During the colder months, many curly girls rush to the salon to achieve a luxurious silk press since pressed hair behaves in the winter. However, natural hairstylists forget the importance of keeping silk presses non-damaged and fresh.
What Is A Silk Press?
A silk press is a chemical-free, pressed hairstyle dedicated to those with curly and coily hair. The process entails a shampoo and conditioning treatment, followed by blowing out and then flat-ironing the hair. Depending on the stylist, Black women leave the salon chair with clean, sleek tresses.
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Simply Amazin Hair Creations’ salon owner, Laura Bedenfield, is an 18-year veteran hairstylist whose dedication to hair started with the matriarchs & patriarchs in her family. Bedenfield’s grandparents, George Owens Sr. and Elsie Owens, encouraged her (and her siblings) that studying hair will always be a consistent, universal career. She educates her clients that healthy hair is the foundation of any hairstyle and avoids unsupportive beauticians who refuse to maintain the “integrity of hair.” Now, Bedenfield gives NaturallyCurly tips on combatting dry silk presses during winter.
Pre-Treat Hair
Black hair is prone to breakage, especially for those living in frigid weather. Using a bonding or protein-based pre-treatment results in strong, silky hair. Bedenfield recommends Olaplex No. 3 bonding treatment for salon and at-home haircare.
Steam Hair While Deep Conditioning
While sitting under a hooded dryer might feel tedious, conditioning the hair ensures the silk press is everlasting and smooth. Bedenfield consults with clients to ensure a proper deep conditioning treatment based on their hair’s needs. She encourages steaming the hair allows moisture to “promote softness and make sure the hair stays strong.” Clients with heat and color-damaged hair are strongly encouraged to receive biweekly conditioning treatments. Camille Rose Naturals Coconut Water Penetrating Hair Treatment is an affordable deep conditioner that hydrates thirsty hair. Also, she advises using argan oil as a hot oil treatment while steaming the hair.
Use A Light Leave in Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners are vital during these colder months. Leave-in stylers seal the moisture in the hair while protecting it against heat. Refrain from using cream-based leave-in conditioners since they cause product build-up and oily hair. Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Treatment combats dryness while nourishing the strands with its pristine ingredients, a product Bedenfield highlights.
Abstain From Heavy Oils, Use Light Serums
Using humectants seals coils, adds shine, and avoids hair swelling, but heavy oils result in limp, pressed strands. Add a lightweight serum to damp or blow-dried hair to obtain bouncy, luscious hair. Chi’s Silk Infusion is a popular leave-in serum that coats the hair, leaving it soft and polished. Bedenfield applauds this serum for its oil-free formula and protein-rich benefits.
Use Heat Protectants And Avoid Overusing The Flat Iron
Silk presses can be costly, especially during the holiday season, so it’s important to refrain from over-processing the hair. Constant flat-ironing ends in a “thinner, curl pattern.” Bedenfield recommends a dab of Dudley’s Creme Press Oils to prevent hair from reverting back to curly.
Maintain Consistent Trims
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As a natural who adores a sleek style, nothing beats a feathered, freshly-trimmed silk press. Not only do regular trims give a sharp, aesthetically pleasing look, it aids in afro-textured hair. Black hair can grow rapidly, but flat-ironing hair with dead ends prompts further damage. Remember, health is better than length. Also, seek professionals when getting trims to prevent frayed ends and encourage bouncy, full hair.
Use Wide Tooth Combs To Avoid Excess Shedding
The harsh winter chills can make the hair fragile. Using hard, detangling brushes can potentially break off the hair stands. Comb coils after deep conditioning, blowing out the hair and wrapping it at night. Wide tooth combs detangle the hair evenly while limiting breakage and brittle ends. NaturallyCurly sells an array of combs, including their signature wide tooth shower comb.
Seal Hair For Longevity
Though afro-textured hair needs moisture, hot showers or sweaty workouts revert silk presses to its natural state. Before a shower, wrap the hair clockwise with a satin scarf so the silk press can maintain its shape. Bedenfield recommends locking the scarf with a terrycloth or cotton headband before showering or exercising for extra security.
Use a Dry Shampoo To Maintain A Cleaner Scalp
Silk presses can last for a few weeks. However, dirt and product buildup makes the hair shapeless and stiff. Apply dry shampoo to refresh the scalp while delaying wash day. Products like Unite 7 Seconds dry shampoo absorb excess oils, giving the hair more body and shape.
Bedenfield’s goal is to promote healthy-hair journeys for all coilies. The main objective is to ensure a luminous, strong mane is moisturized. Check out these products to maintain hydrated hair.
