Silk press season is here and for natural hair lovers, it’s the perfect time to switch up their looks and trade those bouncy curls for some sleek, shiny tresses.
As a natural hair enthusiast myself, I know I love to see this season come, because silk presses are a total game-changer for anyone looking to switch up their style. Beyond the style change, silk presses are also the perfect solution to almost any problem you might be facing. But don’t just take my word for it, get one done and you’ll see just how fast a silk press can transform your life.
- Feeling ugly? Get a silk press!
- Need a personality change? Get a silk press!
- Want to turn heads and slay the day? Get a silk press!
There’s nothing a good silk press can’t fix. Whether you’re a beginner who wants to experiment with a new style or a seasoned natural looking to showcase some length, this article you clicked on has something for everyone. So sit back, grab your notes, and let’s get into the details of how you can achieve this style and totally slay silk press season.
First Off, What Is A Silk Press?
A silk press, as the name suggests, is the process of using a flat iron to straighten curly or afro-textured hair for the purpose of achieving a smooth, silky finish.
The key difference between a silk press and other hair straightening techniques is that this method makes use of heat rather than chemicals, thereby making the entire process as reversible as can be.
How to do a silk press on natural hair
As you prepare to take a break from your curls and embrace those sleek tresses, we want to make sure that you know exactly what to expect.
This section of the article carefully breaks down the entire silk press process from hair prep to styling. Our goal is to give you all the tools you need to slay silk press season whenever it’s that time. So without further ado, let’s get into the steps involved!
1. Grab All The Tools You Need
Before you get into the silk press routine, it’s important to ensure that you have all the tools and products needed to achieve a stunning result.
Here’s a simple “everything” checklist you can use to get going:
Best tools for a silk press on natural hair:
- Detangling brush
- Sectioning comb
- Sectioning clips/hair ties
- Blow-dryer
- Flat iron
- Round brush
- A big-enough mirror
Best products for a silk press on natural hair:
- Hydrating shampoo and conditioner
- Leave-in spray/conditioner
- Silk infusion serum
- Thermal heat protectant
- Finishing hairspray
2. Prep Your Strands
After gathering all the tools and products you need, it’s now time to prepare your hair for the very tasking silk press routine.
It’s common knowledge that getting a silk press done on natural hair is a delicate and high-risk process. So it’s important to pamper your strands beforehand by properly prepping them as this will determine how sleek the results turn out and even how long your new do will last.
Start by washing your hair with a moisturizing or clarifying shampoo, depending on what your hair needs. Next, apply your conditioner and leave it to sit for not less than a minute before rinsing it out.
At this step, it’s important to monitor your hair and fully acknowledge its needs.
- Does your hair feel a little dry? If the answer is yes, you might want to pop on some deep conditioner.
- Does it feel a bit brittle or it’s breaking already? You might need to spare 30 minutes for a protein treatment.
Prioritizing health and listening to your hair’s needs will not only lead to a kick-ass finish, it’ll also ensure that your hair stays healthy and keeps getting longer no matter what.
3. Apply A Leave-In Conditioner
Now that your hair is clean and well-nourished, it’s time to add that extra layer of moisture before you get to work.
Take any leave-in choice (preferably one that’s water-based), and apply it to your hair, making sure it gets on every single strand. Detangle carefully by working in sections and raking your brush through from the ends to the roots of your hair.
4. Blow-Dry Your Hair
Blow-drying is an essential step if you want to achieve a shiny silk press on natural hair. Not only does it promote a glossy finish, but it also makes your job easier by pre-stretching the hair so you don’t need multiple passes when using the straightener. This reduces the amount of heat used on your hair and gets you further away from the risk of heat damage.
Start by dividing your hair into small sections and holding them down using clips or hair ties. Working your way from the bottom sections, use a hairbrush (preferably round) or a comb nozzle to stretch the hair and blow it out.
Work your way through each section from top to bottom until your whole hair is fully stretched out and completely dry.
5. Apply Styling Products
After blow-drying your hair and letting it cool out, it’s time to apply your styling products. Grab your bottle of the CHI silk infusion serum and apply it to your hair in sections. Next, apply another coat of your favorite heat protectant and move on to the next step.
The CHI silk infusion serum is perfect for achieving the silky finish you desire, while the extra coat of your heat protection serum is obviously to protect your strands as you go in with the flat iron.
6. Press Your Hair
And finally, the most important step in this entire routine!
Working in small sections of one inch each, pass your flat iron slowly from roots to tips. Depending on your hair texture and density, you may need to do more than one pass. Just be sure to do a maximum of 2-3 passes on the length of your hair and 3-4 passes around the roots.
Once the first section of your hair is straight enough to your taste, repeat the process on other sections until you’ve completed the silk press on your entire natural hair.
7. Seal The Style
Once your hair is fully pressed, you’ll need to seal the style. Start by trimming off any split ends you may have and adding any desired styles (like curls) to your hair. When you’re done styling, go in with a generous spritz of your favorite hairspray to keep your new do in place.
And Finally, Some Video Tutorials
Now that we’ve discussed all the important stuff, it’s time to see the silk press in action!
Below, we have a curated section of in-depth video guides on how to do a silk press on natural hair – from industry experts. Watch and learn!
For Long Natural Hair:
Video Credit: Mekalae @YouTube
For Short Natural hair:
Video Credit: Lynns Way xx @YouTube
For Stylists:
Video Credit: Shell Talks Hair @YouTube
FAQs on Getting a Silk Press
1. Is getting a silk press bad for my hair?
Silk presses offer great relief from the pressure of consistently caring for your hair. However, this relaxation can quickly turn into a disaster if handled carelessly. Be sure to follow instructions carefully when doing a silk press and avoid getting it done too often. This will ensure you get the most out of your hairstyle while staying as far away as possible from heat damage.
2. How long does a silk press last?
According to professionals, a silk press on natural hair should last anywhere between two to three weeks. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the duration of a silk press depends on a variety of factors such as hair type, texture, humidity levels, and maintenance practices.
3. How do I maintain my silk press?
Maintaining your silk press should be a breeze if you stick to the common maintenance rules. To prolong the life of your silk press, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Avoid getting water on your hair or going to areas with very humid temperatures
- Protect your hair at night by putting it in a silk scarf or bonnet
- Touch up any flyaways or reverting edges whenever necessary
We have a post on how to maintain a silk press so be sure to check that out.
4. Will my curls come back if I get a silk press?
Yes, your curls will come back after getting a silk press. Just pour some water on your hair and wait a while, you should notice your strands starting to curl back up after some time. If you do this and your curls fail to revert, you may likely have acquired some heat damage. Read this article to find out what you should do if you ever run into such a problem.
5. How often should I do a silk press on my natural hair?
The frequency of silk presses should depend on your hair’s health and styling goals. If your hair is particularly fragile, it’s best to limit your frequency to once every 8-12 weeks. However, if you’re sure you can handle the heat, you can get them done every 4-6 weeks.
Conclusion
Silk press season is all about experimentation, self-expression, and embracing your natural hair journey. By following the tips, tricks, and tutorials outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to achieving stunning, salon-quality silk presses on your natural hair, all DIY.
Share your silk press successes with us by email and be sure to check out the YouTube creators featured in this post. See you in our next post and until then, happy styling!
