Silk Press
Pressed & Heat-Styled Family
Illustration -- About our illustrations
A silk press is a temporary, chemical-free straightening of natural hair: the hair is washed, deep-conditioned and blow-dried, then smoothed with a flat iron in small sections for a sleek, glossy, swinging finish. It reverts to its natural texture when it gets wet.
Distinguishing characteristics
Heat, not chemicals, does the straightening, so the curl pattern returns after washing if the hair has not been heat-damaged. Compared with a traditional press and curl, it uses a flat iron rather than a hot comb and emphasises a smooth, movement-filled finish.
Advantages
Straight, swinging hair without a relaxer, and a chance to see your length.
Considerations
Too much heat or too-frequent presses can cause heat damage and a loosened curl pattern.
Warning signs
Curls that no longer return after washing, or straight, stringy ends, are signs of heat damage.
Preparation
Arrive with healthy, trimmed ends. A deep conditioner and heat protectant are essential; ask your stylist what flat-iron temperature they use and avoid repeated passes.
Daily Care
Keep it dry: avoid humidity, sweat and water, and use little or no oil near the roots.
Night Care
Wrap the hair (doobie wrap) with a satin scarf, or pin-curl it, to keep it smooth.
Washing
A silk press lasts until it reverts with moisture or until wash day, often around one to two weeks. Wash and condition rather than re-pressing dirty hair.
Scalp Care
The scalp is not cleansed while you keep the press; don't stretch wash days so long that it becomes itchy or flaky.
Refreshing
Wrap or pin-curl at night and touch up the roots with a low-heat flat iron only if necessary.
Styling tips
Wear it with bumped ends, curls, a middle part or a sleek ponytail.
At a glance
- Looks
- 3 looks
Looks
- Silk Press with Bumped Ends
- Silk Press with Curls
- Middle-Part Silk Press
FAQs
- Does a silk press permanently straighten hair?
No. A silk press uses heat, not chemicals, so your curl pattern returns after washing as long as the hair has not been heat-damaged. Too much heat or too-frequent presses can loosen the curl pattern for good.
- What is the difference between a silk press and a press and curl?
A silk press is straightened with a flat iron and aims for a smooth, swinging finish. A press and curl is straightened with a hot comb and finished with curls.