What Is a Silk Press – Suppose you flat iron your naturally curly hair at home daily. In that case, you’re familiar with silk presses, a temporary hairdo that raises the results to glossier—and yes, silkier—heights.
Chrissy Zemura, a hair stylist and colorist, states that “a silk press makes natural hair very straight, lustrous, silky, and smooth.” “Without using a relaxer or chemicals that straighten hair, it adds a lot of body and movement.” It is still possible to perform the silk press technique at home; however, hair experts specialize in it and offer it in the salon. Learn how a pro does a silk press, how to make the style last longer, and what you should know before making an appointment in the section ahead.
Despite its long history, this method gets its name from a play on words: pressing the hair with a flat iron to make it silky smooth.” “It’s only for a short time, and your hair will return to its original state.” According to NYC-based hairstylist Sasha Bee Thomas, “a silk press is a chemical-free straightening treatment for natural kinky, coily, and curly hair types.”
A silk press is essentially a blowout followed by hair straightening—all expertly executed by a styling professional. Unlike relaxers or keratin treatments, which rely on chemicals to permanently or temporarily alter the structure of the hair, a silk press is essentially a blowout followed by hair straightening—all expertly executed by a styling professional.
In addition, your hair will be washed and treated with ingredients that hydrate, smooth, and protect your strands from heat damage throughout the procedure. One of our favorite things about a silk press is that it’s a great way to switch up your look on the fly. For example, do you usually have curly hair but want to try smooth straight hair for a few weeks? A silk press might be the solution. Hair damage is maintained to a minimal minimum, and your unique curl pattern isn’t altered in the long run, so you can get back to that lovely bounce that’s all yours.
The Real Difference Between Silk Presses And Flat Irons
Even experts in the field of beauty sometimes get confused about the meanings of various products, tools, and procedures, such as the distinction between toners and essences or curling irons and wands.
Another one of the more perplexing distinctions is that between silk presses and flat irons when it comes to hair. Even though the differences are slight, it’s always crucial to understand the aims and qualities of something before trying it out – especially when it comes to beauty.
The primary distinction is that one is a tool, and the other is a treatment. A flat iron, often known as a straightener, is a tool, and it has abilities that go beyond its name. This device, which can straighten, curl, wave, and crimp hair, is most likely present in your home.
On the other hand, a silk press is a flat iron technique or method that is commonly performed in salons. It consists of numerous phases and is primarily used to transform curly or coily natural hair into straight hair. Le’Ana McKnight told Byrdie that silk press has been around for a long time, but it got its name from the use of a pressing comb and seeing someone’s hair go from a coily to a silky look in one sitting without chemicals.
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Is a silk press or flat iron best for my hair?
To flatten and lengthen hair, both flat irons and silk presses use two panels of heat. A straightener can have unique settings, protective coatings, and even steam capabilities, depending on the amount you spend.
A flat iron can be used without any treatments, though a protectant or serum is highly suggested, while a silk press employs a flat iron and additional equipment and products to straighten hair. This procedure is usually followed in the following order: wash, blow-dry, cut, and press (via Byrdie).
While heat damage is a legitimate worry, employing a heat protectant and spacing out when using a straightener or a silk press can help keep it to a minimum. In many ways, silk presses are a better and healthier option than other traditional hair straightening techniques, such as relaxers, which can have harmful side effects if misused (via Teen Vogue). It’s a matter of deciding what’s best for your hair, whether you have a treatment or do it yourself at home.
Silk Pressing Instructions
The hairstylist claims four steps to creating the glossy, bouncy silk presses seen on Instagram’s Explore tab. First, get the deep cleaners out. “To remove product buildup and grime, you must thoroughly clean your hair.”
It will give you a silky press with body and movement,” Zemura advises, recommending O&M’s Original Detox Shampoo as a clarifying shampoo. Deep conditioning, the next stage, adds moisture back into the equation, resulting in that jaw-dropping silk press shine later on. “Before any heat treatment, hair must be adequately conditioned and hydrated.
The stylist continues, “This will let your silk press reach its greatest potential.” “A deep-conditioning treatment should be applied to the hair with a heated towel or a steaming cap for at least 15 minutes, then washed out with cool water to seal the cuticle.” It seals in all of the excellent stuff and makes your hair lay flatter.” After that, the heat tools are used, starting with a thorough and moisturized blow-dry. “When blow-drying your hair, make sure it’s scorched from roots to ends. “No moisture should be left on the hair,” Zemura explains.
Brushes, heat protectants, and moisturizing mists should all be used during the initial blow-dry: “Depending on the curl type you’re working on, you can use various brushes. “I use a paddle brush when dealing with 4a through 4c, but a wide round brush when working with 3c and lower,” she explains.
Zamora says avoiding the over-application of products is the key to a lightweight silk press. Still, she also displays that a heat protectant is necessary to protect hair from heat and that a light mist gives hair a natural shine and hydration without weighing it down. It’s now time for the “press,” where you or your stylist will build on your healthy, moisturized, and heat-protected foundation.
“I always propose flat irons with titanium plates,” Zemura continues. “These flat irons transmit heat more evenly than ceramic or other flat irons,” says the manufacturer. Finally, the difference between a good silk press and a bad one—and what you should look for in a stylist—is how your hair feels afterward. “There should be a lot of substance and movement in the hair,” Zamora says. “A silk press isn’t supposed to be stiff!”
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How Do You Keep A Silk Press In Good Working Order?
The good news is that, after all of that, Zemura claims that your silk press can last up to two weeks “with proper care.” However, as with any straightened style, you must consider the weather. She explains, “It all depends on a person’s lifestyle and the climate.”
“It’s a waste of time and money to buy a silk press when the humidity is over 25%,” says the expert. Reduce your hair’s total exposure to water as well. “I recommend covering your hair at night and wearing a shower cap—no swimming!” Zemura continues. Naturally, washing your hair will remove the style; however, Zemura points out that “you get a good wash before your silk press,” and 4a through 4c curl types are less likely to feel oily than 3c and below curl types.
Hair Tips For Silk Press
Those aren’t the only pearls of stylistic knowledge to remember once you have a silk press—or even if you don’t. And, before you drop down in a stylist’s chair, think about how you’re taking care of your hair if you want a silk press so shiny it could capture a satellite’s attention. “In the end, healthy hair can obtain that lovely sheen.”
So, to get the most out of your silk press, make sure your hair is healthy and hydrated,” Zemura advises. To create a silk press, she recommends that your hair be “twice the width of the flat iron” in length. “You may lightly press the hair on low heat after a week or two if you think it needs it, using a heat protectant, of course,” she says if you want to touch up your silk press on your own. But what is the most vital piece of advice to keep in mind? “A silk press is something you do now and then to change up your style,” Zemura says. “This isn’t a bi-weekly salon visit; this is where harm might occur.”
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Things you should avoid while straightening your hair
A sleek, straight ‘do is more stylish and classic than any other hairdo. But, as someone who has spent her whole life with curly, frizzy, wild hair, I understand how difficult it can be to achieve a pin-straight look. You’ve probably fought (and lost) a few battles with your curls while attempting to straighten them. The following are the most common straightening mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
Flat ironing wet hair
The dreaded sizzling of a flat iron on wet hair is something we’ve all heard. That sound is an indication your hair is unhappy, whether you merely missed a spot with the blow dryer or didn’t wait long enough for it to dry entirely.
According to Matrix principal educator Roch LeMay, running the iron over damp hair “creates steam and causes bubbles to form within the hair fiber, which breaks along the hair shaft,” according to Matrix principal educator Roch LeMay.
As soon as the crack reaches your hair’s cuticle (which is the outermost part of the strand and protects the hair), you’ll notice split ends and broken hair. If you don’t have time to let your hair air dry completely, stylist Angela Stone of AvantGirl Salon in Margate, New Jersey, tells The List that blow drying it first will save you time with the flat iron and reduce the chance of damage.
Straightening it every day
I’ll admit it: I used to straighten my hair every day in high school. I was a swim team member, and every time I jumped into the pool, my hair curled back up. So I’d spend time each morning before school re-straightening it.
As you may expect, this resulted in my hair looking terrible in the long run. My once-luscious curls had become dry and brittle, with unmanageable frizz. If you’re not on a swim team or constantly caught in the rain, you can keep your hair straight for a few days by skipping washing instead of using dry shampoo. If the dry shampoo leaves a dusty residue (which is entirely natural! ), stylist Angela Stone recommends blow-drying it off, and you’ll be good as new.
Straightening over-processed hair
One of the most common problems stylist Holly Munro of Art Is. Salon in Brigantine, New Jersey, sees “broken, weak hair” caused by a flat iron on over-processed hair at her salon. Of course, your hair is over-processed if you try to keep up with Kylie Jenner’s ever-changing rainbow tresses or seek straightening treatments daily. However, if your hair has been damaged by heat or chemicals, it’s better to put the flat iron away and recover your hair before proceeding with any further treatments.
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Putting the heat setting too high
It seems logical to put your straightener to the highest heat level. Isn’t it true that the hotter it gets, the faster it will accomplish its job? Wrong. It’s tempting to turn it up to get the work done faster, but it will just make things worse. Because everyone’s hair is different, there is no one-size-fits-all heat setting. “Leave the temperature between 300-325 for thin hair and 325-350 for thick hair,” hairdresser Angela Stone recommends as a general rule.
Using the wrong flat iron
If you are having so many options, picking the appropriate flat iron for your hair type can be difficult. There are so many various sizes and finishes to choose from that it’s challenging to find the right one for you.
Tourmaline, ceramic, and titanium are the most common flat irons. According to the experts at Karmin Hair Tools, tourmaline irons are perfect for most hair types and are often the least harmful. However, a titanium straightener is a good option if you have thicker hair.
“Faster heat transfer means even quicker and greater results, whatever the hair’s state,” says the titanium. Finally, ceramic straighteners glide through the hair with ease and give quick, even heat. They’re fantastic for most hair types, but they’re not the ideal choice if your hair is already damaged.
Using a flat iron in general
Flat irons are a terrific component in any cosmetic routine since they create a smooth look in a short amount of time. You shouldn’t, however, put too much faith in them. “Blowing out your hair and not using a flat iron at all is significantly better for your hair,” explains stylist Holly Munro. “It’s a lot more difficult and time-consuming, but your hair’s integrity will greatly benefit.”
Not using a heat protectant.
When you’re exposing your hair to heat, you should use a protectant similar to how you use sunscreen to protect your skin from U.V. radiation. “Use heat protection at all times,” stylist Angela Stone advises.”
It is the biggest blunder a female can make.” A thermal protectant is your greatest buddy, whether you’re flat ironing or blow-drying your hair; my favorite is Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray. Just remember to wait a few minutes for it to absorb into your hair before adding heat. Otherwise, the heat will cause it to sizzle.
Using the wrong shampoo and conditioner
Every hairstyle begins in the shower. It doesn’t matter if you have the best straightener in the world if you’re not using the correct shampoo and conditioner. Unfortunately, many hair products contain sulfates, which cause your hair to dry out.
If you straighten and blow-dry your hair frequently, look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners (I like the L’Oreal Hair Expertise brand) to keep your tresses in good condition. Your best bet is anything that claims to have smoothing, frizz-free components.
Whenever you subject your hair to high heat, you risk some damage.
While flat irons make straightening hair reasonably quick and uncomplicated, it’s preferable to avoid them entirely and instead opt for a blowout. Also, make sure you use a thermal protectant on your hair before using any heat, regardless of your method. you’ll get the sleek, straight look you want without the frizz and dead ends, If you follow these recommendations.
The choices can be limited regarding hair straightening techniques for curly and natural hair. Relaxers contain harsh chemicals that can make your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage; they can also permanently alter the structure of your hair, making it impossible to restore to your natural curl pattern.
On the other hand, Keratin treatments are less permanent but can still harm your curl pattern and contain potentially harmful chemicals like formaldehyde (a probable carcinogen—yikes!).
What should I know before purchasing a silk press?
Before you go to the salon for a silk press, keep the following tips in mind.
1. Avoid using thick hair products. “I always tell my clients to avoid using oils or heavier items before purchasing a silk press,” Thomas explains. “Hair follicles that are clogged are never good.” So, before you go in for your treatment, don’t be scared to let your hair breathe a little—the benefits will be well worth it.
2. Think about having a haircut ahead of time. It’s a good idea to have a trim before getting a silk press if you haven’t been to the salon in a while. The effortless movement of silky smooth hair can be hampered by straggly split ends, which is a crucial benefit of this hairstyle!
3. If you’re planning a beach vacation, you might want to hold off. This temporary treatment will completely reset once your hair is exposed to water. On the other hand, if you’re going on a vacation where you’ll be swimming, it might be best to use a silk press once you’ve returned. You’ll be able to enjoy the results for as long as feasible this way.
What is the mechanism behind it?
Thomas walks us through the procedure in the video below.
Here’s what to anticipate:
1. Washing + detangling
“The hair is first cleaned with clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup from the scalp,” Thomas explains. “The hair should next be deep conditioned. A steam treatment or a cap treatment with heat from a hooded dryer are two options for stylists. The treatment chosen is determined on the state of the client’s hair.”
2. Heat-protectant spray + blow-dry
“The hair is blow-dried with a heat protectant after the deep conditioning treatment is washed out,” Thomas explains. It is usually done in small parts with a brush and a concentrator nozzle attachment. By straightening the hair during the blow drying process, you can reduce flat iron exposure and hence the danger of heat damage in general.
3. Make a straight line
“The next step is to straighten the hair with a flat iron,” Thomas says. Finally, the newly straightened hair is polished and finished in small portions. “The result is smooth, bouncy hair with a glossy finish,” she says.
What is the lifespan of a silk press?
A silk press’s beauty is that it isn’t indestructible. According to Thomas (whichever comes first), the effects should continue for around two weeks, or until your next wash day or whenever your hair gets wet, according to Thomas (whichever comes first). “The silk press results are only ephemeral,” she says. “Hair will revert to its original state when exposed to humid weather conditions, perspiration, and moisture,” Thomas recommends covering your hair every night to make the hairdo endure as long as feasible.
Is it damaging to your hair?
The truth is that all heat styling causes harm to your hair. However, when it comes to straightening curly and natural hair, the silk press method is the least likely to cause damage. That’s because silk pressing is done only once in a while, it avoids harsh chemicals, and it employs nourishing, heat-protecting materials throughout the process to hydrate your hair and protect it from heat damage. However, if your hair is already damaged or dry, utilizing hot tools will indeed cause extra damage—even if it is minor. If you have brittle, dry strands due to hair dye or another treatment, you should wait until your hair’s health is fully recovered before applying further heat.
Why Did I Require A Silk Press?
After years of hair damage from over-straightening, I desperately needed a significant chop and some TLC. I thought about it; should I relax (chemically straighten) my hair? It was a definite no after one youthful experiment and years of growing out. Consider a Keratin treatment. Sounds fantastic, but what are the chances of it messing up my curl pattern?
Eeek. As a result, I had no choice but to try silk pressing.
Is A Silk Press Usable For A Long Time?
A silk press usually lasts two to three weeks, or as long as you don’t wash your hair. After that, the slightest drop of moisture in your hair can revert to its natural texture. So to keep the humidity at bay, you must learn to adore wearing a silk wrap to bed and become best friends with your brolly.
Who Can Have A Silk Press?
People with naturally thick or coarse hair will benefit from a silk press. People straighten their hair for many reasons.
The first reported hair relaxer was invented in 1909 by accident while trying to develop a way to reduce friction in the sewing machine he had in his shop. Garrett Augustus Morgan, an African American, was the one who found the cream. Garrett founded the Morgan Hair Refining Company and targeted black and mixed persons with his product. All hair types are excellent in Angel’s Eyes of Beauty’s opinion. You can either keep your hair natural or use a chemical straightener. Regardless of which option you select, we can ensure that your hair and scalp are kept as hydrated and healthy as possible so that you may attain your desired appearance.
Hair Straightening using Chemicals
Chemical straighteners (hair relaxers) are lye-based or lye-free chemical solutions. Many individuals are concerned that these relaxers include lye, a recognized poison if consumed accidentally. Always use caution when employing a lye-based relaxer. Although some relaxer brands do not utilize lye, they contain powerful chemicals.
If eaten, chemicals like lye can inflict chemical burns on the scalp or even death. Even though lye relaxers have been used for decades, they are safe when done by an experienced practitioner.
We have conducted countless chemical relaxing therapies for our friends, family, and customers at Angel’s Eyes of Beauty with no burns and only positive effects! Strong chemical relaxers have the advantage of permanently straightening your hair and keeping it that way until new growth grows too long.
Delray Beach’s First Black-Owned Hair Salon
Angel’s Eyes of Beauty provides excellent hairstyle services. We can help you get a look that you love and can’t wait to show off to your friends, whether you want to keep your hair natural or straighten it.
How do you do a silk press?
You have two options when receiving a silk press: go to a salon for professional treatment or do it yourself at home. According to Joly, the method is essentially the same in either case and usually entails the following six steps:
Step 1: Use a moisturizing shampoo to cleanse your hair.
When it comes to murdering your silk press, a proper foundation is crucial, and it starts with your shampoo. According to Joly, choose a sulfate-free shampoo that will nourish your hair without drying out your curls. P.S. To ensure that there is no leftover residue or oil accumulation, Joly recommends washing your hair at least twice.
Step 2: Apply a deep conditioner to your hair.
If you want your silk press to reach its most significant potential, you must use a deep-conditioning treatment after shampooing. According to Joly, the most fantastic deep conditioners are rich with moisturizing oils that help preserve your hair from frizz and breakage while improving its appearance and texture. She recommends letting the conditioner rest in your hair for around 30 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water to seal your cuticles. It will assist in filling in all of the beneficial nutrients and make your hair lay flatter.
Step 3: Apply a heat protectant that is smooth and non-sticky.
According to Joly, this is a non-negotiable. A heat protectant acts as a barrier between your hair and any hot instruments you use on it, preventing heat damage (like dry texture, breakage, or an effed-up curl pattern).
Please don’t overlook this step, ok?
Step 4: Style your hair using a blow dryer.
You have two options: give yourself a blowout the old-fashioned manner with a round brush and a blow dryer, or use a hair-dryer brush, which combines the two tools in a straightforward process. Joly loves the first approach of her clients, but if you’re doing it at home and you’re terrible at blowing out your hair, a hot brush makes it a million times simpler.
Step 5: Apply a little serum to the face.
Apply lightweight hair serum to your hair before hitting it with a flat iron in step six.
It will not only help you obtain that smooth, straight, and bouncy finish you’re striving for, but it will also seal in extra hydration, according to Joly.
Step 6: Straighten your hair using a flat iron.
It’s time to straighten your hair last, but certainly not least. Joly recommends using a flat iron with titanium plates for an extra-smooth finish—they’re ideal for natural hair. They not only help disperse heat more evenly than conventional flat irons, but the plates also glide over your hair like silk, giving it a silky look and feel. Consider this: You shouldn’t have to go over any of the sections more than once.
What is the price of a silk press?
It is dependent on your location in the country, the salon you visit, and the level of experience the stylist has. However, according to Joly, a professional silk press would cost you anything from $55 to $95. It’s not bad.
Final Words (What Is a Silk Press)
In my opinion you can’t go wrong with a silk press if you want to make your tight curls incredibly straight and smooth . There’s minimal heat damage (when done correctly), it’ll last you a couple of weeks (assuming you take care of it), and it’s not outrageously expensive if you hire a stylist to do it. Please share this article with your known persons and spread it over all the social media platforms. Stay tuned with us every day. We will bring a bunch of knowledge for you.
FAQs
While it’s most commonly used on natural hair with a curly or coily texture, a silk press can be done on various hair types, including wavy or straight hair. However, the effectiveness may vary.
The longevity of a silk press depends on factors such as hair type, maintenance, and exposure to humidity. On average, it can last anywhere from one to two weeks.
While it’s possible to do a silk press at home, it’s recommended to seek professional help, especially if you’re new to the process. Professional stylists have the expertise to minimize the risk of heat damage and achieve optimal results.
