The Bad: Like our fresh loaf of bread analogy, if not done correctly, a silk press can compromise the health of natural hair. Excessive heat, lack of heat protectant, or frequent silk pressing can lead to heat damage, which can alter the natural curl pattern of the hair.
When done right and taken care of properly, a silk press can last "about two weeks," says hairstylist Tippi Shorter.
Always use a high-quality heat protectant before silk pressing to minimize damage. Silk press every three weeks can be too frequent, as hair needs breaks to recover. Consider stretching it to every 6--8 weeks or alternating with protective styles. Also, deep condition weekly to keep it moisturized and prevent breakage.
For most natural hair types, especially 4c hair, a temperature range of 350-400°F is ideal. Frequency Matters: Just like you wouldn't eat cake every day (as much as we'd love to), it's essential to limit how often you get a silk press.
Don't Overdo It with Heat Styling. While silk presses are a great way to achieve straight, shiny hair, it's important not to overdo it with heat styling. Using too much heat can damage your hair and cause it to lose its silkiness.
**Longevity**: A proper silk press can last longer than a simple flat iron job, saving you time and reducing overall heat exposure. 3. **Versatility**: Silk presses can achieve a range of looks, from sleek and straight to voluminous and bouncy, all while maintaining a smooth texture.
One of the best ways to keep your hair straight for as long as possible is avoiding humidity as much as you possibly can. This means using shower caps when you're bathing. Using an umbrella even when it's nothing more than misty outside. Opting for low-intensity exercises, so that you sweat as little as possible.
“You can get a silk press every two to three weeks if you choose to,” says Dumornay. Keep in mind, though, that frequent silk presses can cause heat damage. If you notice your hair drying out or breaking off easily, take a break from silk presses and visit your hairstylist for a deep moisture treatment.
Damaged hair becomes brittle and breaks easily. Your hair might look dull and dry, and the appearance of split ends is more noticeable. It can also be challenging to get your hair to lie flat.
A key difference between the two involves the use of heat: The silk press uses direct heat from a blow dryer on wet hair and then follows it up with a flat iron (or “press”). The downside of all this heat may damage hair more than a Dominican blowout does.
However, the main side effect of the silk press, especially if done frequently, is heat damage. Although you may have applied the heat protective serum to your hair to prevent heat damage, this will not eliminate the risk of damage.
In the Dominican Blowout, direct heat is used for the blowdry portion of the straightening. This is done on dry hair, which limits the risk of damage. Your hair's level of resistance will determine the exposure to heat, as resistance affects how long it takes your hair to be blown straight.
It helps to keep down frizz without the product buildup, especially if you are brave enough to wear a silk press during NYC summer. Shelby suggests putting a lightweight oil on your ends to refresh the hair mid-week and showering with two shower caps to protect the hair from moisture.
To keep your silk press bouncy and silky, use lightweight products like hair oil, leave-in conditioner, or serum to keep your hair moisturized without weighing it down.
There are several reasons that your silk press may have come out frizzy. Excessive heat, improper technique, and humidity can all affect the outcome of a silk press.
The trick is to understand how to iron silk gently to avoid any damage. Iron your silk while it's still damp after washing and remember to turn the garment inside out first. As this fabric is particularly delicate and a high temperature might result in scorching or burning, try steaming your garment instead.
Anyone can get a silk press.
But the outcome of the silk press tells you everything you need to know about your hair's health.
If you're looking for a temporary solution to smooth, straight hair and love the idea of going back to your natural texture after a couple of weeks, a Silk Press is perfect. However, if you want long-lasting results and more manageable, frizz-free hair for several months, then a Keratin Treatment is the way to go.
Silk Press is the better option if you are worried about using chemicals or want to keep your hair natural. The benefit to the Silk Press is that you can enjoy a straight hairstyle with no heat damage and still go back to your natural hair after.
How long does a silk press last? On average, a silk press on natural hair can last anywhere from one to two weeks.
If you wash your hair after a silk press and experience a lot of shedding or notice straight strands in contrast to your normal curl pattern, it's a sign you have heat damage.
You want to avoid re-adding heat to your hair once your silk press has been done. But may need to touch up your hair depending on how long you plan to wear your silk press for. To avoid any form of heat damage, stick to blow drying your roots on a low setting.