How to Do a Silk Press: Step-by-Step Guide

If you're dreaming of achieving that silky-straight look that will put the whole block on notice, mastering the art of the silk press is the way to go.

This timeless, striking, and elegant look is everything you need when you want to create the new YOU in a way that will allow you to stand out for all the right reasons. 

Because there's a knack for getting it on point, we're going to guide you through everything you need to know without delay,

just what you'd expect when you come to Private Label for a few inspirational style tips that are sure to set the real you free like never before. 

Let's dive into the details and show you what creating a silky-smooth look with your natural hair or Private Label Silky Straight hair is all about!

What is a Silk Press?

We know you don't want to use chemicals to relax your kinky or curly hair and force it to turn straight, or you might have left your wig glued for too long. You want to give your hair a breath.

We can recommend using straight wigs to avoid the hustle; however, if you decide to go natural, here is your guide to the silk press.

This charming classic is simple yet striking because it's all about straightening your natural hair with a blow dryer or flat iron. 

What are the key Silk Press steps?

You can break down a silk press into a handful of steps, each of which builds on the one before it so that you can bring your flawlessly shimmering new look to life: 

• Cleansing and moisturizing your hair gives you the perfect blank canvas to work with. Use a charcoal shampoo for the cleanest result.
• The application of heat protectants ensures that your hair never feels the pressure. 
• A blow-dryer or flat iron is used in sections to virtually eliminate heat damage in style. 

If you want something that is sleek, chic, and straight, this is the only way to achieve it without having to reach for those chemical nasties you don't want anywhere near your natural hair.

Cleaning your Hair for a Silk Press:

The first thing we need to do is lay the foundations for your striking new style.

Because it's such a flawless and pure look, it comes as no surprise that your hair needs to be in perfect condition before you start thinking about straightening.

• Use a natural shampoo like a Charcoal Shampoo that isn't full of sulfates to make sure you don't dry out your hair — this will only make it more susceptible to breaking when heated. 
  
  
• Work through with a leave-in conditioner that will actively hydrate your hair while smoothing the surface so that it's much easier to glide through and detangle; if you have a dry scalp, don't just ignore it and find Conditioners that help dry scalps.
  
  
• Use a gentle brush or wide-tooth comb so that you can pull tangles out with the absolute minimum of force — the last thing you want to do before applying heat is cause your hair stress. 
  
  

Your hair is now feeling lighter than air and enjoying having that all-important natural glow back in its life.

Ideal when you want to be able to set the tone for the timeless shimmer and striking straight natural hair that only a silk press can bring to the party.

Don't forget the Heat Protectant

Whether you opt for a spray or a cream, we can help you find the right product for your specific hair type.

Remember that although it's tempting to rush this step, it's the only way you'll stop the intense heat from drying and breaking your hair as soon as you get started.

Take a few minutes to find the right protector spray, like Armor Heat Protector Spray, and your hair will be sure to thank you for a lifetime. 

Reach for your Blow-Dryer

The most important thing you need to do here is turn down the heat and start to section your hair.

You're never going to be able to do it in just 2-3 goes, so don't even try. 

What you're looking for are small, manageable sections of hair that sit naturally together.

This will ensure that each hair gets optimal coverage and that it will be easy and stress-free to gently and continually brush through while the hot air keeps on coming. 

Consider a flat iron for your silk press

While some sisters love a blow-dry, others swear by a Flat Iron.

The choice is really up to you, but you do have to be a little more careful with the latter.

This is because it can quickly ramp up the temperature and, if you're not careful, you might singe or damage your hair before you even realize it. 

Turn down the heat, work in a way that avoids over-pressing, and keep the pressure to a minimum by continually gliding through the hair.

You'll get the hang of it so much sooner than you think if you follow these simple tips. 

Cap off your Style ASAP 

A few drops of a suitable natural hair oil or nourishing serum like Hair Life Essential Serum will give your hair some welcome relief from the heat and ensure it quickly repairs any of the micro damage it may have experienced.

Perfect when you want to make sure that you don't start to see frizz in your silk press. 

Maybe even a plastic wrap?

Some women love to wrap their crowns and sit under a dryer for a couple of minutes to really sign things off in style.

Whether you choose to is up to you, but there's certainly no harm in trying it every once in a while.

Giving your silk press some TLC 

Wearing a silk or Satin Bonnet at night will remove all of that friction between your crown and your pillow, even if you're someone who is constantly moving while you're asleep.

By allowing your crown to glide, you can keep frizz and unwanted volume at bay with the minimum of effort. 

The other thing we need to stress is the importance of avoiding humidity.

Keeping your hair dry and away from unwanted moisture will stop it from curling up at the ends or frizzing up down by the roots. 

Ready to give it a try? 

Your crown will surely thank you if you check out our online catalog for the little extras we've talked you through above.

Ready when you are!