There’s no denying that sleek, glossy hair is a look that many would spend big money to achieve. When it comes to assessing hair straightening methods, however, the available options seem limited. Either you’ll have to expose your mane to intense heat or use strong chemicals that can leave your strands feeling dry, frizzy and prone to breakage.
Good news! There is another hair straightening technique that anyone with natural hair should try: a silk press. It’s a chemical-free way to give your natural curls a silky straight appearance without heat damage or a long-term commitment. While it is temporary, and you can expect your hair to revert to its natural state, straight bouncy hair is undeniably a nice change of pace.
So, are you ready to see your hair go from coily to silky smooth? Read on to learn more about this hair straightening technique and how it works.
What Is A Silk Press?
In essence, a silk press is an upgrade to the traditional press and curl technique of the 1990s but with less heat. That’s why it’s unlikely that you’ll get a burn or experience damage due to excessive heat applied to your hair. It also doesn’t involve a chemical relaxer but a clever combination of hot tools and the right hair care products to create a shiny, silky straight hairstyle.
Thanks to modern hair system innovations, a silk press no longer requires the heavy grease which you’d hear sizzling on the burning iron to straighten hair. As a result, your delicate strands are more protected from heat damage while your mane is given more body, movement and a glossy finish.
How Does It work?
Doing a silk press on your own is a tricky process. Preparing your thick, kinky hair by blow-drying and flat ironing it can be frustrating and time-consuming, so it’s probably best to leave it in the hands of professionals. However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try the DIY option, here’s what you need to know.
Detangle And Wash
Remove knots and tangles before shampooing, especially if you’ve just taken your hair out of braids or twists. Then, wash with a sulphate-free shampoo to remove any product build-up from your strands and scalp without stripping your curls of their natural oils. Don’t forget to condition it with a nourishing formula to keep it moisturised and hydrated.
Apply Heat Protectant
You’ll be using heat styling tools, so make sure you don’t forget this essential step. Protect your strands from damage with a quality protectant that can come in the form of a spray, mousse, gel or cream. You can also find a formula that seals in shine and tames stubborn frizz as added benefits.
Start Blow Drying
Do this in small sections with a brush and a concentrator nozzle attachment. Remember to always work from the roots to tips and repeat the process until all your hair is completely dry.
Straighten With A Silk Press
Work in small sections, just as you did when blow-drying, starting as close to your hair roots as possible and going all the way to the ends. Be gentle with your hair and avoid too many passes on a particular section to avoid damage. When done correctly, the result is newly straightened hair that’s perfectly polished.
How To Maintain A Silk Press
Once you finally have gorgeous silk press hair, you don’t want all your effort to go to waste. It may be only temporary, but there are a few things you can do to take care of your new hairstyle, including the following 3 tips.
Protect It With A Satin Wrap
Wrapping your hair at night is one way of keeping it in place. Silk wraps or scarves are also essential for keeping your hair tangle-free and soft and maintaining moisture while you sleep.
Avoid Steam Or Water
Excessive moisture can cause your strands to return to their natural state. Avoid going to the sauna, therefore, and try and stay out of the rain. It’s also best to wear a shower cap and avoid having long hot showers to prevent moisture from ruining your silk press.
Don’t Overdo Your Hair Care Products
It can be tempting to use additional products to maintain your silk press, but you could be doing more harm than good. Excessive use of hair products will cause your mane to look greasy and weighed down.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to straighten your hair, keep in mind that you have more options than simply subjecting your strands to harsh chemicals or excessive heat. A silk press can provide stunning results without any of the long-term damage that comes with other hair straightening methods.
Give your strands the love and attention they deserve. If you’re concerned about hair loss or thinning, talking with a Vinci Hair Care specialist might help. We offer a free consultation to get you started. Contact us today to book your appointment!
