We’ll be making your beauty routine easier for you. Understandably, you may be finding it difficult to do your hair. But, guess what? Those beautiful hairstyles like knotless box braids, twist-outs, and silk presses are longer only reserved for salon visits. They’re simple DIY styles. If you’re still confused as to what a silk press is and how to do it, we’re breaking down steps on how to get a silk press and maintain one.
What is a Silk Press?
Silk press refers to the process of straightening natural curls using a chemical relaxer. It is a hair styling technique that requires using a flat iron and a blow-dryer to smoothen the hair. While it’s easy to think that a silk press for natural hair is the same as a traditional press and curl, this style ups the ante.
In the silk press, you only apply less heat to your hair strands to give it a shiny finish. If you have stiff hair, you should consider getting a standard press and curl. The major difference between a silk press and flat ironing is that the silk press is a styling technique and flat iron is a tool used to execute that technique. A flatiron can help straighten your hair for a silk press, but to have movement and dimension, a silk press will require other tools to complete the style.
How To Do A Silk Press
Here are the steps to follow to switch up your hairstyle to try a silk press.
1. Start With Clean Hair
Ensure you begin with washed (clean) hair. You can apply a moisture seal conditioner or shampoo. These products will help moisturize and hydrate your hair.
2. Use A Leave-In Conditioner
Then, boost your hair strands with moisture so your hairstyle can last. A perfect recommendation is the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner. This conditioner helps soften your hair strands and make it slippy for a seamless detangling process. Evenly distribute it through your strands and detangle your hair section by section.
3. Apply Heat Protectant
As you already know by now, a silk press requires the use of heat styling tools. You’ll need to protect your hair strands with a heat protectant. You could use the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer to help calm frizz, seal in shine, and protect your strands from heat damage.
4. Part Your Hair
Part your hair into two even sections, and hold the top half with a hair clip. Then, split the bottom layer into two more sections, and clip it to take it off the way.
5. Blow Dry Your Hair
Attach the concentrator nozzle to your blow dryer and dry your hair with a brush. Ensure you blow-dry from the roots to the ends to ensure all the parts are completely dry. Repeat the process on each section of your hair until your hair is fully dry.
6. Prep Your Hair For Your Flat Iron
You’ll need to spilt your hair into sections again so you can reach the roots. Start by dividing your hair into two sections. Split the bottom section in two and secure one side with a hair clip. Also, spilt the hair to about an inch in size to ensure that the heat from your flat iron is distributed evenly through your hair. Clip the rest of your hair out of the way.
7. Press Your Hair
Beginning from the root, slowly flat iron your hair to the ends to make each pass count. Repeat this on one-inch sections of hair, passing over each one with your flat iron until you have a silky-soft mane. Avoid making too many passes on the same section of the hair as it can cause damage. Take things slowly for desired results. Most of all, adjust the temperature of your flat iron to suit your hair texture and thickness.
8. Seal the Style
Once your mane is flat-ironed to perfection, add a touch of hairspray to lock it all in. The L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented is a perfect hairspray option. Additionally, mist the spray evenly over your hair and you’re done!
How Long Does A Silk Press Last?
How long your silk press will last solely depends on how well you prepped your hair before you styled it and how you maintain it. Check out these tips on how to maintain your silk press to help your style last longer.
1. Protect Your Hair At Night
One of the easiest ways to keep your silk press intact is to pin-curl your hair at night to maintain a bouncy mane. Part your hair into sections that are about an inch in size. Take the end of one of the sections, tuck your hair around one of your fingers and roll up until you reach the roots. Secure it with a hairband or bobby pin and repeat until you have a mane full of pin curls. Cover your hair with a silk or satin scarf and you’re all set.
2. Stay Away From Heat And Avoid Water
It may be quite tempting to apply more heat to your hair, but, don’t try that. Excess heat can cause damage to your mane’s moisture levels and leave you with stiff strands. Also, when you’re on a silk press, watch out for water, steam, and sweat. These can all cause your smooth strands to revert to their natural texture before you’re ready.
3. Give Your Styling Products A Break
There’s no need to apply additional hair products to your hair with your silk press in. The goal is to keep your hair bouncy and shiny, and excess product can give your hair a stiff and dull look.
Cost of Silk Press
The cost of a silk press varies based on your location, the salon you choose, and the prices your stylist decides to set. Some stylists even add extra fees depending on the length and state of your hair. However, on average, the cost of a silk press is between $50 to $200.
Final Words
You’ll love how your hair will look and feel after a silk press. Don’t feel sad because you can’t afford to pay for the styling process at a saloon. We’ve made it simple for you by breaking down the steps involved. Get your tools ready, style your hair, and look ever gorgeous!