The Best Kids’ Satin Bonnet

Buying Guide

Regular linen and cotton pillowcases can dry out hair as you sleep and cause breakage. While silk pillowcases can be better, they do not hold hairstyles in place. That’s where satin and silk hair bonnets are miraculous, as they help retain moisture and can prevent split ends, too. But while these natural fibers are very soft and comfortable, they can be expensive.

You can find inexpensive hair bonnets made with silk, but they probably have some polyester included. Lower-grade satins do not feel as nice as higher-quality ones and may not protect the hair as well.

Another important feature in a good bonnet is a sturdy headband that holds it in place but does not feel uncomfortable. Some bonnets close with ties or buttons, but these can loosen over time or become undone while the wearer is sleeping. In general, wider bands hold their shape longer and stay more secure. Also avoid bonnets with ruffled edges, as there really is no need for such embellishment aside from aesthetics, and ruffles can feel scratchy against the skin.

Hair bonnets are great for adults but, let’s face it, kids need all the help they can get in keeping their hair in place. Not only do bonnets retain moisture and prevent frizz, they extend the life of a hairstyle you worked so hard to put together.

It can be hard to get a young child to keep a bonnet on, so look for ones that are fun to wear. There are many with cute patterns that kids might like, and some are even reversible. You can buy a matching one for yourself and put it on, which can be a good way to encourage little ones to wear their own. Starting children out with these as toddlers is a great way to develop the habit of wearing a bonnet every night.

• Sleep bonnets can only hold so much hair, so if your child has a style like waist-length box braids, you may have a hard time finding one that is large enough. Search for extra-large bonnets with expandable drawstrings to accommodate their style if that’s the case.
• If your child’s hair is especially dry, shop for bonnets with double linings, as these hold in more moisture.
• If your child does not want to wear a bonnet, offer a small reward if they do so. You could read an extra story at bedtime or make a special breakfast the next morning, for instance.
• A high-quality bonnet may be so comfortable a kid forgets they are wearing it. Shop around until you find something like this.