The winter season is approaching which means we’re going to see more curlies laying down their tresses with a silk press or blowout. While the terms can be interchangeable in conversation, the method and act of these regimens are very different. When it comes to techniques, a silk press and a blowout follow the same steps. However, the results can vary between the two techniques because of the tools and products involved to achieve the final style. We’re taking the guesswork out of both of these popular styling options so you can understand the difference and make the best decision for your texture and hair type with your stylist.
What is a Silk Press?
Image Source: @IAMHAIRBYCECE
A silk press is a hairstyle that involves straightening the natural hair without the use of chemicals. First, the hair is washed and conditioned, then blown out, and finally flat ironed to create a soft, glossy look. Furthermore, the ends of the hair could be trimmed or curled for a perfect finish.
Here are some short videos on how a silk press is done:
Image Source: @themerlande
https://www.tiktok.com/@elegantelainesalon/video/7145056237690850562?referer_url=embed.notion.co%2Fapi%2Fiframe%3Fapp%3D1%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fvm.tiktok.com%252FZMjWtcJra%252F%26key%3D656ac74fac4fff346b811dca7919d483&refer=embed&embed_source=121355058%2C121351166%2C121331973%2C120811592%2C120810756%3Bnull%3Bembed_share&referer_video_id=7145056237690850562
Image Source: @elegantelainesalon
How Long Does a Silk Press Last?
The longevity of a silk press depends on certain factors: first and foremost, how long you want to leave the style in; two, how well you maintain the style, humidity in the weather, and products used; and finally, your hair type and texture. If you strictly adhere to a proper maintenance routine, your silk press can last for as long as two weeks or more. However, when it comes to hair type, kinky type 4 hair may quickly lose shape and revert to its natural tightly coiled state due to the humid weather, while type 3 hair may hold the style for a more extended period.
How to Maintain A Silk Press
1. Use Lightweight Products
Heavyweight products can weigh down your silk press and cause your hair to revert to its natural state faster. They can also cause buildup on your scalp and hair. Similarly, using many products can weigh down your hair and cause buildup.
So, apply lightweight products like a serum to help the hairstyle maintain its silky appearance and protect your hair from humidity in the weather.
2. Protect the Ends of the Hair
The ends of the hair are part of its most vulnerable parts and, as such, are more prone to breakage, dryness, and split ends, among other hair damage. To ensure that your ends stay healthy, apply a moderate amount of lightweight oil or serum daily.
3. Sleep in a Satin Bonnet or Wrap the Hair in a Silk/Satin Scarf
The texture of a satin bonnet and a silk/satin scarf is smooth and slippery, preventing your hair from losing all its moisture when you go to bed. Furthermore, they help to reduce tangling, which can occur as you turn your head from side to side when sleeping.
4. Use a Shower Cap — In and Out of the Shower
Water is one way to quickly lose your silk press hairstyle and get your hair back to its natural state. So, you need to cover your hair with a shower cap before taking a shower. Also, during the winter season, you should keep a shower cap in your handbag to keep your silk press from coming in contact with unexpected weather.
What is a Blowout?
Image Source: @NATURALLY.AKIRA
A blowout is simply a way of drying and stretching the hair. Like a silk press, it starts with washing and conditioning before drying and stretching. There are two ways to achieve a blowout on natural hair: heat and heatless methods. The heat method involves using a blow dryer and/or a round brush (although it is crucial to apply heat protectant on the hair first to prevent heat damage).
For the heatless method, the hair is braided in sections or tied with threads after washing, left to dry overnight, oiled, and brushed the next day. These videos show you how blowouts are achieved:
Image Source: @thestrawberricurls
How Long Can a Blowout Last?
Unlike a silk press, a blowout can only last a couple of days. This is because when creating a silk press, there is higher heat exposure than on a blowout.
How to Maintain a Blowout
You can follow the same hair maintenance routine as with a silk press to maintain your blowout. However, when it comes to longevity, don’t forget that you shouldn’t have high expectations with your blowout as it tends to last for a shorter amount of time than a silk press.
Did you decide which option is best for your hair?Will you consider a silk press or a blowout for your next salon appointment? Let us know in the comments!
