As Consumer Reports Week continued on “Live in the D”, the focus turned to a nighttime staple in many households: the hair bonnet.
Ginger Cowles, managing editor at Consumer Reports, said the team expanded its groundbreaking Synthetic Braiding Hair Project to examine bonnets with the same scientific rigor - and real-world wear. “They’re a necessity,” Cowles said. “So many people use them to maintain the health of their hair and also to maintain their hairstyle… you gotta have your bonnet on at night if you want to make your next day easier.”
CR’s earlier testing of 10 synthetic braiding hair products raised alarms: all contained carcinogens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and 9 of 10 had lead, prompting the organization to withhold product recommendations in that category. The new bonnet testing aims to point consumers toward healthier choices.
For this round, six CR staffers tried about five bonnet products each, over multiple nights and washes, to reflect real-life use across hair types and styles. Testers evaluated both silk and satin. Experts told CR silk is more breathable and helps maintain moisture balance, though 100% silk options can be pricey. One silk pick the team liked was Blissey, around $60 at the time of testing, which worked best for shorter hair or smaller heads due to its snug, turban-style fit.
Satin still earned solid marks. Yanni’s Best was a favorite for longer hair or anyone wanting to preserve volume. Prince Hair Company, a small Etsy brand, won fans for its reversible designs, though it fit better on larger heads or textured hair than on smaller heads or very straight hair. Hairbrella stood out for its adjustable, bra-strap-style band that stayed put overnight, but it tended to flatten hair - a better option for protective styles like braids or locs where volume isn’t the goal.
CR emphasized it buys every product it tests with its own funds, including these bonnets.
Consumers can find the full results and more buying guidance at consumerreports.org.
To watch the segment, click the video above.