7 Best Hair Bonnets to Help Lock in Moisture While You Sleep

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab and Textiles Lab both provided expert guidance, though bonnets themselves were not lab-tested for this roundup—the Beauty Lab for hair-care context and the Textiles Lab for material quality. GH editors personally wore and evaluated four bonnets during overnight home-use trials, assessing durability, smoothness, and how well each stayed in place overnight.

We also collected feedback from a small group of consumer testers during short-term home use and used learnings from the Textiles Lab’s prior silk-fabric testing to help evaluate material quality, which includes evaluations of silk sheets, scrunchies, and pajamas. Retailer reviews were also analyzed to identify common durability and fit themes, not to score performance.

"The most thing to know when choosing a bonnet is the difference in fabrics, specially silk and satin," says GH Textiles Lab Associate Director Emma Seymour. She explains the difference below, plus other things to look for:

✔️ Silk vs. Satin: Silk refers to the silk fiber, which is more luxe and breathable, while satin is made from polyester to mimic silk. It’s cheaper and smooth, but will likely feel sweatier.

✔️ Size: If you have a lot of hair, you’ll need a larger size compared to some of the sleeker ones that can accomodate shorter or finer strands.

✔️ Closures: Some tie for an adjustable fit while others have built-in elastic.

"Bonnets can reduce breakage and retain moisture," says GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. "They can help preserve hairstyles like curls and braids and prevent frizz caused by friction between hair and fabric." She emphasized that they are especially beneficial for curly and kinky hair prone to frizz and breakage.

They should never feel tight and uncomfortable, which could put tension on the hairline and lead to headaches. It is key to wash them regularly—if they aren't, they can trap oils and dirt and harbor bacteria.

Wizemann also noted that "bonnets should not be put over wet hair as they can create a non-ventilated, moist, and warm environment, which can encourage fungal growth, dandruff or infections, and also increase breakage."

"Silk is typically the preferred material because it's ultra smooth and soft with a cool feel, while satin polyester is more likely to feel sweaty," says Seymour. "However, satin is a more affordable material and is easier to care for, while silk can sometimes require gentle laundering."

Seymour explained the difference between the two fabrics further: "Silk refers to the fiber while satin is a weave," she says. "Typically, silk bonnets will be made from silk fibers with a satin weave, but a satin bonnet will not include any silk fibers and instead be made from polyester with a satin weave."

The short answer: yes, as long as you are wearing it properly. Ensure a secure but not too-tight fit, wash bonnets regularly and only wear on dry hair.

GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price most recently updated this article, adding more details about bonnets and how to choose the right one for you. She worked with both the GH Beauty and Textiles Labs to provide current, accurate information.

Freelance writer Andrea Jordan originally wrote this article and is an expert in all things beauty and lifestyle. She coordinated with the GH Beauty Lab and interviewed a celebrity hairstylist to inform the selections in this story.

GH Staff Writer Cameron Jenkins has written on several hair care topics, including the best edge control, best curl creams, and consulted with the GH Beauty Lab and GH editors to select the top products for this article. She also wears a bonnet most nights and draws on her personal experience, as well as sorts through thousands of consumer reviews to find the very best product recommendations.