How to Get a Salon-Quality Silk Press, According to Experts
Black women have been straightening their hair for decades, but when it comes to achieving a smooth, bone-straight style, nothing compares to a silk press. For natural textures, silk presses are the gold standard of styling. In a few steps, prioritizing hydration and protection, it transforms curls and coils into silky tresses. It’s favored for longevity and provides a look similar to chemical relaxers without damaging the hair. There’s no denying the appeal of a fresh silk press, and while a trip to the salon is nice, you can easily get a high-quality look at home. Below, we tapped two hairstylists to learn everything to know about silk presses, including how to achieve a smooth and silky style on your own.
Featured experts
What is a silk press?
In essence, a silk press is a heat-styling technique used to straighten natural hair. However, the process and finished look make it unique from other natural styles. “Unlike a traditional press and curl, a silk press uses a blow dryer and flat iron to create a silky, smooth and bouncy finish without leaving hair greasy or weighed down,” says celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble. The idea is to create a silky look, similar to a relaxer without harsh chemicals.
According to hairstylist and silk press specialist Melissa Lamour, silk presses focus on technique, product and precise heat application, rather than just using a flat iron. Much more than a technique, silk presses are a style in their own lane. “These styles rely on advanced heat tools and products to enhance shine and movement,” notes Lamour. She explains there are key differences between a silk press and traditional straightening. “The finish of a silk press is much more airy and soft, keeping the hair flowy and lightweight,” she says.
How long does a silk press last?
Aside from the silky and bouncy look, silk press styles are beloved for longevity. They tend to last longer than hair straightened with a flat iron, thanks to multiple conditioning steps and light oils instead of heavy greases. “This helps the hair retain movement and body, making it look more natural,” says Kimble. The pros note that, on average, a silk press can last up to two weeks, depending on environmental factors like humidity and sweat.
Benefits of a silk press
Still, one of the biggest advantages of a silk press is how it can improve the health and vitality of your hair. “The technique lessens the risk of long-term heat damage and allows for easy length checks and trims,” says Kimble. Lamour mentions that when the hair is straightened, it’s easier to see and trim split ends, preventing further splitting up the hair shaft, which helps retain length over time. “Silk presses also prioritize heat protectants to minimize damage and preserve the hair’s natural curl pattern,” she adds.
How to do a silk press at home
Recreating a salon-quality style at home comes down to the products used and the technique. “Start with cleansing, using a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to remove buildup, and follow with a hydrating deep conditioner to maintain moisture,” says Lamour. Once your hair and scalp are thoroughly clean, the next step will be adding a heat protectant to your wet hair. According to the experts, the consistency of the product is crucial to ensuring your hair turns out airy and bouncy. They recommend using a lightweight thermal spray or serum to safeguard your strands and add shine.
“Following the heat protectant, begin blowdrying using tension with a high-quality dryer and a comb attachment or round brush to stretch the hair,” says Kimble. Similarly, Lamour says that a professional-grade flat iron is ideal for straightening. During this step, she suggests working in small sections, chasing with a fine-toothed carbon comb, and only straightening each section once to avoid excessive heat exposure. The final look should be smooth, shiny, silky and, most importantly, lightweight. To maintain your silk press, Kimble suggests wrapping your hair at night with a silk scarf or bonnet and avoiding humidity or excess moisture.
