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One of my favorite things to do with my hair is to straighten it. I have a naturally curly mane that I love to wear big during the warmer months, but come winter, I’m all about a good silk press.
Usually, I head to my go-to stylist, Naeemah Johnson of NBeauty Salon Suites, to achieve my desired look. The process starts with a thorough wash and deep conditioning, followed by careful blow-drying to smooth the hair. Then, section by section, the flat iron glides through, leaving each strand sleek and shiny.
On a cold day, that gentle heat feels cozy, making the whole experience both practical and comforting. Plus, it’s always satisfying to see how much my hair has grown (and how healthy it’s stayed) while I’ve been wearing it curly.
But when life gets busy, booking an appointment isn’t always convenient. That’s why I turned to the experts to learn how to achieve salon-level results right at home. Ahead, learn their haircare secrets!
Meet The Experts:
- ✨ Ashley Nicole, Wig & Extensions Specialist for Luvme Hair
- ✨ Naeemah Johnson, Celebrity Hairstylist & Owner of NBeauty Salon Suites
- ✨ Sophia Emmanuel, Trichologist, Cosmetologist, & V&Co. Beauty Brand Ambassador
Start With A Clean Slate
Naeemah Johnson stresses that the foundation of any silk press starts before you ever touch a flat iron. “Start by using a high-quality clarifying shampoo to clean any product buildup off your scalp and strands,” she explains. “This process sets your hair up for silky results.”
Once you’ve clarified, she recommends following up with a hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo to restore moisture. After conditioning, rinse your hair with cool water to seal the cuticle and reduce frizz.
According to Sophia Emmanuel, this cleansing step also keeps your hair’s structure strong and healthy. She notes, “Dirt, product build-up, and sebum accumulate on hair strands. When you apply heat to unclean hair, you are cooking the buildup on your hair, which can lead to heat damage.”
Deep Condition And Steam For Extra Hydration
A hydrating treatment is non-negotiable for a lasting silk press. Johnson recommends using a deep conditioner or hair mask that replenishes moisture and strengthens strands. One of her favorites: the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask (Buy On Amazon), which repairs hair on a molecular level in just four minutes.
For an added boost, she suggests incorporating steam during your wash routine. “Steam can help provide additional hydration to the hair shaft,” Johnson says. “Get a towel that’s been run under warm water and wrap it around your hair while conditioning.”
Choose The Right Tools And Protect Your Strands
When it comes to heat styling, your tools and protectants matter just as much as your technique. “A high-quality heat protectant is important when doing a silk press at home to keep your curls healthy,” Johnson says.
To test this, I used the T3 Curling Straightener (Buy On Amazon), a dual-use tool that both straightens and curls hair while delivering consistent, even heat. The plates glide smoothly through the hair without snagging, and the adjustable heat settings allow for safe styling—especially when paired with a quality protectant. My results? Sleek, glossy, and frizz-free strands that lasted for days without losing bounce or body.
Emmanuel emphasizes that not all flat irons are created equal. “One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when silk pressing their hair at home is using a titanium flat iron instead of a ceramic flat iron,” she says. “Titanium flat irons heat up quickly, and the plates can reach very high temperatures. Using titanium flat irons dehydrates your hair and can lead to heat damage. Ceramic flat irons distribute heat evenly and allow for less moisture to be stripped from your hair.”
She also warns against relying on oils as a substitute for heat protectants. “Carrier oils can fry your hair instead of protecting your hair from heat. Heat protectants are formulated with silicones that coat your hair and act as buffers to spread heat more evenly.”
Take Your Time—And Work In Sections
Patience and precision are key. “A silk press isn’t a wash, blow dry, and press. The products matter, from start to finish,” says Ashley Nicole. “Hydration is key to a flawless silk press.”
She also points out that sectioning makes all the difference: “Clients take huge sections and wonder why it isn’t getting as straight as it should. Taking sections that are too thick and going over them several times with the flat iron will cause heat damage.”
Johnson agrees that less is more. She recommends straightening small sections of hair and limiting the number of passes. “Only make one pass—two if necessary—on the hair with the straightening iron to avoid damaging your curls,” she says. For an ultra-smooth finish at the roots, she still swears by a “good, old-fashioned hot comb.”
Nicole adds, “I know many clients are afraid of hot combs, but they are literally a game-changer.”
How To Preserve Your Silk Press
Once your silk press is complete, proper maintenance can make or break how long it lasts. Emmanuel suggests using a finishing spray that is lightweight and holds your style in place. She recommends the Joico Defy Damage Invincible Bond Protector Spray (Buy On Amazon).
Emmanuel explains, “This will help protect your hair from humidity, frizz, and future hair breakage without weighing your hair down or making your hair feel sticky.”
Additionally, she encourages wrapping your hair at night or using pin curls to preserve volume and shape. “Cover your hair with a silk or satin scarf. If your scarf doesn’t stay on, sleep on a satin pillowcase,” she advises. To add shine and softness, “use serums that are oil-based one to two times a week after the silk press is done. Do not use any water-based products, as these will cause your silk press to revert.”
Nicole adds that Fall and Winter are the ideal times to enjoy the style. “Now that the weather is cooling off, clients want silk presses. They can finally say goodbye to summertime braid styles and say hello to silk presses with extensions,” she says. Clip-in extensions are particularly on trend this season, offering easy ways to add “length, density, and color.”
Healthy Hair Is the Real Goal
While a silk press delivers that glossy, just-left-the-salon look, experts agree that hair health should always come first. Emmanuel wants people to remember that “it is possible to get a silk press regularly and maintain your curl or coil pattern. The key is to use the appropriate heat setting based on your hair type and the porosity of your hair.”
While it’s easy to achieve at home, don’t forget to visit your local salon to learn about the health of your hair. “Professional silk presses offer you the opportunity to learn what your hair needs while you are being serviced. It is a service that allows you to get a trim, find out if there are any problems with your hair or scalp, and learn from your hairstylist what products you can use to maintain the health of your hair,” notes Emmanuel.
With the right prep, patience, and tools, you can achieve sleek, silky strands from the comfort of your own bathroom. Hydrate, protect, and take your time, and your silk press will not only look amazing but leave your natural curls ready to bounce back beautifully.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
