Stylists who specialize in silk presses are unthawing just in time for the fall and winter season. Houston-based stylist, Destiny Prentice of The Kai Noir Experience, is adamant about educating her clients on how to preserve their silk presses in the Texas heat.
The attractiveness of a sleek silk press is undeniable. Black women such as culture icon Queen Latifah, Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris have gone viral multiple times for their silky straight curls.
Unlike typical straightening routines, a silk press is determined by the silkening products, techniques and tools used to give the illusion of a relaxer.
The idea that a silk press is only for looser textures is a myth. According to Prentice, the success or failure of a silk press is determined by hydration, not texture.
“[If] you generally don’t take very good care of your hair, it doesn’t matter what texture your hair is,” Prentice said. “Your silk press probably isn’t going to last or come out as good as the girls on a hair care regimen.”
While heat training curls is traditionally the first step for many straight naturals, being on track with hydration is arguably more important.
“Silk presses require the hair to be hydrated in order to last,” Prentice said.
Preventing heat damage is all about the products and preparation done to curls beforehand. According to Prentice, the easiest way to avoid heat damage is to refrain from using extra or excessive amounts of heat after leaving the salon.
Those weary of an expensive salon visit could do it themselves, but most professionals like to advise against this to avoid unnecessary heat damage and other mishaps.
Finding a salon or stylist who can work with your budget is the most effective way to maintain healthy curls and meet hair goals.
A Typical Appointment at The Kai Noir Experience
All appointments at The Kair Noir Experience begin with a consultation between the client and Prentice to assess the hair and how to meet specific hair goals. In the case of a silk press, during the consultation Prentice says it’s important to ensure the client’s hair is healthy enough to straighten to avoid providing counter-productive styles.
From that point, a scalp detox is done to remove excess build-up prior to the shampoo.
After the detox, Prentice washes her clients with a clarifying shampoo and other treatments for scalp health, followed by a moisturizing condition.
Once the client’s curls are thoroughly moisturized and detangled, they receive a steam treatment for more moisture. Then the conditioner is washed out with cold water to close the hair cuticle and maintain hydration.
In the styling chair, Prentice applies multiple heat protectants along with the silkening and softening serums before she straightens the hair with her BaByliss tools.
“I have a regimen that I give my clients at the end of every appointment and this regimen goes over what they should do after they leave the salon,” Prentice said.
Silk Press Maintenance
Prentice prefers for her clients to avoid heat post-salon visit at all cost, because salon care comes with a professional level of care that minimizes heat damage.
It’s important to steer clear of putting any additional products in a silk press unless it’s time for a new style. However, if the hair becomes oily it is okay to use dry shampoo by following the directions on the bottle.
People rocking silk presses should expect to wrap them in a satin scarf and bonnet every night. Prentice suggests that beauties aiming for a more voluminous silk press can wrap their hair up in pin curls or by using flexi rods and velcro rollers.
Although wearing natural styles in the gym may be a lost cause for people who sweat profusely in their scalp, wearing a silk press during a workout is not as impossible as one might believe. Instead of wrapping the silk press before a gym session, leave it out and let it breathe by wearing a hair net. According to Prentice, when the hair is wrapped it traps the heat in your scalp, causing the hair to revert.
Although wearing natural styles in the gym may be a lost cause for people who sweat profusely in their scalp, wearing a silk press during a workout is not as impossible as one might believe. Instead of wrapping the silk press before a gym session, leave it out and let it breathe by wearing a hair net. According to Prentice, when the hair is wrapped it traps the heat in your scalp, causing the hair to revert.
Silk presses are a fun fall style that anyone interested should try, irregardless of hair texture. Although using heat or being a straight natural can seem taboo in the natural hair community, wearing curls in silk presses has benefits that supersede being trendy.
“People think curly naturals have healthier hair, which is typically not true,” Prentice said.
Many straight naturals frequent the salon, allowing their curls to get the tender love and care needed. In comparison, curly naturals who tend to do their own hair are not always able to identify issues in their crown such as damaged ends or hydration issues.
A silk press can help women with natural hair experience the best of both worlds.
“Don’t be afraid of heat,” Prentice said. “I know that there’s a lot of horror stories out there .. but do your research [and] find a stylist that you trust.”
