To treat and maintain a silk press, focus on protecting your hair from humidity and preventing reversion, especially during sleep and showering.
Keeping your silk press looking fresh requires consistent care and protection. The primary goals are to preserve the straight style, maintain body, and shield your hair from moisture that can cause reversion.
Protecting Your Silk Press
Proper protection is key to extending the life of your silk press.
Care While Sleeping
Protecting your hair overnight helps maintain the sleekness and body of the silk press. As hairstylist Lee shares, "I suggest maintaining your press by sleeping in pin curls or doing a full wrap of your hair to maintain body."
- Pin Curls: Section your hair and curl small sections around your finger, securing each with a bob pin. This helps maintain body and prevent creases.
- Full Wrap: Comb your hair smoothly around your head in one direction, securing it with pins or a hair wrap specifically designed for this purpose. This keeps the hair flat and straight.
- Use Silk or Satin: Always sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase or wear a silk or satin bonnet or scarf over your pin curls or wrap. This reduces friction, minimizes frizz, and helps retain moisture in your hair strands (not humidity from the air).
Care While Showering
Steam is a major culprit for causing natural hair to revert. Protecting your silk press in the shower is crucial.
Lee advises, “While showering, wearing a plastic processing cap underneath a bonnet or silk scarf can protect your hair from humidity and curl reversion.”
- Double Layer Protection: The plastic cap creates a barrier against moisture, while the bonnet or scarf adds an extra layer of protection and helps secure the plastic cap.
- Ensure a Tight Seal: Make sure the bonnet or scarf covers your hairline completely to prevent steam from reaching the edges.
Avoiding Humidity and Moisture
Beyond showering, minimizing exposure to humid environments is vital.
- Check the Weather: On high-humidity days, consider styling your hair differently or staying indoors if possible.
- Use Anti-Humidity Products: A lightweight anti-humidity spray can provide an extra layer of defense against moisture in the air.
Other Maintenance Tips
| Tip | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Limit Product Use | Avoid heavy oils or butters that can weigh hair down and attract moisture. |
| Avoid Excessive Heat | Do not repeatedly apply direct heat from styling tools, as this can cause heat damage and shorten the life of the silk press. Spot treat flyaways sparingly if needed. |
| Gentle Handling | Be gentle when styling or manipulating your hair to prevent breakage. |
By following these protective measures, especially the techniques for sleeping and showering as recommended by Lee, you can effectively treat and maintain your silk press.
