As a Black girl who grew up in the ’90s and early ’00s, I used to believe that having type 4 hair meant having limited styling options. However, I’ve come to realize that it was the beauty industry’s lack of inclusivity that was holding me back. Fast forward to 2024, with a plethora of products tailored for oily hair and an abundance of stylists specializing in natural hair, I have discovered that my curls are truly limitless.
One week, I might rock an afro, and the next, sport braids. A month later, I could be flaunting a silk press – ironically, my preferred style ever since I chopped my hair in September. But what exactly is a silk press, and how can we achieve a sleek look without compromising our unique textures? To delve into this topic, I sought advice from three expert hair stylists to shed light on the art of the silk press and how to maintain the health of your curls while using hot tools.
What is a silk press?
According to renowned hairstylist Karen Miller, a silk press is a technique that temporarily straightens curly or oily hair without the use of chemicals, such as a relaxer. This method involves the use of hot tools like a blow dryer, hot comb, and flat iron to leave the hair straight, smooth, and shiny, as Ursula Stephen, celebrity stylist and owner of The Salon By Ursula Stephen, explains.
How to Prepare for a Silk Press
First and foremost, it is crucial to start with clean hair before applying hot tools. While it may be tempting to skip wash day, a thorough cleanse is essential for a successful silk press. Nafisah Carter suggests beginning with a hydrating shampoo, or a clarifying shampoo if there is product build-up, followed by a conditioning treatment to detangle the hair.
Ursula Stephen recommends utilizing SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair collection, particularly the Bond Repair Masque, for moisturizing and strengthening the hair before heat styling. A leave-in conditioner or heat protectant should also be applied to shield the hair from heat damage.
To read more, visit: Link
