Consumer trends are shifting towards eco-conscious materials. The fashion industry is no exception, with an average of75% of consumers now considering sustainability as a key factor in their purchase decisions for clothing and accessories.
Among the choices garnering attention, mulberry silk products, specifically hair accessories, are of particular note. Mayfairsilk and other experts believe this popularity is driven both by the natural feel and superior tensile strength of silk, along with the comparatively environmentally friendly production processes used in sericulture. This corroborates projections by Future Market Insights, which predict that the silk market will be valued at $48.6 billion USD by 2035.
How Silk Compares to Other Materials
Silk hair accessories have long been recommended by fashion experts and professional hair stylists around the world. Traditional hair ties tend to be made of coarser materials, snagging strands or otherwise creating friction that often leads to kinks, tears, and breakage in the hair shaft upon removal. Over time, these common hair ties can result in dents, fraying, and hair loss that exceeds growth, the latter of which may be particularly noticeable in individuals with thin hair.
On the other hand, silk sports a smooth surface that minimises friction and distributes pressure evenly across strands, reducing the mechanical stress that weakens the hair shaft and protecting the cuticle from damage. As a protein-based fibre, silk is composed of several amino acids that promote hair growth and help retain moisture; it also contains the natural compounds sericin and fibroin, both of which are widely used in cosmetics, hair conditioners, and salon treatments for their ability to stimulate cell regeneration. These properties ensure that hair accessories made from silk will not cause damage over time, even with consistent use.
Sustainable Silk
Demand for mulberry silk hair accessories, especially in Europe and North America, is also driven by the inherent sustainability of the fabric. While silk is already biodegradable, increasingly stringent environmental regulations on chemical treatments and wastewater management are spurring rapid adoption of environmentally responsible production methods in sericulture, making the material one of the most eco-conscious choices in the fashion and cosmetics industries.
Growing awareness of the mulberry silk’s hypoallergenic and therapeutic properties is also boosting its popularity as clothing, accessories, and bedding. Researchers have even recently discovered new applications in medicine, particularly for wound care.
Purchasing Silk Hair Ties & Accessories
When shopping for hair ties and scrunchies, experts say that consumers should look for products made with grade 6A mulberry silk, which is the highest quality of silk available on the market. 22-momme accessories are preferable – they contain up to 30% more grams of silk per square inch than 19-momme alternatives, making them a long-lasting option suitable for daily wear.
Additionally, health-conscious or allergy-prone customers should ensure the products they’re buying are Certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, which denotes that the fabric has been rigorously tested for harmful chemicals and toxins. Most reputable silk vendors will ensure that their products meet these standards, meaning buyers can use them daily without fear of adverse reactions or health complications from exposure to formaldehyde, harsh dyes, and other toxins.
