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Silk: Unmissable in the Beauty Industry
Silk is now indispensable in the beauty industry and has proven its effects to the public. Silk bedding, pillowcases, hairbands, hair elastics, and bonnets – we love using products made from silk. Why? Silk is a finely woven fabric that doesn’t draw moisture away – unlike cotton – which helps keep the skin and hair hydrated. Additionally, silk doesn’t cause friction when in contact with skin and hair, resulting in less split ends and a smoother feeling on the skin. Moreover, silk is hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making it suitable for everyone. But how did we get to this point? When did silk originate, and how has its use changed over the years? You’ll read all about it in this blog.
First Things First: What is Silk?
Silk is actually the name of the raw material produced by the silkworm. This worm hatches from an egg, and when it’s ready to transform into a butterfly after a month of eating, it spins a cocoon made of silk threads. After about two days of construction, the cocoon is ready and contains an impressive 3,000 meters of thread – a remarkable feat for such a small creature. The cocoons are harvested, and the thread is carefully unwound through a hot water bath. This is a delicate process. After that, the production of the silk fabric can begin.
The Origin of Silk
Silk originates in China, where it’s believed to have emerged around 300 BC. The oldest piece of silk found in China dates from this period. How silk exactly came to be remains a mystery, but legends and stories provide a fascinating starting point. Most of the stories revolve around the Chinese empress Leizu. According to legend, Leizu saw a cocoon, touched it out of curiosity, and discovered that the thread unraveled. She wound the thread around her finger, slowly unraveling the cocoon and revealing the silkworm. This established the connection between the silk thread and the silkworm. Leizu had mulberry trees planted in her garden, the only tree the silkworm feeds on, and invented a silk reel to wind the silk threads around. And so, silk was born. China began a long and profitable trade with the rest of the world.
Use in China
Initially, silk was mostly used to make clothing, but it was also used for tapestries and fishing lines. At first, silk was reserved exclusively for the imperial family, partly for status but also due to the high cost of production. As silk became more expensive, it gradually became accessible to other social classes. This made silk a coveted product, and many workshops were established in China, leading to a huge increase in production and popularity.
Trade and Worldwide Spread
For a long time, China was the only producer of silk in the world, due to the strict secrecy of the production process and the mulberry trees, which are specifically needed for the silkworm. However, when China began building factories outside its borders, the secret leaked to neighboring countries, and nations like India, Japan, and Korea also started producing silk. Still, the quality of Chinese silk remained the highest, which led to the Silk Road, a famous trade route between the Roman Empire and China.
The Rise of the Cotton Industry
Although China remained unchallenged in silk production for a long time, everything changed with the rise of the cotton industry. Cotton was cheaper and more readily available, challenging silk’s popularity. Today, silk is produced worldwide, but China remains the largest supplier of high-quality silk.
A Thank You to Leizu
So, the soft fabric you now find on your pillowcase is the result of a legend about a curious empress who touched a cocoon. Despite being produced through the silkworm, we can be grateful for the discovery of silk, a beautiful fabric that still offers benefits for both skin and hair. Thank you, Leizu!
