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A silk press is a timeless hairstyle. It gives you a sleek look that you cannot get with water, gel, and a brush. Plus, this hairstyle allows you to accurately check the health of your hair. When your hair is straightened you will be able to see and accurately trim split ends. You will also be able to see and accurately measure the length of your hair. So, I created this guide so that you can experience the benefits of a silk press without damaging your hair.  

What Is A Silk Press? 

A silk press is a hairstyle that temporarily transforms textured hair to silky-straight using hot tools. 

How To Do A Silk Press At Home? 

Disclaimer: When you add heat to your hair, there is a risk of experiencing heat damage. 

Step 1: Cleanse Your Hair 

Use a sulfate free shampoo to cleanse your scalp. This step will ensure that you have a great base for your silk press.

Step 2: Deep Condition Your Hair 

Before using hot tools on your hair, you should always use a deep conditioning treatment because it helps prevent hair damage that may occur. 

You can choose to use a protein or moisturizing deep conditioning treatment. You can determine the treatment based on the current state of your hair. Protein treatments help your hair become stronger and more resistant to heat damage. Moisturizing treatments help protect your hair from breakage and reduce frizz. 

Once you choose your deep conditioner, leave the product in your hair for 30 minutes before you rinse it out with cool water.

Step 3: Apply A Heat Protectant 

Applying heat protectant is a step that you cannot skip if you want to avoid heat damage. Heat protectants help prevent heat damage. 

Step 4: Blow Out Your Hair 

How To Blow Dry Natural Hair At Home?

Check out my detailed blow out routine here. 

Step 5: Apply A Light Serum

Apply a lightweight hair serum to your hair to achieve the salon finish. Serums help seal hydration in your hair. (If you have thick hair, I recommend you use a pressing oil in addition to a hair serum to extend the life of your silk press).

Step 6: Flat Iron Your Hair

Flat iron your hair using the chaser method to reduce the amount of heat you use. Hold a comb with one hand and the flatiron with the other. Slightly comb your hair starting at the root and place the flatiron on top of the comb. Chase the comb with the flatiron down the section of your hair. With this method, you should only have to do one pass of the flatiron. 

How Long Does A Silk Press Last? 

A silk press can last about two weeks. 

How To Take Care Of A Silk Press?

Check out my detailed straight hair maintenance routine here. 

Check out: What It’s Like Being a ‘Straight Hair Natural’?