As the chill of fall and winter sets in, many people are eager to rock a sleek and shiny silk press. With the drop in humidity, it’s the perfect time to show off smooth, bouncy locks without worrying about frizz or flyaways. But while cooler weather can help maintain your style, your hair still needs proper care to ensure that your silk press lasts longer than just a few days.
Pro hairstylist Lurissa Ingrid, who has worked with celebrities like Gabrielle Union and Ebonee Davis, offers her top five tips for keeping your silk press in tip-top shape this season. Here’s how to keep your hair looking fresh for weeks to come.
1. Start With a Clean Slate: Use the Right Shampoo
A successful silk press begins with a well-cleansed scalp and hair. Ingrid recommends using a clarifying shampoo before your appointment to eliminate any build-up from oils, styling products, or residue. This will help ensure that your silk press lasts longer. If your hair feels dry, opt for a moisturizing shampoo to lock in hydration and prepare your strands for styling.
2. Deep Condition and Use Leave-In Products
Conditioning is key to achieving and maintaining a shiny, healthy silk press. Ingrid stresses the importance of deep conditioning before your press to enhance moisture and protect your hair from damage. She suggests following up with a leave-in conditioner like The Wizard, a heat protectant that shields your hair from damage up to 450 degrees. Products like The Kure and Mirrorball are also great choices for added shine and repair.
3. Avoid Sweat and Humidity
Humidity and sweat are two major enemies of a lasting silk press. To keep your sleek style intact, avoid activities that make you sweat excessively, as moisture can quickly cause your hair to revert to its natural texture. For days when skipping the gym isn’t an option, Ingrid recommends using an anti-humidity spray, such as The Shield, which provides a barrier against moisture and helps preserve your smooth finish.
4. Protect Your Hair at Night With a Scarf
Nighttime care is essential for maintaining your silk press. Ingrid advises wrapping your hair with a silk or mesh scarf before bed to keep it smooth and frizz-free. This simple step helps reduce friction while you sleep, ensuring that your style stays intact and you wake up with fresh, shiny locks.
5. Mind Your Heat Usage
If you’re attempting a silk press at home, it’s crucial to monitor the temperature of your styling tools to prevent unnecessary heat damage. Once your silk press is complete, give your hair a break from heat styling. To preserve your natural curl pattern, Ingrid suggests using heatless options like flexi rods or pin curls. If you must use heat, opt for a high-quality tool like the Dyson Corrale™ straightener, which features regulated heat control for more even styling up to 410 degrees.
By following these expert recommendations, you can keep your silk press looking fabulous for weeks. Investing a little extra time and effort in maintaining your hairstyle will ensure you feel confident and polished all season long. Remember, healthy hair care is just as important as great styling—so treat your locks with care to get the most out of your silk press.
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