Silk Press Hair: How to Get It Right This Year

Photo: Instagram.com/Shear_sweetness

Getting your hair silk-pressed is a simple way to try something new while also maintaining the health of your hair. At an instance and without the use of chemicals or hair smoothers, you can watch your hair transform from being extremely curly to velvety straight using a silk press without experiencing the discomfort and heat damage that comes with an old-fashioned press and curl.

Due to its easy maintenance and salon-perfect finish, the silk press has recently become one of the many popular salon treatments. You should know a few things if you are like me and have been thinking about getting a silk press.

What is Silk Press Hair?

Traditionally, the silk press is a hair styling technique that uses heat and flat iron to straighten and smooth curly or wavy hair. The goal of a silk press is to leave the hair with a shiny, sleek finish, similar to that of silk. You get a silk press, you may either go to a salon for a professional service or do it yourself at home. Regardless, the procedure is essentially the same.

Benefits of a Silk Press

• Smooth and shiny hair: The flat iron used in the technique smoothens out the hair cuticle, resulting in shiny, frizz-free hair.
• Long-lasting results: Silk presses can last for several weeks, depending on the hair type and maintenance.
• Minimal damage: When performed correctly, a silk press can cause minimal damage to the hair, as it uses a lower heat setting than traditional pressing methods.
• Versatility: A silk press can be used on various hair types and textures, including African-American and mixed-race hair, and can also be used as a base for other styling options such as curls or updos.
• Time saver: A silk press can save time in the morning as it eliminates the need for daily styling, and can be seen as a time saver.

Photo: Instagram.com/silkpress_queen

How to get it right with Silk Press Hair

To achieve a successful silk press, it is important to do the following:

1. Wash and deeply moisturize: Start with clean, detangled hair that has been properly moisturized. Shampoos and conditioners with a smoothing texture are quite essential for preparing the hair for heat. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo to moisturize your hair without drying out your curls.
2. Use a heat protectant before applying heat to the hair: This is a very important process when it comes to the silk press technique. To prevent heat damage, a heat protectant forms a barrier between your hair and any hot tools you use on it.
3. More moisture: Apply a light hair serum before using a flat iron on your hair in step six. It will help you get the silky, straight, and bouncy finish you desire in addition to locking in more moisture.
4. Blow-out your hair: You can either use a hair-dryer brush, which combines the two tools into one simple step, or blow dry your hair using the conventional method with a round brush and a blow dryer.
5. Get Your Silk-press: Use a flat iron set to the appropriate heat setting for your hair type, and work in small sections to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the hair. In order to achieve an exceptionally smooth finish, you must now straighten your hair. The finest flat iron to use on natural hair is one with titanium plates. In addition to helping to disperse heat more evenly than most flat irons, their plates really glide over your hair, giving it a silky look and feel. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth the hair as you flat iron it.
6. Trim out: It makes a huge difference to get rid of split ends if you want your hair to smooth out the way you want it to. To avoid making a blunt cut when trimming, make sure you are cutting at an angle. It’s crucial to trim your hair gently and avoid over-trimming as this can cause breakage and damage.
7. Style: Once you’ve completed the process, seal in style with a light oil or serum to add shine and prevent frizz.

How long does a silk press last?

A silk press can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the individual’s hair type, maintenance, and lifestyle. Factors such as heat exposure, humidity, and the use of silicones and oils can all affect the longevity of a silk press. It is generally recommended to touch up the press every 2-3 days using a heat protectant and a flat iron with a low heat setting. To maintain the press, it is important to avoid using heavy oils, avoid sleeping with wet hair, and avoid excessive manipulation of the hair.

Photo: Instagram.com/silkpress_queen

How to maintain your silk-pressed hair

To maintain your silk-pressed hair, it is important to:

• Use heat-protectant products before using heat-styling tools.
• Avoid using heavy hair products, such as waxes and pomades, which can weigh down your hair and make it greasy.
• Use a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to protect your hair while you sleep.
• Use a light-hold hair styling product, such as a hair mist or light hair oil, to keep your hair looking smooth and shiny.
• Avoid sleeping with wet hair, it can cause matting and tangling of your hair.
• Do regular trims to maintain the health of your silk press.

Can silk press damage your hair?

As long as you follow the instructions, especially the “apply a heat protectant technique,” silk presses aren’t hazardous for your hair. However, it’s advised to utilize a professional and avoid DIY if you’re unsure of what to expect from your silk press.

It’s also important to note that regular silk press may cause damage to the hair if done too frequently. Additionally, it’s important to maintain healthy hair practices, such as regular trims, and using sulfate-free shampoos and deep conditioning treatments. Overall, with the right technique and products, you can achieve a beautiful silk press that leaves your hair looking smooth and shiny.