Frequently Asked Questions
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Silk is a natural fiber made from the cocoons of the Bombyx mori a domesticated silk moth native to China. For thousands of years, this species has been cultivated for its ability to produce exceptionally fine silk.
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Moth lays its eggs.
The eggs hatch into silkworm larvae, which feed exclusively on mulberry leaves — a diet that directly influences the quality, smoothness, and strength of the silk they produce.
As the worm matures, it begins spinning a protective cocoon. Each cocoon is formed from a single continuous filament, often stretching up to 1,000 meters (over half a mile) in length.
Once the cocoon is fully formed, the silk filament is carefully softened and gently unwound — a process known as reeling.
The threads are woven into fabric .
The fabric is graded for quality (Grade 6A being the highest).
At Select Silk, we use 6A Grade Mulberry silk — the longest, smoothest, and most uniform fibers available.
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Benefits of Silk for Hair
• Reduces friction that can cause breakage and split ends
• Minimize tangles and frizz
• Retain its natural moisture
•Lightweight and breathable
• Preserve protective styles and blowouts
Benefits of Silk for Skin
• Helps reduce sleep creases on the face
• Gentle on sensitive skin and acne prone skin
• Less absorbent than cotton, helping skin retain moisture
• Naturally breathable and temperature regulating
• Hypoallergenic and comfortable for nightly use
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Silk is a natural fiber.
Silk is the material/fabric.
Naturally ultra-soft and smooth
Cool at first touch
Authentic silk delivers a softness synthetic fabrics simply can’t replicate.
Satin is a weave not fabric.
Often synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, cotton, or rayon threads are weaved in satin to imitate the silk texture.
Feels warmer
Slippery
Often has a brighter, more reflective shine
Feels synthetic or plastic-like
Synthetic satin can mimic the shine of silk, but it is usually made from polyester or nylon, which do not have the same natural softness, breathability, or hair-friendly properties.
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Read the labels
What to look for:
100% silk
100% mulberry silk
Be cautious of misleading words such as: silky, silk feel, satin silk, silky satin, silk blend.
If it doesn’t clearly say 100% silk assume it’s not.
Touch:
Real silk feels smooth and cool at first touch. Not oily slippery or plastic.
Synthetic silk:
Slippery
Often thin
Staticky
Sticky and hot after contact.
Silk feels refined synthetics feels coated.
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Silk has been valued for centuries because of its rarity, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Unlike synthetic fabrics, silk is a natural fiber produced by silkworms, and thousands of cocoons are needed to create a small amount of silk fabric.
The process of harvesting and weaving silk is delicate and time-intensive, which contributes to its value. In addition to its rarity, silk is prized for being incredibly smooth, breathable, and gentle on hair and skin.
Because of these qualities, silk has long been associated with refinement, quality, and luxury.
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Momme (mm) measures the weight and density of silk fabric. Think of it like thread count — but more precise. The higher the momme, the heavier and more durable the silk.
12–16 Momme
Lightweight and delicate.
Often used for scarves and lightweight garments
19–22 Momme
Balanced, durable, and luxurious
Ideal for pillowcases and hair accessories
25+ Momme
Very dense and structured
More substantial and significantly more expensive
At Select Silk, we use both 19 and 22 Momme Mulberry silk. It offers increased durability, long-lasting smoothness, and a richer feel — without unnecessary heaviness.