So you’ve decided to get a silk press done on your natural hair, let’s discuss a few things before you do.
First things first: you may have a different experience from the hundreds of persons who get silk presses done each day.
With that being said, let me share some general expectations you should have, a few of which I noticed from my recent in-salon silk press experience on my 4B/4C hair.
The Process
Silk presses are achieved by adding heat to the hair using a flat iron, pressing comb or rod leaving the hair, straight, shiny and flowing. According to Get The Gloss it is a modern-day take on the press and curl ; a ‘90s way to straighten afro hair that traditionally used lots of oil and heat.
There are products specifically designed for this process which help to reduce the impact of heat on the hair, resulting in less damage. However, as long as heat is added to your strands and it changes the state (curly to straight; kinky to straight ; wavy to straight) there is some amount of heat damage achieved. The extent of that damage varies, but don’t believe the story that ‘when done properly, silk presses do not damage the hair’ ; to any stylist who says that, I’m calling your bluff, get at me!
What To Expect?
A new attitude! This is the best and most promising expectation -lol- you will be a whole new person. Let’s just keep the other expectations in mind.
I tried to do a silk press at home and it turned out to be a simple blowout. Going into a salon and getting it done professionally was a success though, thankfully.
Your hair will not revert to it’s exact state with just one wash! Oh if it does go back 100%, please let me know below. Best case scenario, it may display familiar characteristics as before your silk press however, it will take some time and a lot more washes before it ever goes back to it’s original state.
“It’s not possible to completely reverse heat damage…Sometimes it is possible for the hair to regain some movement, however, it will never be the same as their natural curl pattern.”
Curly Hair Expert Taylor Tugman for Byrdie
Some lucky people have had their curls form and pop back out after adding some intensely moisturizing products such as Aloe Vera to their hair however, the curls are definitely looser and there is less shrinkage than before. That’s due to the heat removing moisture and breaking down some of the bonds in the hair.
Frizziness might just be on the rise. If you didn’t have to deal with frizz before, expect at least a moderate amount. You can absolutely find products to help with this but just be on the lookout, I warned you. I must say I had a lot and trimming my ends really helped.
Split ends. Because your ends tend to be weaker than the rest of the hair strand, the heat will do the most damage there. So expect a few split ends and breakage at the ends. This is treatable so find the best product or share it with your hair stylist for assistance.
Dry scalp may also become an issue. Had it already been an issue, expect an increase, so speak to your stylist so he/she may help you treat it. This may happen because, the silk press process much like blow-drying is intended to remove moisture rather than provide it. The maintenance also involves avoiding moisture so you might be denying your hair and scalp of the hydration it needs and then end up having a dry and itchy scalp.
This can be somewhat avoided but do not be surprised.
You’ll love your new look! This is probably a given right?
I mean why else did you decide to get a silk press if not to love it right?
But I mean it. If you’ve only known yourself to have whether curly, kinky or wavy hair, seeing your strands straight and flowy will have you mesmerized. Not just at the way it sways and swings but at the versatility of YOUR hair! You’ll love just how quick your crown transforms and changes state.
Cutting Your Hair, Is It A Possibility?
You might have to cut your hair if you don’t want to wait until it grows out or if it doesn’t revert to it’s natural state. The latter may happen as your hair might be simply put- fried, and there is now way for it to be in any other state but straight. If that happens, doing a low cut, going bald or simply cutting away at the straightened sections may just be the only fix. Short hair is a great look so don’t knock it until you try it. These looks might inspire you.
Note Briefly
- For best results; your hair has to be clean so a fresh wash is required and the only products needed are those designed to help in the process and some kind of light moisturizer (optional).
- A slow one pass over of the flat iron is suggested by experts in reducing the amount of time your hair is exposed to such high degrees of heat; usually upwards of 350 degrees.
- Do not get hair WET. To preserve your silky smooth results: wrap your hair at nights and cover with a satin cover; at shower time be sure to use a shower cap.
- Do NOT flat iron twice between washes. Never flat iron your hair after silk pressing until you have had it washed. If you had a silk press done last week, be sure to avoid the flat iron until you wash your hair and the process needs to be refreshed by your stylist. No freshening up Friday night because you got your hair done on Monday and the rain drenched you on Wednesday. NO, please let your hair be. Following the next washday when your hair has been treated and hydrated, you may consider it.
I learnt this the hard way because I thought my hair wasn’t straight enough and flat ironed it once more after the silk press had already been done within the same week. Wrong idea!
- Trim your ends. A silk press will show up your split and damaged ends real quick. So trimming them is a must, especially if you want that fresh, new look.
It’s OK To Stay/Go Back
You might want your kinks or original state back, and that is understandable. That is what you’re comfortable with so by all means : work on getting back to your sweet spot. Regular deep conditioning and protein treatments can strengthen your hair back to normal.
If this feels like it’s now your safe space, hey! Do not feel guilty. It might begin to feel like it works for you, so have at it! I felt that way for almost 2 months. Just be sure to do your research so that you maintain healthy hair as much as is possible.
Let Your Hair Grow
Before you start expecting your hair to be as it were before, let it grow an inch or two (2) first. Your ends might defy you. They will have you thinking your hair is now straight forever or you’ll never be curly again. But seeing your fresh growth at the roots will let you know what the real nature of your crown is.
Enjoy the Look!
I hope this helps you in your decision-making to get a silk press. I enjoyed my look and although I experienced a lot of the ‘not so good’ factors, I would still try the process all over again, minus flat ironing my hair twice within one wash cycle.
See you next time. Have a great hair day!
Manes and Crowns 