What To Know According To Experts

As a Black lady who got here of age within the ’90s and early ’00s, I used to assume having sort 4 hair meant having restricted styling choices. However actually, it was the wonder trade’s lack of inclusivity that was failing me. Quick-forward to 2024, and with many merchandise available on the market particularly designed for shiny hair and extra stylists than ever specializing in pure hair, I’ve realized that my curls are limitless. 

One week, my hair could possibly be in an afro. The subsequent? Braids. A month after that, I could possibly be sporting a silk press—sarcastically, my model of selection since chopping my hair again in September. However what precisely is a silk press, and the way can we go for a straight ‘do with out destroying the integrity of our distinctive textures? To search out out extra, I spoke with three skilled hair stylists to debate every little thing it is advisable to know in regards to the silk press—and the way to keep the integrity of your curls whereas working with sizzling instruments. 

What’s a silk press? 

In response to celeb hairstylist Karen Miller, a silk press is a styling methodology that briefly straightens curly or oily hair with out using chemical substances, like a relaxer, for instance. To realize the look, sizzling instruments like a blow dryer (typically paired with a brush or comb attachment), sizzling comb, and/or flat iron are used. “This service leaves the hair straight, easy, and glossy,” explains Ursula Stephen, hair stylist to the celebrities and proprietor of the New York Metropolis-based The Salon By Ursula Stephen. 

Methods to Put together For a Silk Press

Very first thing’s first: You by no means wish to use sizzling instruments on soiled hair. Whereas it might be tempting to skip the typically prolonged wash day course of, a radical cleanse is important to attain a easy and bouncy silk press. According to Nafisah Carter, celeb hairstylist and proprietor of The Salon Raleigh in North Carolina, beginning with a hydrating shampoo is finest. Nonetheless, you probably have a number of product build-up, Miller recommends choosing a clarifying shampoo beforehand and following up with a second wash. As soon as the hair has been completely cleansed, you will wish to use a conditioner to assist detangle every strand. 

Stephen recommends utilizing SheaMoisture’s new five-piece Bond Repair assortment. The system works to restore indicators of harm whereas concurrently stopping future breakage by rebuilding hair bonds. She particularly loves utilizing the road’s Bond Repair Masque ($16) to present dry hair a lift of moisture earlier than utilizing warmth instruments. “The mix of amla oil and amino acids will add energy and moisture to the hair,” she explains. “Comply with up with a moisturizing leave-in conditioner or warmth protectant to defend the hair from warmth harm [before styling],” Carter provides. 

Methods to Do a Silk Press

The 1st step: Shampoo

As talked about, you will wish to begin off on a clear slate utilizing a clarifying or hydrating shampoo. We advocate Pattern’s Cleansing Shampoo ($21)and Fable & Mane’s HoliRoots Hydrating Shampoo ($30) is one other nice possibility. 

Step two: Situation 

Guaranteeing the hair is moisturized and freed from knots is the inspiration of any good silk press. Carter likes to make use of conditioners from Amika for this step. A few of her go-to’s embrace The Kure Bond Repair Conditioner ($28) and Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner ($26). As soon as your hair is absolutely saturated with the product, divide the hair into as many sections as you want, then go in with a detangling instrument. We advocate utilizing the Detangler Brush by Felicia Leatherwood ($28), an editor favourite for combing pure hair. It might simply (and painlessly) detangle any texture from 1A to 4C. 

Step three: Apply Go away-In Merchandise

The kind of leave-in merchandise you utilize will rely in your hair sort. For instance, these with dry hair could wish to use a conventional leave-in conditioner or blowout cream, whereas others could solely wish to spritz on a lightweight moisturizer. A terrific possibility for the previous is Cécred’s Moisturizing Hair Lotion ($38), which I not too long ago examined. It is mild, however it left my hair feeling hydrated. I am additionally a fan of SexyHair’s Healthy Smooth Stunner Blowout Crème ($23) and Healthy Shine Show Blowout Spray ($23). When it comes to warmth safety, that is non—negotiable. For years, my go-to has been Mizani’s Press Agent Thermal Smoothing Raincoat Styling Serum ($25), which protects hair as much as 450 levels. 

Step 4: Blowdry 

For this step, it is vital to notice that you really want the hair to have a easy end. That is why Stephen recommends utilizing a Denman brush, paddle brush, or comb along with your blow dryer. Fortunately, Sample’s The Blow Dryer ($189) comes with each a brush and comb attachment and was particularly made with textured hair in thoughts—which means it will get simply sizzling sufficient to straighten hair with out inflicting warmth harm. 

Step 4: Flat Iron and Model 

Working in quarter-inch sections, as beneficial by Miller, take a flat iron—ranging from the roots—and thoroughly glide it alongside the hair shaft till it reaches the ends. To maintain your hair intact, we advocate not exceeding a temperature of 400 levels and solely doing one cross to keep away from extreme harm. However if you wish to add further quantity to your hair, go for Sample’s new Interchangeable Curling Iron ($250), which provides three barrel sizes to customise your look whereas solely utilizing minimal warmth.

How do you keep a silk press? 

Contemplating most individuals with pure hair wash their hair solely as soon as each week or two and customarily wish to keep away from extreme warmth, it is important to maintain your silk press in tip-top form for so long as potential. 

Miller, Carter, and Stephen agree that wrapping hair in a silk or satin scarf is finest. Nonetheless, hair can change into flat after a number of days. To treatment this difficulty, Stephen recommends utilizing satin rollers earlier than mattress to twist the hair with out utilizing extra warmth. You will additionally wish to keep away from water and moisture so your hair will not revert. “Take cooler showers to keep away from steam, and steer clear of water-based merchandise [when looking to refresh your hair],” she says. 

How lengthy does a silk press final? 

Typically, your silk press will final till you wash your hair once more or come into contact with moisture. So, to illustrate about two to 3 weeks, on common. Nonetheless, it can differ relying on upkeep (i.e., wrapping your hair at night time, avoiding water, and so forth.), and hair sort. 

Is a silk press the identical as flat-ironing? 

“A silk press is a sort of service, and a flat iron is a instrument used to attain this service,” explains Stephen. Every stylist has a novel methodology for attaining the look. “My method entails utilizing two totally different flat irons,” explains Carter. “I take advantage of a small one on the roots and a bigger one for the remainder of the hair. This methodology saves time in comparison with utilizing a straightening comb on the range and ready for it to chill down.” 

Execs vs. Cons of a Silk Press 

Execs

“The professionals are you may change up your model, and go awhile with out having to model your hair,” explains Miller. “It additionally helps when it is time for a trim.” Carter provides {that a} silk press may give your hair a break from high-tension types like braids and twists, each of which might doubtlessly result in hair loss if accomplished too incessantly. 

Cons

“Cons of a silk press embrace potential harm from extreme warmth utilization,” explains Carter. “This may alter your pure curl sample, so will probably be troublesome to put on your hair out in its pure state.” 

How a lot does a silk press price?

The price of your silk press will differ based mostly on location and the stylist you go to. At an upscale salon, you may count on to pay anyplace from $75 to upwards of $500. 

Can I do a silk press at house? 

Sure, however it’s finest to talk with a licensed hair stylist beforehand about the very best merchandise, instruments, and methods to make use of. For instance, utilizing merchandise designed to moisturize and restore hair is essential. Additionally, make sure that your sizzling instruments are on an acceptable warmth setting to keep away from compromising your distinctive hair sort and texture. Method is often realized over time, however there are a number of basic guidelines to remember. “I like to recommend working in small sections and limiting the variety of occasions you cross the flat iron,” says Stephen. 

Last Takeaway

A silk press is a superb styling methodology for anybody who prefers to put on their hair straight with out chemical remedies. Nonetheless, it is vital to work with a licensed stylist who focuses on pure hair to make sure you get the absolute best end result with out damaging your texture. For at-home upkeep, all the time wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf each night time and keep away from water contact to make sure you will not have so as to add warmth to your hair to maintain your model wanting recent.