A silk press is a way of straightening natural, curly or coily hair with a blow dryer and a flat iron, without a chemical relaxer, so that it's smooth, shiny and full of movement. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, how it is done and how to make it last.
Silk press at a glance
- Appointment time: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Lasts: About 1 to 2 weeks, until the hair gets wet or humid
- Heat: High; a heat protectant is essential
- Maintenance: Wrap nightly; no water or steam
What makes it different
It's temporary: the hair returns to its natural curl when it's washed. The goal is a silky, light finish, not a stiff one.
Silk press vs relaxer
A silk press uses heat and washes out. A relaxer uses chemicals and permanently straightens the hair until it grows out.
Who it suits
Healthy natural hair. Hair that's already damaged or freshly colored may not hold up well to the heat; a stylist should check first.
How it is done
- The hair is clarified, deep conditioned and thoroughly detangled.
- A heat protectant is applied.
- The hair is blow-dried straight with tension.
- It's flat-ironed in small sections, ideally in one or two passes.
Care and upkeep
Wrap your hair in a satin scarf at night, avoid heavy oils, keep it away from steam and sweat, and space out silk presses to limit heat damage.
Variations
- Silk press with curls: soft bends at the ends.
- Silk press with layers: a cut that adds movement.
- Silk press with a trim: the common pairing: ends are easiest to trim when straight.
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FAQ
What is a silk press?
A silk press is a way of straightening natural, curly or coily hair with a blow dryer and a flat iron, without a chemical relaxer, so that it's smooth, shiny and full of movement.
Who suits a silk press?
Healthy natural hair. Hair that's already damaged or freshly colored may not hold up well to the heat; a stylist should check first.
How long does it last?
About 1 to 2 weeks, until the hair gets wet or humid.
