Healthy, resilient hair is not just about what you apply topically — it’s also about understanding the biology beneath the scalp. Every strand on your head moves through predictable, repeating phases known as the hair growth cycle. This cycle determines how long your hair can grow, when it sheds, and why certain times of the year may bring more shedding than others.

Supporting hair during these phases is essential for anyone experiencing postpartum shedding, seasonal shedding, stress-related thinning, or breakage — and one of the simplest, most effective tools is something you use every night: your pillowcase.

A high-quality 22 Momme Mulberry Silk Pillowcase doesn’t change the cycle itself, but it supports the integrity of the hair fiber as it moves through its longest and most vulnerable stage.

Let’s break it down.

The Four Phases of the Hair Cycle

1. Anagen — The Growth Phase (2–7 years)

This is the longest and most important phase.
During anagen, the follicle is active, the dermal papilla is well-nourished, and the hair fiber is being continuously produced. The length of your anagen phase determines how long your hair can grow.

Why this phase matters:
Because hair remains in anagen for years, anything that causes friction, breakage, or mechanical damage over time will significantly impact density and length. Even small, repeated nightly stresses accumulate.

2. Catagen — The Transition Phase (2–3 weeks)

The follicle begins to shrink and detach from its blood supply. No new growth occurs, but the existing hair remains in place. This is a short, delicate phase where minimizing stress to the hair shaft is critical.

3. Telogen — The Resting Phase (3–4 months)

Hair is no longer actively growing; it is suspended at the surface of the scalp.
Many women notice seasonal or postpartum shedding when a higher percentage of hairs unexpectedly enter telogen simultaneously.

4. Exogen — The Shedding Phase

This is when the hair naturally releases from the follicle. Losing 50–100 hairs per day is normal; exaggerated shedding may occur after illness, childbirth, nutritional deficiencies, or high stress.

Why So Many People Notice Breakage and Shedding Even With Supplements

Even when follicles are healthy internally, external stressors weaken the cuticle:

• Cotton pillowcases roughen the hair shaft
• Mechanical friction contributes to mid-shaft breakage
• Tangling during sleep causes stress at the follicle
• Dehydration of the cuticle leads to brittleness
• Chemical treatments or heat styling heighten vulnerability

This is why clients may say, “I’m taking supplements, using serums, and still losing hair!”
If the hair fiber itself is repeatedly damaged during its years-long anagen phase, the hair will appear thinner, shorter, and harder to grow out — even if the follicle is healthy.

How a Silk Pillowcase Protects Hair Throughout the Entire Hair Cycle

Silk doesn’t change hormonal shifts or follicular biology — but it reduces external damage, supporting fuller, longer-looking hair while it moves through its natural cycle.

1. Dramatically Less Friction

Silk offers a smooth, non-abrasive surface that allows hair to glide instead of tug or catch.
This is especially important during the long anagen phase, when cumulative nightly friction can lead to weakened strands.

2. Prevents Breakage During Vulnerable Phases

Catagen and telogen hairs are more fragile because they are no longer anchored as firmly at the follicle base.
Sleeping on silk minimizes the pulling and tension that can prematurely remove telogen hairs.

3. Maintains Hair Hydration

Cotton absorbs natural oils and moisture from the hair shaft.
Silk helps preserve the lipids that keep the cuticle flexible, reducing brittleness, split ends, and mid-shaft “weathering.”

4. Fewer Tangles = Less Morning Damage

When hair tangles overnight, brushing those knots out causes mechanical breakage.
Silk reduces knotting, smoothing the hair surface and protecting length over time.

5. Ideal Support for Postpartum Hair, Extensions, and Long Hair

Whether the hair is naturally long, chemically treated, or recovering from postpartum shedding, silk provides the gentlest environment to help retain more density and length.

Because the growth phase lasts years, every night of friction compounds, just like daily sun exposure accumulates on the skin.

Clients often focus on serums, vitamins, and scalp treatments — but forget that the hair fiber itself must withstand mechanical stress for thousands of hours as it grows.

A 22 Momme Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is a simple, elegant solution that:

• Protects the cuticle
• Preserves the appearance of fullness
• Enhances the longevity of hair growth efforts
• Supports overall hair integrity from root to tip

It doesn’t interfere with the body’s natural cycle — instead, it ensures that every strand that does grow has the best chance of staying intact.