How To Style Silk Press
(Picture by @lynnswayxx on Instagram)
A silk press is one of the most versatile and timeless ways to wear your natural hair. It gives you the freedom to enjoy sleek, straight styles without permanently altering your curl pattern. Once your hair is silky smooth, there are endless ways to switch up your look while keeping things fresh and fun. Whether you are heading to work, going on a night out or just want to feel a little extra at home, knowing how to style a silk press will help you slay any occasion.
If you’re wondering who does silk press near me, you can find the top Afro hairdressers for silk press in London here.
10 Easy Ways To Style Silk Press
1. Middle Part
(Picture: Pinterest)
Sometimes less is more. A clean middle part paired with silky, straight hair gives you that effortlessly polished look. You can tuck the hair behind your ears for a professional vibe or let it frame your face for a softer finish.
How to do it:
- Use a fine-tooth comb to create a straight part down the middle
- Apply a small amount of serum for shine and frizz control
- Tuck behind your ears or let it flow naturally
Great for: professional settings, sophisticated looks, minimal styling time
2. Loose Curls
(Picture by @ImaniiiLoveee on Pinterest)
Loose curls give your silk press body and bounce without losing its sleek look.
How to do it:
- Apply heat protectant to your silk press
- Use a curling wand or flat iron to curl small sections of hair away from your face
- Finish with a light holding spray to keep them in place
Great for: nights out or special dinners, formal occasions
3. Half Up Half Down
(Picture by @thalimichel on Pinterest)
This style keeps hair out of your face while still showing off the length and silkiness of your press.
How to do it:
- Section off the top half of your hair
- Smooth it back using a comb and secure with a hairband
- Leave the rest flowing down, either straight or curled
Style tip: leave some hair at the front to frame your face and add accessories for extra flair
Great for: casual outings, brunch, dates or parties
4. Side Part
(Picture: Pinterest)
A deep side part instantly changes the shape and feel of your hair. It adds drama and works well on any face shape.
How to do it:
- Use a fine-tooth comb to create a parting on any side you prefer
- Apply a small amount of serum for shine and frizz control
- Tuck behind your ears or let it flow naturally
Style tip: take a deeper part for a more dramatic look
Great for: glam evenings and events, professional settings, sophisticated looks, minimal styling time
5. Low Ponytail
(Picture: Pinterest)
The low ponytail is sleek, sophisticated and timeless. It works with any outfit and can be dressed up or down.
How to do it:
- Brush your silk press downwards, keeping it smooth and tangle free
- Gather hair at the nape of your neck and secure with a hair band
Style tip: wrap a small section of hair around the hair band to hide it or dress up your low ponytail by switching your hair band for a coloured scrunchie
Great for: office days, formal meetings, simple, no-fuss mornings
6. High Ponytail
(Picture: Pinterest)
A high ponytail is bold, youthful and full of movement.
How to do it:
- Brush hair upwards towards the crown
- Secure tightly with a snag free hair tie
Style tip: wrap a small section of hair around the hair band to hide it or dress up your low ponytail by switching your hair band for a coloured scrunchie
Great for: sporty or casual looks, hot weather
7. Sleek Bun
(Picture: Pinterest)
A silk press bun is elegant and sophisticated. The perfect look for a clean girl vibe.
How to do it:
- Smooth hair into a ponytail at your desired height
- Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a bun shape
- Secure with a hair band and hairpins
Great for: work and business meetings, special occasions
8. Claw Clip Updo
(Picture: Pinterest)
The claw clip is trendy and it pairs beautifully with a silk press. It is a great quick and stylish look.
How to do it:
- Pull your hair back as if creating a low or mid ponytail
- Twist the length upwards and clip it in place with a large claw clip
- Let the ends fan out over the top or tuck them in neatly
Style tip: leave out two face-framing strands or baby hairs for an effortless look
Great for: running errands, casual outings, quick styling days
9. Half Up Half Down Pigtails
(Picture: Pinterest)
This fun and youthful style adds playfulness to your silk press while still showing off its sleekness.
How to do it:
- Part your hair down the middle
- Section off the top half of each side and tie into two pigtails
- Leave the bottom half flowing straight or curled
Style tip: use scrunchies, ribbons or hair clips to complete the look
Great for: festivals, casual weekends, picnics
10. Hair Down With Headband
(Picture: Pinterest)
When in doubt, pop on a headband. It is the easiest way to refresh your look.
How to do it:
- Style your silk press down
- Slide on your favourite headband – satin, printed, embellished, the choice is yours
- Smooth your edges with a edge control if needed
Style tip: choose a silk or satin headband to reduce friction and preserve your silk press
Great for: quick fixes, bad hair days, effortless everyday looks
A silk press gives you the freedom to express yourself in so many ways. Whether you love classic sleek looks or want to experiment with buns, clips, and curls, there’s no wrong way to style it. Just have fun and choose whatever feels most you. And if you’re wondering how to keep your silk press looking fresh for longer, be sure to check out our post on how to maintain a silk press for tips on extending its life and keeping it silky smooth.
For more Black hairstyle inspiration, and how to’s on Afro hair care, explore our Afro hair tutorials.
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