Silk presses can become your go-to straightening service thanks to these important benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Low exposure to chemicals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Affordable compared to other straightening treatments<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Doesn\u2019t alter hair follicles or change curl pattern with proper heat protection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In this guide, we\u2019ll go over the silk press process, how you can maintain the style, and everything else you need to know before walking into your first silk press appointment<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you prepare your hair for a silk press?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can prepare your hair for a silk press by shampooing, conditioning, and detangling before your stylist begins heat styling. Many stylists and silk press experts have their own tricks and techniques for prepping your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below are a few common tips for prepping, but we recommend going with the products and regimen that works best for your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cleansing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Starting with a clarifying shampoo can help get rid of buildup, dirt, and other impurities that weigh down your hair. After that, you can double up on your shampoo<\/a> with a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo to replenish your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also look into pre-poo treatments<\/a> to give your hair extra protection and nourishment. You\u2019d incorporate pre-poo after the clarifying shampoo and before the moisturizing shampoo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conditioning and detangling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most stylists recommend conditioning your hair before getting a silk press. The best conditioning treatment for your hair depends on your natural hair texture, porosity, and dryness. Depending on the stylist, they may use leave in-conditioners, deep conditioning treatments, or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conditioning helps replenish and lock in moisture before your hair undergoes heat styling. It\u2019s also helpful if you use conditioners in your normal detangling process<\/a>. Lightweight formulas are best to ensure your hair isn\u2019t heavy or greasy from being overly moisturized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shana Marie Stewart, cosmetologist and owner of The Hair Whisperer Beauty Bar in Dallas, TX, suggests incorporating hair products into your routine that \u201creduce brittleness, restore hair follicles, hydrate the hair, and deposit shine back into the hair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stewart\u2019s go-tos include: Design Essentials Honey Cr\u00e8me Shampoo<\/a> and the Design Essentials Almond Butter Conditioner<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heat protectant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Applying a heat protectant before heat styling helps fight frizz<\/a> and protect your hair from heat damage. You can ask your stylist if they have a heat protectant for natural hair<\/a> to ensure that your hair is well protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many salons offer this prep process as a part of their silk press package, while others may require you to prep your hair at home. Call ahead if you\u2019re unsure so you can know what to expect on the day of your appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are the steps to a silk press?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You achieve a silk press by cleansing and conditioning hair, sectioning off and blow-drying hair, pressing hair, then cutting and styling hair. Just like prep, many stylists\u2019 techniques vary from person to person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Communicate with your stylist if you have concerns about certain tools or products or if you have allergies to common beauty ingredients. This can help you both get on the same page before your appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll summarize the general silk press steps below, but keep in mind that your stylist may take different steps or use other products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Cleanse and condition hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If it\u2019s part of your package, stylists will do all of the prep for your hair during your appointment. They\u2019ll also towel-dry your hair to ensure it isn\u2019t too wet before blow-drying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Section off and blow-dry hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Next, your stylist will use clips to part your hair into sections and work through drying each. Hair must be completely dry for the straightening process. Blow-drying can also stretch your hair<\/a> to potentially cut down on the number of passes needed when pressing hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stylists use different types of brushes and attachments while blow-drying. While every stylist has their preferred hair dryer, the Dyson Supersonic<\/a> holds up to the hype of cutting drying time in half and controlling heat flow to minimize damage. It also offers a selection of styling attachments that make it physically easier to get the blowout job done on different hair types and textures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Press hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is the step that separates a silk press from a regular blowout. Once hair is dried, your stylist will section your hair out again and get to work on pressing your hair. They\u2019ll press one section at a time with as few passes as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people may only need one pass on low heat, while others may need two or three at a higher temperature. This depends on your texture and the prep done in the previous two steps. Regardless, your stylist should use the lowest heat setting possible with all heat tools to avoid excessive exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some stylists like using a hot comb instead of or in addition to a flat iron. Other stylists have preferences on ceramic or titanium flat irons<\/a>, depending on your hair type. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once your stylist is done, you\u2019ll be left with silky-smooth hair with lots of body and volume. Your hair shouldn\u2019t be stiff or frizzy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Cut and style hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The last step is to cut and style hair. Even if you weren\u2019t planning on getting a haircut, now would be the perfect time to consider trimming your split ends<\/a>. This is also the step where you can get any curls or waves styled in your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
What is needed for a silk press<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll need tools and products to both protect and style your hair for a silk press. Below is a general list of what you\u2019ll need after you\u2019ve prepped and detangled your hair:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Heat protectant<\/strong> to shield hair from heat damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heat-resistant comb<\/strong> to comb through hair while doing a pass with your straightening tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hair clips<\/strong> to divide hair into different sections and keep them out of the way<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blow-dryer with attachments <\/strong>to dry hair before pressing with your straightening tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Straightening tool<\/strong> like a flat iron to press hair after blow-drying<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Any oils or styling products<\/strong> to help style and nourish hair before and\/or during the blow-drying and straightening process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Some stylists opt for additional or alternative tools or products, like additional serums while heat styling. You can ask local stylists or watch a few silk press videos to see how results from all of these techniques and tools differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I do a silk press at home?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can do a silk press at home if you\u2019re knowledgeable about the process and have all the supplies. It can be tough to do if you\u2019ve never had it done before or if you don\u2019t frequently use heat styling tools in your regular routine. Certain tools, like hot combs, are best left in the hands of a stylist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When in doubt, we recommend going to a local stylist so you can see how the process is done and get some tips for doing it at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How long can a silk press take?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A silk press appointment can take anywhere between two to four hours, depending on your hair and the services during your appointment. For example, your appointment may be longer if you\u2019re getting a full cut and style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your hair texture may also contribute to how long your appointment will last, especially if your hair takes a long time to dry. You can ask your stylist ahead of time for an estimate if you need to plan around your appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How often should you get a silk press?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can get a silk press every three to four months, depending on your hair\u2019s health. Although this technique isn\u2019t as damaging as other straightening services, it doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re completely safe from damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking precautions can help, but it won\u2019t make much of a difference if you\u2019re frequently exposing your hair to heat with silk presses or other styles. It also takes time and effort to repair heat damage<\/a>. Instead of taking that risk, wait a few months between silk presses and look into other styles to give your hair a break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is a silk press bad for your hair?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A silk press alone isn\u2019t bad for your hair since the damage is mostly dependent on technique and frequency. However, excessive heat exposure can dry out and damage your hair,<\/a> leading to breakage, split ends, and many other issues. One study also found that heat treatments at high temperatures<\/a> can modify hair structure and make it more susceptible to humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, a silk press can be a part of a healthy hair routine since the process involves cleansing, moisturizing, and trims. It\u2019s also not as damaging as other straightening treatments that use lots of chemicals or more excessive levels of heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also protect your hair from heat damage by taking the necessary precautions and by ensuring your stylist is using a good technique to minimize exposure. It\u2019s also important to care for your hair afterward to maintain your hair health and integrity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your hair is currently damaged or dry, we recommend focusing on your hair\u2019s health first before trying a silk press. This ensures that your hair isn\u2019t vulnerable to further damage during that process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How long does a silk press last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A silk press can last between two to five weeks depending on maintenance, how well you or your stylist executed your silk press, your lifestyle, the weather in your area, and your hair. Your silk press may also not last as long after your first time since your hair isn\u2019t used to it yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are ways to help your silk press last longer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Follow all of the silk press best practices<\/strong> for the best results, like starting with healthy and moisturized hair<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid areas and activities that introduce high humidity or moisture<\/strong>, like swimming, saunas, and exercising<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cover your hair completely in the shower<\/strong> with a shower cap<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wrap hair at night<\/strong> under a silk or satin bonnet to retain its moisture, style, and prevent breakage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase<\/strong> for further protection at night<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Minimize heat styling<\/strong> to avoid any more moisture loss or damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use dry shampoo for natural hair<\/strong> to keep hair clean and prolong your wash day a little more<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Look into styles that embrace<\/strong> your curls coming back, like loose buns at night to create waves or curls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Caprice Jones<\/a> of Salon Divas in Seattle, WA, suggests waiting one to two weeks after getting a silk press to do minimal touch-ups with a flat iron, if necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAvoid using anything that would weigh down hair or clog pores,\u201d says Jones. Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum<\/a> is also good for taming flyaways. If you wear hair extensions or a weave, SheaMoisture Wig & Weave Tea Tree & Borage Seed Oil Bond Release Spray<\/a> is a lightweight, non-alcohol product that adds a \u201clustrous shine\u201d without weighing down your locks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also look into using a hair polish or serum every two to three days. Silk press expert and StyleSeat Brand Ambassador John George<\/a> recommends using just a few drops to reduce friction and split ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, silk presses aren\u2019t meant to last forever. Occasional touch-ups and products may be safe depending on your hair, but you\u2019ll need to eventually shampoo your hair and welcome back your natural texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat happens when you get your hair wet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting your hair wet is an absolute no-no, or you will revert strands back to their natural state, says George. Using shower caps when showering and avoiding humidity can help your silk press last as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you sleep with this style?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can either pin curl<\/a> or wrap your hair<\/a>, then cover it with a silk or satin scarf. Prepping your hair in either of these styles can help your hair maintain its body and bounce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Avoid areas and activities that introduce high humidity or moisture<\/strong>, like swimming, saunas, and exercising<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heat-resistant comb<\/strong> to comb through hair while doing a pass with your straightening tool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Heat protectant<\/strong> to shield hair from heat damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n