New Delhi, 8 April 2025: Hair fall and skin problems have become a part of everyone’s life today. If you are not getting relief even after trying expensive shampoos, oils and treatments, then take a look at your pillow cover. Yes, this small thing can have a big impact on the health of your hair and skin. Experts say that a dirty or long-used pillow cover can not only cause hair fall, but can also increase skin problems. So let’s understand this secret a little more closely.
Pillow cover and hair connection
Every day we reach home with dust, dirt and pollution coming from outside in our hair. While sleeping at night, all this dirt gets accumulated on the pillow cover. Dermatologist Dr Geetika Mittal explains, “When you sleep with oily hair, the oil and dirt stick to the pillow. Then when you use the same pillow daily, the hair gets rubbed, which increases the problem of breakage and hair fall.”

She further said, “Many people use the same pillow cover for 10-15 days. During this time bacteria accumulates on it, which weakens the hair roots.” Agreeing with her experience, Shalini Verma, a housewife from Delhi, said, “I started changing the pillow cover every week, and within a few days the hair fall reduced. Earlier I thought that shampoo would make a difference, but this was the real reason.”

Effect on skin too

Pillow cover is not just limited to hair, it is also related to the health of your skin. According to a recent study conducted in the US, people who used silk pillow covers had less acne and skin problems. Dr Geetika explains, “Silk absorbs less oil from the skin, which helps retain moisture. On the other hand, cotton covers absorb more oil and sweat, which leads to bacteria growth and acne.”

She suggests that people who suffer from acne should change their pillowcases at least three times a week. “If this is not done, the risk of skin infection increases,” she warns.

Why is silk better?

The study also revealed that silk pillowcases are also beneficial for hair. It reduces the damage caused by rubbing the hair, which reduces hair fall and split ends. Ananya Das, a singer from Kolkata, says, “I switched to silk pillowcases and within a few weeks my hair texture improved. My skin also improved.”

However, silk is not everyone’s pocket. In such a situation, experts recommend that even ordinary cotton covers should be washed regularly and dried in the sun before use.

Not just the pillow, pay attention to these things too

Dr. Geetika says that hygiene habits should not be limited to pillows only. “Makeup brushes, beauty blenders, towels, toothbrushes and combs also need to be cleaned regularly. The dirt accumulated in them can cause acne, eczema and infections on the skin.”

Giving an everyday example, she said, “Just as we do not wear dirty clothes the next day, pillows and sheets should also be washed frequently. This small habit can bring a big change in your health.”

What do people say?

People are becoming more aware of this. Rahul Mehta, an office employee in Mumbai, says, “I did not know that the pillow cover could have such an impact. Now I change it every four days, and hair fall has really reduced.” However, some people consider it extra effort. Priya Sharma from Bangalore says, “It seems difficult to wash every week, but I am trying for my health.”

Cleanliness is important

Experts believe that basic hygiene is more important than expensive products for hair and skin care. Dr. Geetika says, “Improve your daily habits before spending lakhs of rupees. A clean pillow cover can be more effective than your shampoo.”

So the next time you are worried about hair fall or acne, take a look at your pillow. Perhaps the answer is hidden in your bed itself. This small change will not only improve your health, but will also increase your confidence.