Here at Swoope Hair natural hair salon in Birmingham, we specialize in the signature swoope press! It’s a great way to get a sleek, no-nonsense look. But in order to prevent heat damage, it’s not something we recommend trying at home. You need to utilize the correct hair products and tools to get the silky hairstyle without damaging your locks.
If you’ve been considering a silk press, here are a few things you need to know.
What Is A Silk Press?
A silk press gives natural hair the appearance of being relaxed without using harsh chemicals. There is no hot oil involved, and no hot combs. Instead, the silk press uses smoothing shampoos and conditioners to prepare the hair for styling. It works on thick or coarse natural hair and doesn’t cause much damage, while giving you a beautiful, silky smooth style.
A silk press isn’t a permanent straightening situation and only lasts until you shower again. It’s a fun way to mix up your natural hair style.
How Does A Silk Press Work?
Here are the general steps to a silk press:
Detangling
Before starting, the hair is detangled dry with a paddle brush
Wash
It’s important to thoroughly cleanse the hair to remove any product build-up and residue. In order to prevent heat damage, the hair needs to be as clean as possible. A clean, hydrated canvas is necessary in order to end up with a shiny, bouncing silk press.
Deep Conditioning
After washing, it’s important to add moisture back into the hair. A deep conditioning treatment nourishes and strengthens the hair. While you can (and should!) use a deep conditioner at home, when you let our Birmingham natural hair stylist take care of your hair, she’ll help recommend products and you’ll be able to feel the hair salon difference.
Blow Dry
A great blow-dry is crucial to a beautiful silk press. Whenever you’re applying heat, you must use a heat protector on the hair. When the hair is blow-dried to its full capacity, you’ll need to use fewer strokes on the straightener, saving your hair from more damage. Blow drying involves stretching, detangling, and drying all at the same, while still leaving your hair with volume. Small sections are blow-dried individually until the whole head of hair is dry.
Straightening
Slow and steady wins the silk press race! Here at Swoope Hair, we use only the best products for our signature swoope press, resulting in less damage to the hair cuticle. Your hair will be pressed from root to tip, section by section. The level of heat is adjusted based on the thickness of your hair, and our hair stylist is happy to talk with you about the process and products used.
How Long Does A Silk Press Last?
A silk press lasts for about two weeks — or for as long as you don’t wash your hair. Moisture will cause your hair to revert back to its natural texture. How long your silk press lasts depends on your lifestyle. If you work out regularly, you’ll sweat your style out faster than someone who doesn’t.
If you’ve had multiple silk presses, your hair may be trained to stay straight, and it may last longer. In order to extend the life of your style, wrap your hair before applying your scarf at night. The goal is to keep split ends to a minimum, help your hair retain moisture, and preserve your style.
How Often Can I Get A Silk Press?
While heat protectant products are used to protect the hair, it’s not a good idea to get a silk press regularly. Try getting a silk press every three to four months to maintain the health of your hair without causing too much damage.
Swoope Hair Natural Hair Salon
Our Birmingham hair salon specializes in helping women enjoy incredibly healthy, natural hair. We use high-quality products for all of our styles, including our signature swoope press. Along with great products, we also use innovative techniques to create stunning, personalized results for every single client. Whether you choose to relax your hair, let your curls bounce, rock braids, or more, we can help you discover the style you’ve been dreaming of! Check our hair styles page and book with Brittany Swoope and Swoope Hair today!