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If you've just got your silk press done, then you're probably loving your smooth and shiny look! However, we all know the real work begins after that – keeping it looking fresh and long-lasting. Maintaining your silk press is a must for keeping your hair looking gorgeous for as long as possible. In this post, we’ve got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need to keep your silk press looking fresh. If you are looking for a professional hairdresser, for your braids you can find the top Afro Hairdressers for silk press in London here.
What Is A Silk Press?
A silk press is a hair styling technique used to straighten natural, textured hair, resulting in sleek, silky hair without the use of chemicals. The longevity of your silk press can vary depending on your daily activities, such as how often you work out. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can ensure it lasts longer.
How To Maintain Your Silk Press
Wrap your hair at night
Use a silk bonnet or scarf to wrap your hair at night before going to bed. This helps minimise frizz and breakage caused by friction from your pillowcase. You can also consider sleeping on a silk pillowcase for extra protection.
How to wrap your silk press
What you'll need:
- brush
- wig cap
- scarf or bonnet
Steps:
- Brush your hair to the back on one side of your head
- Put on your wig cap
- Spin the wig cap in a circle
- Make sure all your hair is tucked in the cap
- Put on your silk scarf or bonnet
Tip: if you don't have a wig cap you can replace your wig cap with a silk scarf and then put a bonnet on top.
Minimise moisture and humidity
- Humidity and wetness can make your hair revert to its original texture.
- Apply lightweight anti-humidity sprays or serums to protect your silk press from humid conditions.
- Wear a shower cap when showering to avoid getting your hair wet.
Use lightweight products
- Keeping your scalp and ends moisturised is crucial, but it is essential to use lightweight products. Heavy products can weigh down your hair, making it look greasy and lose its shine.
Limit heat styling
- Overusing heat can cause heat damage, so it's important to minimise the use of heat. If you do use heat, always apply a heat protectant before styling.
Do touch-ups
- If your silk press starts to lose its silkiness, you can touch it up with a flat iron. However, use the lowest heat setting and apply a heat protectant beforehand.
How To Maintain Your Silk Press At The Gym
Humidity should be avoided when you have a silk press, and we understand that this is unavoidable when working out. Here are some tips to help maintain your silk press at the gym:
Use sweatbands
- Wear a sweatband on your edges to soak up any sweat and keep your hair dry. However, make sure it's not too tight that it dents your hair.
Section your hair
- Opt for hairstyles that section your hair into parts, such as multiple buns. This allows your scalp to breathe rather than a hairstyle such as a ponytail which will accumulate sweat.
Use dry shampoo
- You can use dry shampoo to absorb any grease and excess oil to keep your hair fresh without washing it.
How To Get Rid Of Dandruff With a Silk Press
If you have trouble with dandruff and you want to get rid of it until your next wash day, we've got the hack for you.
What you'll need:
- stockings
- hard bristle brush
Steps:
- Part your hair wherever you desire
- Put the hard bristle brush under the stocking and pull the bristles through
- Brush out the dandruff. If you use a black stocking it will be easier to see how much dandruff you have brushed out
- After you have finished brushing, pull the stocking of the brush and your dandruff should be collected on the stocking
For more how to's on Afro hair care and Black hairstyle inspiration, explore our Afro hair tutorials.