For many people with a type 4 natural hair, dealing with shrinkage is a daily challenge. But every now and then, you might want to switch things up and enjoy the look of straight hair.
One way to achieve that sleek, shiny appearance without using harsh chemicals like relaxers or texturizers is through a silk press. If you’re considering trying a silk press on your type 4 tight curls or searching for tips to maintain it, you’re in the right place!
What Is a Silk Press?
A silk press is a method of straightening natural hair using heat tools like blow dryers and flat irons. This process gives your hair a smooth, silky look that mimics the appearance of relaxed or texturized hair, without actually altering your hair’s natural structure. The silk press transforms your shrunken type 4 curls into flowing, straight strands that last all day.
Shrinkage often makes it hard to tell how long your hair really is, but a silk press straightens your natural hair, revealing its true length. Not only does it help you see the full length of your hair, but it also adds bounce and shine, giving your hair a healthy, vibrant look.
Is a Silk Press Bad for My Type 4 Hair?
You might be concerned about using heat tools for a silk press, especially since we’ve all heard how heat can damage a type 4 natural hair, leading to split ends, dryness, breakage, or even hair loss.
Photo: Instagram/ ropo.demure However, a silk press uses minimal heat, so it won’t harm your hair if done correctly. Just make sure to always apply a heat protectant before using any heat tools to keep your hair safe.
How Often Should I Get a Silk Press For My Type 4 Hair?
Even though the heat used in a silk press is minimal, it’s still a good idea to limit how often you apply heat to your type 4 natural hair. You can safely do a silk press about once a month or every four weeks.
How Long Will My Silk Press Last?
A silk press typically lasts for one to two weeks, depending on how well you take care of it. To make it last longer:
- Keep your hair away from water or steam, as this can cause your hair to revert to its natural state.
- Wrap your hair in a silk scarf before bed to maintain the style.
- Avoid using styling products on your silk-pressed hair to keep it smooth and shiny.
Remember, a silk press is a temporary hairstyle and won’t last forever.
Is a Silk Press the Same as Flat Ironing?
While both a silk press and flat ironing involve straightening hair with a flat iron, they’re not quite the same. Flat ironing is a straightforward process of straightening hair, often used for those with finer, straight, or wavy hair.
On the other hand, a silk press is specifically designed for coily, kinky, or curly type 4 hair and involves additional steps and tools to achieve a smooth, sleek finish. The silk press method requires not just a flat iron, but also other tools and specialized products, along with careful preparation and maintenance, to get the best results.
How to Do a Silk Press on Your Type 4 Natural Hair at Home
If you’re planning to do a silk press on your type 4 natural hair at home, it’s important to follow the right steps to achieve a professional-looking result. Here’s a guide to help you get started:
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Start with a clean hair
Although it might seem like skipping shampoo would protect your natural hair from heat damage, applying heat to dirty hair can actually do more harm than good. Oil, sweat, and product build-up can create a barrier that leaves your hair feeling dry and brittle. Instead, begin with clean hair and use hydrating products to maintain moisture.
To start, consider using the Curlsmith Curl Quenching Conditioning Wash and Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. This combo, enriched with castor oil and hyaluronic acid, gently cleanses your hair while providing up to 72 hours of hydration without weighing it down, making it ideal for type 4 hair type.
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Use a leave-in conditioner
To start, add moisture to your natural hair to help your style stay put. Apply the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner, which provides lasting moisture without making your hair crunchy or greasy.
After you’ve finished showering, divide your hair into several sections. Apply the leave-in conditioner from the roots to the tips of each section, using a wide-tooth comb to detangle as you go. This will help prevent knots and tangles, setting the stage for the next step in your silk press.
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Apply heat protectant
To minimize heat damage, it’s essential to use a heat protectant. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests limiting heat tool use to once a week or less, and always using a heat protectant when you do. For your silk press, protect your hair with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer. This product helps reduce frizz, seal in shine, and protect your type 4 hair from heat up to 450°F. Apply the primer from roots to ends to ensure full protection before moving on.
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Part your hair
Before using hot tools, divide your natural hair into multiple sections to ensure even heat application and avoid moisture build-up. Create at least four sections and secure each one with a hair clip or satin scrunchie to prevent visible dents and discomfort.
- Blow Dry Your Hair
For the silk press, use a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle. This attachment focuses the heat, making it easier to dry each section of your hair thoroughly. Use the blow dryer and a hair dryer brush to smooth out your hair from roots to ends. After drying, use the cool setting on your blow dryer to set your style and reduce frizz.
If your dryer lacks a cool setting, let your hair cool down before flat ironing. Repeat this process for each section until your hair is completely dry. At this point, your type 4 natural hair should be mostly relaxed, with any remaining puffiness addressed in the next step.
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Prep your hair for flat ironing
Just like with blow-drying, you need to prepare your hair before using a flat iron. Divide your hair into small sections to make the process easier and ensure even heat distribution. For extra protection, apply another layer of heat protectant. We suggest using a spray-on heat protectant like the It’s a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In Product, which shields your hair from heat damage up to 450°F.
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Flat iron your hair
Once your hair is prepped, take a one-inch section and slowly flat iron it from root to tip to achieve a smooth, straight look. Depending on your hair type, you might need to go over each section more than once.
For the best results, adjust your flat iron’s temperature based on your type 4 hair’s texture and thickness. Continue this process with each section until your entire head is done.
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Seal the Style
After straightening your hair, use a light mist of hairspray to set your style. The L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray is a good choice for holding your silk press in place.
Tips for Maintaining Your Silk Press at Home
Touch-ups: If your silk press needs a touch-up due to moisture, use a blow-dryer before flat ironing. The blow-dryer brush attachment can help reduce damage by using low heat before following up with the flat iron.
Be Patient: Take your time with drying and flat ironing. Rushing can lead to uneven results and frizz.
Work with Small Sections: Working with smaller sections helps ensure that each part of your hair is thoroughly dried and straightened, resulting in a longer-lasting style.
Watch for Heat Damage: Look out for signs of heat damage such as shedding, breakage, or dryness. Use lightweight oils and heat-protective sprays to keep your hair moisturized and healthy.
A silk press is the way to go if you want to transform your type 4 tight curls into sleek, straight hair. When done properly, it causes minimal heat damage, and with the right care, it can last for a couple of weeks. Plus, getting it done by a stylist won’t break the bank.
Photo: Instagram/ Marsaimartin
