Bonnets are life! But they cannot do everything!
Bonnets, both silk and satin are amazing for reducing friction and preventing breakage, but they can’t fix everything!
Why this matters
Bonnets are incredibly beneficial for all hair types, but they are often surrounded by myths and unrealistic promises.
1. A bonnet cannot regrow hair
There is no scientific evidence that silk, or any fabric, can regrow hair.
Hair regrowth involves the follicle, which sits beneath the scalp. Fabric only interacts with the hair shaft.
A silk or satin bonnet can help prevent breakage, which supports length retention,
but it does not stimulate hair growth or repair follicles.
2. A bonnet cannot reverse traction alopecia
Traction alopecia occurs when prolonged tension damages hair follicles.
A bonnet:
- reduces friction
- protects existing strands
- lowers breakage risk
But it cannot reverse follicle damage.
The only proven early solution for traction alopecia is removing the tension source.
In moderate or advanced cases, a dermatologist or trichologist is required.
3. A bonnet cannot replace good haircare practices
Protection is helpful, but it is not a substitute for:
- regular cleansing
- proper conditioning
- regular detangling
- scalp care
Healthy hair still needs moisture, cleansing, and gentle handling.
Bonnets support your routine, it doesn’t replace it.
4. A bonnet cannot change your curl pattern
Your curl pattern is determined by:
- genetics
- follicle shape
- the way your strands naturally coil
Bonnets do not alter any of these.
What bonnets can do is preserve your natural curl pattern overnight by reducing the friction that causes frizz, but it cannot make your curls looser, tighter, or different.
5. A bonnet cannot stop hair from shedding
Shedding is a normal biological process.
On average, people shed 50–100 hairs a day.
A bonnet can reduce breakage, which is not the same as shedding.
It cannot stop hair that is naturally shedding from coming out.
6. A bonnet cannot fix damage overnight
Consistent low-friction protection helps retain moisture and reduce breakage over time,
but it is not an instant solution.
Improvement often becomes noticeable over:
- days for softness
- weeks for reduced breakage
- months for visible length retention
This is normal, expected hair behaviour.
7. A bonnet cannot work if it doesn’t fit properly
Fit matters more than most people realise.
A bonnet that is:
- too tight → causes tension
- too loose → slides off
- too small → exposes hair to friction
A good bonnet must fit comfortably and stay secure throughout the night.
For what a Silk bonnet can do - check out our blog post - what to expect in the first 7 days