How to Silk Press Hair

Last Updated: February 21, 2023

Silk pressing is a way to smooth and straighten your hair without the use of chemicals. Silk pressing is superior to the old “hot comb” method as it does not use heavy oils that can make the hair stiff. You can achieve this salon look at home by first cleansing and moisturizing hair, then using your flat iron to straighten the hair, one small section at a time.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Cleansing and Moisturizing Your Hair

1
Wash with a clarifying shampoo. In order to achieve a smooth silk press, your hair needs to be free from residue. Wash your hair thoroughly using a clarifying shampoo, and rinse.^{[1]
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- Clarifying shampoo is a powerful shampoo that removes buildup and residue from hair. It's especially helpful if you're starting with curly hair—since you've used a lot of products to keep your hair curly, the clarifying shampoo will help take them out.
- Look for clarifying shampoo at your local beauty supply store.
2
Wash with a moisturizing shampoo. To further cleanse your hair and add a bit of moisture, you will need to wash your hair a second time. This time, use a moisturizing shampoo. Work the shampoo into your hair from root to tip, and then rinse.^{[2]
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- Now you know that all of the product is out of your hair, and you can start on a blank canvas.
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3
Apply a deep conditioner. Rather than using heavy oils or grease, a silk press starts with very moist hair to create smooth hair with lots of movement. After you have washed your hair, apply a deep conditioner. Leave this product on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse.^{[3]
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- You may want to apply an additional leave-in conditioner for even more moisture.
- If you want, you can also apply a little bit of argan oil to your hairline to prevent breakage.
4
Use a heat-protection product. Silk pressing your hair involves straightening your hair under very high heat, so it is important to protect it. Apply a heat protectant product to the hair, starting about ½ inch from your roots and moving to the ends.^{[4]
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- Heat protectants come in gel, mousse, or spray form.
- Look for a heat protectant at your local beauty supply store.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Straightening Your Hair

1
Blow-dry your hair in sections. Divide your hair into 4 sections, securing each section with a clip. Then using a flat brush, carefully blow out your hair, one section at a time. Place the brush on the underside of your hair, and marry your blowdryer to the brush, on top of your hair. Slide the brush and blowdryer down the length of your hair. Repeat this process until all of your hair is dry.^{[5]
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- Part your hair down the middle, and then across the top to create four quadrants of hair.
- Secure each section with a squeeze clip or ponytail holder.
2
Heat your flat iron and divide your hair. Set your flat iron to 400–450 °F (204–232 °C), and give it some time to heat up. Re-divide your hair into four sections, and resecure each section with a clip. For best results, you will need to use a titanium or ceramic flat iron.^{[6]
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3
Separate out a 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) swatch of hair with a comb. Run the comb across the section, parallel to your hairline. Resecure the rest of that section with a clip.^{[7]
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4
Flat iron the 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) swatch of hair until it's straight. Carefully run your flat iron over the 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) thick swath, starting at your scalp and moving to the tips. You should not need to go over this swath of hair more than once or twice.^{[8]
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- It can be helpful to use two mirrors to avoid burning your neck.
- Don't go over your hair with a flat iron more than a couple of times, or else you run the risk of heat damage.
5
Repeat this process until all of your hair has been straightened. Divide off another 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) swatch, immediately above the swath you just straightened, and resecure the rest. Flat iron this swath, and repeat.^{[9]
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- Continue until that section is finished, and move on to other back section.
- When both back sections are complete, complete each front section, one at a time.
6
Style your hair as desired. When you have this process done in a salon, they usually finish by trimming the ends of your hair. If you are comfortable cutting your hair, you can do so. Otherwise, you can use your flat iron to simply curl the ends of your hair under (which disguises any frayed tips). Then style your hair as desired.^{[10]
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7
Wrap your hair at night to maintain the style. Since you have not used heavy oils or grease to achieve this look, you hair will not stiffen. If properly maintained, you can keep this look for up to three weeks. Every night before bed, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or wear a silk nightcap.^{[11]
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- Silk or satin help to control friction, while cotton sheets or pillowcases contribute to friction.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you get rid of frizz in a silk press?

Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.

Courtney Foster

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Use a light, silicone-based oil and smooth the frizz down. If that doesn't work, you can use the same oil with a flat iron set to low heat. Then, run the flat iron over your hair once or twice—don't do it more than 2-3 times, though, or else you could damage your hair.