MY ROUTINE FOR THE PERFECT SILK PRESS 👩🏾

Since it is still silk press season, I am going to tell all my natural girlies like me how to get the perfect silk press. For YEARS, I haven’t gotten the results that I have seen the girlies get with a press, and it has been a LOT of trial and error, but I finally have the perfect routine that gets me the results I want minus the damage!So this is for all my natural girls, and for reference, I have type 4b/4c hair with varying textures throughout my head.

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To start off, I scrub my scalp with my TPH by Taraji Never Salty Sugar Scalp Scrub and I treat my hair with the Olaplex Number 3 Repair and Strengthening Treatment. The scrub feels so good on my scalp and gets tingly. I experience very dry scalp during the winter time and this does the job every time, and it washes off seamlessly in the shower, so be sure to give it a try! The Olaplex treatment prepares my hair almost too well for the tension and manipulation it is about to get.

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I wash twice with the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo which gets my hair very squeaky clean while still balancing the moisture in my hair. This was used on my hair in a salon about two years ago when I was getting a silk press and my hair felt so soft and light! I usually don’t condition when I do a silk press, because I do not need unnecessary oils on my hair to make the press stiff.

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To get the perfect press, you need the ULTIMATE blowout, your blowout better be straight as well. For the heat protection, I use the ColorWow Dream Coat and my Eva NYC 10-in-1 Heat Protectant Spray. They are not pictured here, but let me tell youuuuu these are the dynamic duo! They protect my hair from frizz, humidity, and other environmental factors. They both essentially coat your hair in a barrier, it’s perfect! When I blowout my hair, I hold my hair taut and use my nozzle and do the tension method until the roots are partially straight. After that, I use my bristle brush and the blow dryer to fully blow out my hair. Once I do that all over my hair, I use my Revlon OneStep dryer all over in case I missed any spots.

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Now, we are almost at the end of the process! After I blowout my hair, I take the hot comb to my head. I want to make sure my curly roots are bone straight to lay the proper foundation for the press. I use this hot comb on the highest setting, which is 20 on the Andis Hot Comb from Amazon (Andis 38335 Professional Heat Ceramic Press Comb for Hair). After I hot comb my hair, I use my Conair IninitiPRO Flat Iron on the highest setting; my natural hair will not get straight unless the temp is around 400 415 degrees. As long you use heat protection and do not pass over each section more than once, you are okay. In some sections, I use the chase method with the fine toothed comb, and in others I do not. Once I am done with my hair, I will curl the very ends of my hair for some volume and use the Kenra Platinum Silkening Gloss. This smells SOOOO good, and providesso much shine throughout my hair; I got this bottle from Ulta ($29), and this will be the only serum I use from now on!

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I hope this helps all my natural girlies get the silk presses that they see on Pinterest! Be sure to use what works best for you and your hair, but if any of these products spark any interest, be sure to share how they worked for you!

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#blackgirlcontentcreator #silkpressseason #haircaretipsandproducts #haircareroutine #naturalhairtips #lemon8partner @Lemon8 Beauty #Lemon8Box

2024/1/25 Edited to

... Read moreHey natural hair fam! Building on my tried-and-true silk press routine, I wanted to dive deeper into some of the elements that truly make a difference, especially when it comes to getting that salon-quality finish right at home. We all want sleek, straight hair without the damage, and I’ve picked up some extra tricks along the way, particularly regarding our tools and those finishing touches. Let's talk about mastering your blow-dry and achieving that incredible shine! When it comes to getting your hair straight before the flat iron, your blow dryer and brush for silk press are your best friends. I can't stress enough how crucial a good blow-dry is for the perfect silk press. Many of us struggle to get our roots straight, but it often comes down to technique and the right brush. For stretching out my hair and getting a good base, I swear by the paddle brush blow dry straight hair technique. After applying heat protectant, I section my hair into small, manageable parts. I hold each section taut with one hand while I use the paddle brush to pull through from root to tip, following with the blow dryer nozzle. The flat, wide surface of the paddle brush helps to detangle and apply even tension, getting my hair significantly straighter with fewer passes. This method is amazing for quickly removing excess water and getting that initial stretch, making the rest of the process so much easier. Sometimes, for extra smoothness, especially around my edges or for a slight curve at the ends, I'll switch to a round brush for the blow dry straight hair round brush technique. A boar bristle round brush helps to grip the hair tightly, imparting more tension and smoothing the cuticle for extra shine and a polished look. Remember, the goal here is not just dry hair, but *straight*, stretched hair, setting the stage for a truly sleek silk press. Beyond the brush, your silk press blow dryer itself plays a huge role. Look for a blow dryer with ionic or ceramic technology; these help to reduce frizz and dry hair faster, minimizing heat exposure. A powerful motor is also key for efficiency. And always, always use a concentrator nozzle! This directs the airflow precisely where you need it, ensuring effective drying and straightening without blowing your hair all over the place. Using a high heat setting with controlled airflow is my trick for getting those stubborn roots to cooperate. Now, for that dazzling finish! After all that work, you want your silk press to shine like glass. This is where a fantastic hair serum like Kenra Platinum Silkening Gloss comes in. I mean, my hair literally glows after using it! What I love about Kenra Platinum Silkening Gloss isn't just the incredible shine and silkiness it provides; it’s also how lightweight it is. A little goes a long way. I usually take just a pump or two, warm it between my palms, and gently smooth it over my hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. It helps to seal the cuticle, fight frizz, and give that luxurious, smooth feel without making your hair greasy or weighing it down. If you're looking for that final touch to truly elevate your silk press, a high-quality kenra shine serum or similar product is an absolute must-have. To make your beautiful silk press last, always protect it! Wrapping your hair at night with a silk scarf or bonnet, or doing pin curls, will help preserve the straightness and prevent frizz. And remember to avoid humidity as much as possible. With these expanded blow drying hair straight brush technique tips and product insights, you're well on your way to achieving your most flawless, damage-free silk press yet. Happy styling!