrap
Silke London Silk Hair Wrap

Silke London Silk Hair Wrap

Crafted with 100 percent premium mulberry silk, this 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 in my sleep. Plus, it comes in 11 distinct colors, including both solid shades and multi-colored patterns. Another bonus? 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

Adaliyah Silk Lined Shortie
Adaliyah Silk Lined Shortie

Cee Cee's Closet NYC Adaliyah Silk Lined Shortie

Eaddy highly recommends the silk-lined headwraps from Cee Cee’s Closet, a brand that prides itself on creating fashionable yet practical headwraps 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

Damn Gina Silk Hair Wrap
Damn Gina Silk Hair Wrap

Damn Gina Silk Hair Wrap

This is one of my favorite hair wraps: It’s comfortable, feels luxurious, and comes in four stunning colors. Unlike most hair wraps, there are medium and large sizes, 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

Shhh Silk Black Silk Sleep Bonnet
Shhh Silk Black Silk Sleep Bonnet

Shhh Silk Black Silk Sleep Bonnet

If you're a restless sleeper and find that your hair wraps have often fallen off by the morning, this high-performance elastic wrap is for you. It's made to fit snugly around the head, 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 after 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

You Go Natural T-Shirt Bun
You Go Natural T-Shirt Bun

You Go Natural T-Shirt Bun

You Go Natural

Don’t like having your hair fully covered? No problem. This style from You Go Natural fits like a headband, safely tucking baby hairs away from the wearer's face. "The 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," Eaddy says. She's not the only one who loves this brand: Gabrielle Union has also been spotted wearing 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

Customer Review: "I recommend this product especially for my loc queens!" -Urban Outfitters

The Best Satin Hair Wraps

While silk hair wraps are the more premium option, satin wraps are just as effective when you're in a pinch or on a budget. Below, some of our favorite satin hair wraps that will keep your hair bouncy without breaking the bank.

Glow by Daye Premium Satin Bonnet
Glow by Daye Premium Satin Bonnet

Glow by Daye Premium Satin Bonnet

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; 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. The bonnet comes in twelve additional 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

NeoCurly Smooth & Silky Satin Lined Cap
NeoCurly Smooth & Silky Satin Lined Cap

NeoCurly Smooth & Silky Satin Lined Cap

Black-owned brand NeoCurly was founded in 2019 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 lined with silky smooth satin. This cap tames flyaways, protects styles, and reduces frizz, plus it includes an adjustable strap for that perfect fit. And because it looks like a normal hat, it’s just as easy to integrate into your everyday wardrobe 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

YPGVUO Satin Bonnet
YPGVUO Satin Bonnet

YPGVUO Satin Bonnet

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. It fits all of my hair so comfortably, I often forget I still have it on. Its elastic band is flat and not too tight: Even on nights when I toss and turn, it stays securely fastened to my head.

Pros: editor approved; good for long hair; good for locks; comfortable; comes in a pack of two

Cons: none found

Khaki Wide Band Tied Silky Bonnet
Khaki Wide Band Tied Silky Bonnet

Taelor Boutique Khaki Wide Band Tied Silky Bonnet

This satin lined option brings luxury to your nighttime routine. Reviewers of all genders with type 3 to type 4 hair love this brand's various haircare pieces, which are made to be worn out and about and at home. The bonnet’s flat adjustable band is designed to hold down and protect the wearer’s edges, and extends by several inches to 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

The Original Slap | Satin Lined Cap
The Original Slap | Satin Lined Cap

Grace Eleyae The Original Slap Satin Lined Cap

Grace Eleyae

This completely adjustable piece is 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 crafted from plush yet breathable jersey material that can pass for a 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

Customer Review: "Great satin hair cap to keep your hair untangled and soft throughout sleep. It's not as obvious of a sleeping cap and can even be worn out." -Sephora

All Silk Twist Turban
All Silk Twist Turban

Grace Eleyae All Silk Twist Turban

Grace Eleyae

This is another fabulous option from Black-owned and founded brand Grace Eleyae. It doesn’t necessarily look like a hair wrap, which opens up so many avenues for styling it. The design is open on the top and looks like a headband, so you can wear it with your hair down or to keep flyaways at bay when you’re wearing a bun or ponytail. Other perks? It's machine washable and features a fully adjustable band.

Pros: easy to style; Black-owned brand; affordable

Cons: none found

Styling a Hair Wrap

Hair wraps can either be worn in the privacy of your own home or as 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."

Meet the Expert