HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SILK PRESS

So, you just got a silk press, and it’s gorgeous. And you want to keep it looking bouncy and silky for as long as you can? Don’t worry. We are here to help you with the tips to help you take proper care of your silk press and ensure that it stays beautiful for as long as possible.

Before we get into the details, let’s first re-familiarise ourselves with what a silk press is?

So, what is a silk press?

A silk press is a professional styling method that allows you to transform your natural hair into a super softened state without chemically processing it. This process straightens out your hair through heat styling. A well-done silk press allows your natural hair to look like it is relaxed hair, but just for a short period. And when you are done with that look, your hair returns to its natural state of being non-relaxed.

This means that a silk press allows you to have the best of both worlds. You get to keep your natural hair, but you also enjoy a relaxed look for a little bit.

And you ask, how long does or should a silk press last?

A silk press usually lasts anywhere between 10 and 14 days. However, if you wash your hair before ten days, your hair reverts to its natural state.

So, how do you keep your silk press for as long as possible?

Tip 1: Make sure your hair is clean

The preparations for having your silk press last as long as possible should start way before you have the silk press done. This means that your hair must be properly cleaned and moisturised beforehand. This is laying the proper foundation for a long-lasting silk press.

Tip 2: Avoid split ends

Split ends are a no-no for any kind of hair, but split ends are an even bigger no-no for a silk press. Split and dead ends become more visible in a silk press and tangle easily. So, make sure that you trim your split ends (if any) before getting your silk press.

Tip 3: Wrap up your hair

When you are home or not in a setting that demands your hair to be free-flowing, it is best to wrap it up. Doing this protects your hair from environmental factors such as humidity, harsh weather, and wind, all of which take away from the shine and body of the silk press. Keeping your hair wrapped up, therefore, prolongs the life of your silk press.

Tip 4: Don’t try to extend the life through heat tools

Because your silk press was achieved through the use of heat tools, you might be tempted to want to extend the life of the silk press by applying more heat tools yourself. It is best not to go this route, as constantly using heat on your hair will leave it looking frazzled and fried. I am sure that’s not the look you are going for.

If you must use a heat tool, use it sparingly and only on low heat. You can also pin-curl your hair using hairpins or double prong clips at night if you want to preserve the beauty and body of your hair. Remove all pin curls in the morning and use your fingers to brush your curls into the style you desire.

Tip 5: Less products make for a better shine

Avoid using too much product on your silk press because it weighs the hair down. All you need is to ensure that your hair is properly moisturised and you are good to go. If you want to apply any product to your silk press, ensure that you are using the right products.

Tip 6: Excess moisture and humidity are not your friends

When you have a silk press on, you want to avoid unnecessary moisture and humidity by all means possible. Reversion is a very real thing with silk press, and if you don’t want your silk press looking like a hot mess, it is best to avoid getting any moisture in your hair. When taking a shower, ensure that your hair is properly wrapped up in a satin scarf and top the satin scarf with a shower cap.

It is also important to use products that fight against humidity during the styling process. This will help to reduce reverting and swelling.

If you are in a very humid environment such as indoor pools, deserts, saunas, and beach destinations, there is no helping it. Your silk press will revert much more quickly. So, as much as you can, avoid humid places.

Tip 7: Don’t touch your hair quite so often

We know your hair looks exceptional, and you are really digging it. This said, don’t be tempted to run your fingers through your hair all the time. The more you touch and manipulate your hair, the frizzier it becomes.

In conclusion

A silk press is the least of all heat styling processes to cause damage to natural hair. It avoids harsh chemicals, using heat-protecting and nourishing products to hydrate and protect your hair. This is why it is a very popular hair styling method for naturalistas.

This said, it is important to understand that a silk press is still a heat styling method, and all heat styling methods have the potential to do some damage to natural hair.

Heat styling methods are far more damaging for dry and already damaged hair. If you are experiencing dry, brittle strands, it is best to wait until your hair is fully back to its proper health before using heat.