HOW TO SILK PRESS 4C HAIR WITHOUT HEAT DAMAGE
There are various reasons why a natural with 4C hair would want to get a silk press. It could be a way for them to change their style, check their hair length or trim their split ends. So, let’s start by saying whatever your reason may be, it is valid!
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, we want you to know that you can straighten your hair with the silk press method without damaging it. Yes, this is legit. In this post, you will learn how to do this and the best hair straightening irons for silk pressing 4C hair. Without wasting time, let’s get into it.
What is a Silk Press?
A silk press is a styling method that straightens the hair without the use of chemicals like relaxers. This method uses heat tools like blow dryers and straightening or flat irons to smooth out the hair giving it a sleek silky look. This is a temporary hairstyle that reverts to its natural state after one or two weeks.
There are two options when trying to get a silk press: either you go to a professional hairstylist to get it done or you do it yourself. We advise that you go with the first option when you want to silk press your hair for the first time. This is to ensure that you get a professional opinion on your hair needs and how to go about it. After the first silk press, you can start DIY.
FAQ:
How often can I silk press my hair?
Answer:
It is important to keep in mind that constant silk pressing puts the hair at risk of heat damage. You shouldn’t get more than one silk press in three to four months to ensure the health of your hair.
Tools Needed For Silk Pressing 4C Hair
- Shampoo
- Deep conditioner
- Leave-in conditioner
- A detangling brush
- A rat-tail comb
- Heat protectant
How to Straighten 4C Hair with the Silk Press Method
The process of getting a silk press is straightforward and easy to grasp, even for an amateur. You can do it yourself or get a friend to do it for you. All you have to do is follow the steps below:
- Wash your hair with a shampoo
The first step in getting any hairstyle done is to prepare your hair for it. Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo to get rid of dirt, product build-up or debris from it. We advise using moisturizing shampoo because your hair needs to stay hydrated. Ensure your hair is thoroughly clean before moving on to the next step.
- Deep condition your hair
Deep conditioning your hair before getting a silk press is very important. It helps nourishing nutrients penetrate your hair shaft and cuticles, hence preparing the hair from the harsh conditions it is about to go through. To help your deep conditioner penetrate better, you can use a steamer or a heat cap.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair
Applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair before getting a silk press ensures that your hair gets the moisture it needs. It also helps protect your hair against heat damage that may occur as a result of the process. Moisturizing your hair with a leave-in conditioner makes detangling much easier.
- Detangle your hair
Get rid of all tangles and know from your hair gently to make the silk press process hitch-free and avoid breakage.
- Blow out your hair
Blow out your hair section by section with a blow dryer to get it as straight as possible before using the straightening iron. Make sure you brush each section while blow-drying to help straighten it better. This step helps in ensuring your hair doesn’t get damaged.
- Apply a heat protectant to your hair
Applying a heat protectant to your hair before using heat tools helps protect your hair against heat damage. Apply the product section by section before running a wide-tooth comb through your hair to spread it out evenly.
- Divide your hair into four equal parts
Hold each section in place with a sectioning clip to avoid getting them in the way while you work on another section. Work on one section at a time.
- Run the flat iron or straightener over the hair for the first time
Pull out a 1-inch layer from each section with a rat-tail comb. Make sure the layer is not thicker than 1-inch so that you won’t have to run the flat iron over it more than once. Set the temperature of the flat iron to the lowest heat capable of doing the job. Close the flat iron over the 1-inch hair layer as close to the scalp as you can manage and pull it down gently. Don’t go too slowly or too fast to avoid burning your hair. Repeat this until you have done so for all the sections.
- Style and care for your hair
After repeating step 8 for all the sections (remember to go layer by layer to get the best result), you are all done. You can style the hair as you like but always remember to care for it. Do not go to bed without a silk/satin hair scarf or cap to avoid dryness and frizz. Also, don’t wash your hair while you have your silk press on or it will return to its natural state. This is another reason why you should wash your hair before getting a silk press.
Best Flat Irons/Straighteners for 4C Hair
This budget-friendly flat iron is a great choice for silk pressing 4C hair. It has a one-inch ceramic plate that styles the hair quickly and gently. It is adjustable to a low temperature that is suitable for kinky coils without damaging them. One other fantastic feature of this flat iron is that it shuts off after 6o seconds of no use.
This flat iron is designed to work well with already damaged hair. You get to control it to a temperature that suits your hair so your hair is protected from damage. It is easy to use and it gives a sleek, smooth and frizz-free result on the hair. It has titanium plates that heat us quickly, allowing you to style your hair at a fast pace.
This straightener has been embraced by the natural hair community for its unique features. Its ultra-thin design and five-inch plate allow you to straighten wide hair sections at once which means you get to style your hair quickly. Also, it has 50 heat settings, so your hair is protected from damage. With its smooth titanium plates, you can create straight and wavy styles.
Silk Press vs Flat Iron: What is the Difference?
Many people, including professionals, mix up the meanings of silk presses and flat irons but they are not the same. Flat irons are tools used to straighten, and sometimes, curl the hair. A silk press, on the other hand, is a hair styling method that straightens hair using flat irons and other tools. So basically, flat irons are used to achieve silk presses.
Conclusion:
Now that you know the tools you need and how to go about it, you can get that silk press you see and admire on other people.
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