As the winter season approaches and the weather gets colder, many people with natural hair know that it's time for silk press season. Silk presses have been a popular hairstyle in the Black community for generations, and they're a great way to switch up your look and embrace a sleek, straight style. The fall and winter are ideal for straightening tightly textured hair because of the lack of humidity in the air which helps you achieve a longer-lasting and more polished style. If you're someone who loves to experiment with different hairstyles and likes to wear your hair straight, this is for you. We'll discuss how to avoid damaging your hair when getting a silky hair look.
Did you know?
Did you know that images of women and girls with straight, glossy hair on relaxer boxes influenced many people to get relaxers? Unfortunately, most people's hair didn't turn out like the model's on the box, and they continued using relaxers. However, the models on the boxes didn't chemically alter their hair - they got a silk press. Silk presses have become a staple in the Black community because they offer a natural hair look while still providing a sleek and polished style.
Avoiding Damage
One of the most important things you can do to minimize potential damage from heat tools is to use thermal-safe cleansers and heat protectants. These products can help protect your hair from the heat and prevent it from becoming dry, brittle, and damaged. You can find recommended thermal-safe products in our free Hair Product Guide. If you're straightening your hair at home, it's important to manage the heat settings and use the right temperature for your hair. Just because a device allows for high temperatures doesn't mean you should take them there. Knowing the right temperature for your hair can make a big difference in the overall health and appearance of your hair. You shouldn't be passing over the same section of hair more than twice. After that, damage is more likely to occur.
If possible, we recommend finding a licensed professional who has experience with tight curls and understands how they work. An experienced professional is ideal when it comes to avoiding damage. It's important to vet them out and make sure they have the expertise to handle your hair type. A good stylist will also be able to recommend the right products and techniques that will help you achieve a silky, straight style without causing damage or breakage.
A Silk Press Alternative
If you're looking for a less heat-intensive alternative to a silk press, consider trying a roller set. A roller set can look similar to a silk press without using a thermal straightener. Instead, the hair is rolled and put under a hooded dryer to set. However, you should still use heat protectants since the hair will be heated after it's fully dry. When done correctly, a roller set is a beautiful alternative to a silk press and can help you achieve a similar look without causing damage to your hair.
Note: roller sets are an alternative to silk presses but they do not yield the same results. The roller set will still provide stretched, straightened hair but it will not be as sleek as a silk press. For those who want the exact look of a silk press, a roller set may not be for you.
Get Ready for Silk Press Season
If you're going to DIY a silk press, we cannot stress enough that you should take precautions and avoid overdoing the heat. It doesn't take many passes with a flat iron or hot comb to leave behind damaged curls. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful and healthy-looking silk press or roller set without compromising the health of your hair.
It's important to embrace different hairstyles and switch up your look from time to time. However, if you're concerned about the health of your hair, it's important to do so consciously. Don't be afraid to explore different looks, but make sure you're doing it in a way that won't cause damage or breakage. Remember, your hair health should always come first, but that doesn't mean you can't embrace different styles and have fun with your hair!