How to Do a Silk Press At Home, According to The Pros

As the temperatures cool down, hair salons are heating up—meaning it’s officially silk press season, notably for those of us with natural hair. The best silk press products will transform your luscious curls into the silky straight look of your dreams. But what even is a silk press?

Yene Damtew, the hairstylist known for coiffing former first lady Michelle Obama’s 2021 inauguration hair, says that the process “traditionally uses a stove iron, and over the years I think that the term has been used to describe any straight style that’s done on highly textured hair.” The technique differs from a blowout by the additional thermal tools (beyond a hairdryer and brush) used on clients who don’t have chemically relaxed or straightened hair.

According to professional hairstylist Koni Bennett-Mathieu, “a good silk press should leave a textured client with temporarily smoother, softer, ‘silkier’ hair without compromising the natural curl pattern to heat damage.” In terms of process, she recommends starting with a clarifying and moisture retention shampoo, then a moisture retention conditioner before sectioning the hair for the blow dry and flat iron. She notes that moisture is the key to maintaining your curl pattern and protecting your tresses from heat damage.

The stylist’s core tip is to be kind and patient with your hair while doing this process yourself. “Work in small sections, keep a spray bottle close to keep hair that has not been blow-dried damp, detangle from bottom up, and remember that your hair is delicate.”

Ready to try for yourself? Below, find the expert-approved best silk press products to add to your routine.

Cleansing

“Moisture is key to achieving a good silk press!” says Damtew, who reaches for the Mizani Press Agent line, a favorite amongst ishonest editors as well. She also recommends a hydration treatment or leave-in conditioner, like the Mizani 25 Miracle Milk—a lightweight option formulated to fight heat, tangles, and frizz. Celebrity and editorial hairstylist Mideyah Parker says she loves Aveda’s Smooth Infusion collection to help “combat the humidity.” To remove product buildup, especially after a protective style, Bennett-Mathieu likes the Quantum Clarifying Shampoo—an affordable option if you’re not looking to break the bank.

Oils, Serums, and Heat Protectants

Because a silk press is a smooth, bouncy style, it’s important to use products that deliver the hydration your hair needs without weighing it down—even if it is a heat protectant. Amika’s The Shield anti-humidity spray is one of Damtew’s favorites because “it’s super lightweight and helps combat both frizz and humidity, which is important for maintaining your silk press.” Additionally, she likes the Mizani Press Agent serum, which “helps lock in moisture and tames frizz while protecting the hair from high temperatures,” and Kenra Professional Silkening Gloss for its lightweight finish.

Consider the Design Essentials Silk Essentials or Mizani Thermastrength serum, which come as recommendations of celebrity hairstylist Ray Christopher to prevent breakage and lock in moisture. While Bennett-Mathieu prefers the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum and Oribe’s anti-humidity spray, Parker picks options from Aveda, Bumble and bumble, and Redken to help aid the blow-dry process.

Hot Tools

“Once I evenly distribute the product in the hair, I section it and start the blowout,” says Parker, who uses a round brush to polish and curl the hair to create body, despite prepping it to flat iron. All of our stylists reach for the Dyson Supersonic to dry the hair, with Damtew noting how it dries “the hair thoroughly and [has] comb attachments which are great for working on thick and tightly coiled hair.” She says that the Dyson, followed by the T3 Lucea ID flat iron, “helps cut down on styling time without compromising the health and integrity of my clients’ hair.” While you could use either the hairstylist- approved BaByliss Pro or T3 SinglePass hair straighteners, Damtew notes that you can also use a pressing comb. “For at home, I suggest an electric pressing comb from Golden Hot on less than 350 degrees based on the texture of your hair.” Christopher likes using a pressing comb too by “taking half-inch sections one by one and pressing to the ends and [then] using a flat iron to silk it out.” To avoid damage from hot tools, Damtew advises clients to “make sure that you don’t do multiple passes, and keep the temperature down. Always remember that it’s easier to turn the heat up if needed than it is to turn it down.”

Maintenance

Maintenance is half the battle when it comes to maintaining this style. Parker likes to set the silk press by wrapping the hair with plastic wrap and sitting under a hooded dryer for three to five minutes, calling this step a game- changer. Nonetheless, all of our experts recommend wrapping your hair overnight with a satin or silk bonnet or scarf—using a silk pillowcase too to further protect your hair and skin. If you want additional fullness, Damtew suggests sleeping with six large pin curls under your scarf and having good alligator clips on hand throughout the process to section your hair when needed. “Apply a shower cap for showering and never go longer than 10-14 days without washing your hair,” advises Bennett-Mathieu. From there, be sure to consult with your stylist for additional tips or catch up on ishonest’s natural hair edit too.

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