What To Know In accordance To Specialists

As a Black woman who got here of age within the ’90s and early ’00s, I used to suppose having kind 4 hair meant having restricted styling choices. However actually, it was the wonder business’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 might be in an afro. The following? Braids. A month after that, I might be sporting a silk press—mockingly, my type 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 all the pieces it is advisable know concerning the silk press—and tips on how to keep the integrity of your curls whereas working with scorching instruments. 

What’s a silk press? 

Based on movie star hairstylist Karen Miller, a silk press is a styling technique that briefly straightens curly or oily hair with out using chemical compounds, like a relaxer, for instance. To realize the look, scorching instruments like a blow dryer (usually paired with a brush or comb attachment), scorching 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. 

Easy methods to Put together For a Silk Press

Very first thing’s first: You by no means need to use scorching instruments on soiled hair. Whereas it could be tempting to skip the typically prolonged wash day course of, an intensive cleanse is critical to attain a easy and bouncy silk press. According to Nafisah Carter, movie star hairstylist and proprietor of The Salon Raleigh in North Carolina, beginning with a hydrating shampoo is greatest. Nonetheless, you probably have a variety 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 totally cleansed, you will need to use a conditioner to assist detangle every strand. 

Stephen recommends utilizing SheaMoisture’s new five-piece Bond Restore assortment. The system works to restore indicators of injury whereas concurrently stopping future breakage by rebuilding hair bonds. She particularly loves utilizing the road’s Bond Restore Masque ($16) to offer 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 injury [before styling],” Carter provides. 

Easy methods to Do a Silk Press

The first step: Shampoo

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

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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 Restore 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 software. We advocate utilizing the Detangler Brush by Felicia Leatherwood ($28), an editor favourite for combing pure hair. It could possibly 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 kind. For instance, these with dry hair might need to use a standard leave-in conditioner or blowout cream, whereas others might solely need to spritz on a light-weight moisturizer. An amazing choice for the previous is Cécred’s Moisturizing Hair Lotion ($38), which I lately examined. It is mild, nevertheless it left my hair feeling hydrated. I am additionally a fan of SexyHair’s Wholesome Clean Stunner Blowout Crème ($23) and Wholesome Shine Present Blowout Spray ($23). By way of 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 together 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—that means it will get simply scorching sufficient to straighten hair with out inflicting warmth injury. 

Step 4: Flat Iron and Model 

Working in quarter-inch sections, as really useful by Miller, take a flat iron—ranging from the roots—and punctiliously 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 move to keep away from extreme injury. However if you wish to add additional quantity to your hair, go for Sample’s new Interchangeable Curling Iron ($250), which affords 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 need to keep away from extreme warmth, it is important to maintain your silk press in tip-top form for so long as attainable. 

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

How lengthy does a silk press final? 

Usually, your silk press will final till you wash your hair once more or come into contact with moisture. So, for example about two to a few weeks, on common. Nonetheless, it would differ relying on upkeep (i.e., wrapping your hair at night time, avoiding water, and many others.), and hair kind. 

Is a silk press the identical as flat-ironing? 

“A silk press is a kind of service, and a flat iron is a software used to attain this service,” explains Stephen. Every stylist has a singular technique for reaching the look. “My strategy entails utilizing two completely 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 technique saves time in comparison with utilizing a straightening comb on the range and ready for it to chill down.” 

Professionals vs. Cons of a Silk Press 

Professionals

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

Cons

“Cons of a silk press embrace potential injury from extreme warmth utilization,” explains Carter. “This may alter your pure curl sample, so it is going to be tough to put on your hair out in its pure state.” 

How a lot does a silk press value?

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

Can I do a silk press at dwelling? 

Sure, nevertheless it’s greatest to talk with a licensed hair stylist beforehand about one of the best merchandise, instruments, and methods to make use of. For instance, utilizing merchandise designed to moisturize and restore hair is vital. Additionally, be sure your scorching instruments are on an applicable warmth setting to keep away from compromising your distinctive hair kind and texture. Approach is often discovered over time, however there are a number of basic guidelines to bear in mind. “I like to recommend working in small sections and limiting the variety of occasions you move the flat iron,” says Stephen. 

Remaining Takeaway

A silk press is a wonderful styling technique 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 makes a speciality of pure hair to make sure you get the absolute best end result with out damaging your texture. For at-home upkeep, at all times 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 type trying contemporary.