When done right and taken care of properly, a silk press can last "about two weeks," says hairstylist Tippi Shorter.
We recommend getting a silk press every 4 to 6 weeks or quarterly, depending on your lifestyle, overall hair health, and goals. Curious about the health of your hair?
How long does your silk press last? Typically, a silk press will last you about two to three weeks depending on how well you take care of it. To extend the life of your silk press, wrap your hair with a silk scarf to help maintain moisture and keep your style smooth.
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.
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.
Silk presses can range anywhere from $60 to $100, but can cost even more based on things like the state of your hair and your stylist's skill level.
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.
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.
In contrast, silk pillowcases do not generate static electricity, or frizzy hair as they are made from a natural protein fibre and are breathable unlike satin. This makes Mulberry silk pillowcase an excellent choice for curly hair, as it not only prevents frizz but also keeps your curls smooth and intact.
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.
“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.
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.
Silk press: results from a silk press often last longer than a blowout.
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, a general rule of thumb is to comb 4C hair only as needed to remove tangles and style it, usually a few times a week.
**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.
Most 4C hair textures fall under a low porosity, high shrinkage category, which means that the hair has a tough time absorbing moisture, is very fragile and easily breakable, and shrinks a lot when it's wet.
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.
How Often Can I Get A Silk Press? While heat protectant products are used to protect the hair, it's not a good idea to get a silk press regularly. Try getting a silk press every three to four months to maintain the health of your hair without causing too much damage.
She says, “A silk press can usually last 2-3 weeks depending on how well it's maintained. If you're ensuring your hair is wrapped at night and avoiding water and steam it'll last.”
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.
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.