What Oil to Use for Silk Press + 8 Tips in 2023

What is the best oil for a silk press if you are doing it at home? Here are our top silk press tips for curly hair to take you to the next level.

Love a good silk press, but don’t like the frequent visits to the hair salon? Well, good news: you can skip them! Achieving silky, smooth hair at home can be easier than you think, especially with the right hair tools and products. 

One essential element in achieving this stunning look is the choice of oil when applying the technique. The right oil will not only enhance the final results of your silk press, but will also protect your hair from heat damage and promote overall health.

So, if you’ve asked yourself what is the best oil for a silk press, we’ve got you! In addition, we will give you some of our silk press tips on how to achieve and maintain this stunning look for weeks to come.

1. How does oil work on hair?

If you are looking for the best oil for a silk press, the first and most important thing is to understand how oils work in the first place. Let’s take a look:

Oils are hair care products designed to provide hydration and nourishment to the hair strands by penetrating the shaft and working from within. They help to seal in moisture, minimize frizz, and protect the hair from heat, all while delivering nutrients and essential fatty acids for promoting overall health.

On top of smoothing and sealing the cuticles for a frizz-free hair, they also enhance the natural sheen and luster of your hair - which makes for an even shinier silk press and hair with a healthy-looking glow. No more dullness and dryness!

2. Which is the best oil for a silk press?

The NuMe Argan Oil Serum is a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer, and among the best oils that you can use for your silk press. This multi-purpose serum, made from Macadamia Seed Oil, glosses and conditions the hair while providing a protective layer for your beautiful hairstyle.

Made from natural ingredients, this high-quality oil is a great addition to your silk press routine, especially if your goal is to make it last as long as possible.

Here’s how to use oil for silk press:

1. Start by washing your hair with a deeply hydrating shampoo and conditioner like the NuMe Tourmaline Hair Care set. This will prepare your hair for the serum, and ensure optimal moisturizing before you begin your silk press routine.
2. Next, apply the serum to your hair, starting from the mid-lengths and then working your way down to the tips. Ideally, you should avoid applying the oil to the roots - this can weigh your hair down and make it appear greasier.
3. To apply the NuMe Argan oil serum properly, take a small amount - just a few drops, and rub it between your palms to warm it up. For a more even distribution on the hair, you can use a wide-toothed comb.
4. Now, you are ready to begin your silk press technique! If you don’t know how to do a silk press at home, take a look at this article for all the steps.

3. When should I use oil for the silk press?

The best moment to use hair oil during your silk press routine is before you begin the actual heat styling process, as a pre-treatment. Apply a small amount on freshly shampooed and conditioned hair, and make sure that it’s evenly distributed throughout all the strands - with focus on the mid-lengths and the ends, which tend to be drier.

It's important to note that the oil used for the pre-treatment should be lightweight and easily absorbed, such as argan oil, grapeseed oil, or jojoba oil. These oils provide nourishment and moisture without weighing down the hair or making it greasy.

4. Should I use oil during the silk press?

Hair oils should be used mainly as a pre-treatment, before you turn on the flat iron for your silk press. It’s important to avoid excessive oil during the heat styling process as it can weigh the hair down and make it greasy, resulting in an undesirable hairstyle.

During the thermal hair styling, it is recommended to use a heat protectant like the NuMe Watch me Werk, which is specifically designed for use with heat styling tools. It creates a protective barrier between your hair and the flat iron for a beautiful silk press without damage.

5. Can I use oil to fix a frizzy silk press?

Yes, you can use a hair oil serum if you end up with a frizzy silk press. Since frizzy hair can occur due to lack of moisture and natural oils, a hair oil for silk press can be a good way to hydrate the hair and bring moisture back in.

If your silk press ended up frizzy instead of smooth, glossy, and shiny, the first step that you will need to take is assess what may have caused it in the first place. It could be due to insufficient moisture, improper technique or excess humidity, so the actual solution may vary depending on the root of the issue.

To smooth down your beautiful silky hairstyle, apply a small amount of the NuMe Argan Oil to frizzy areas - this will help to moisturize the hair and reduce overall frizz. Use a wide-toothed comb to ensure proper distribution throughout your hair strands.

In addition, you may also want to revisit the sections of your hair that appear frizzy. Ensure the flat iron is set at an appropriate temperature for your hair type. Slowly glide the flat iron down the section, applying gentle pressure. This will help seal the cuticles and minimize frizz.

8 awesome tips for a stunning silk press

Now that you know what oil to use for silk press, let’s take a look at some other awesome tips for a shiny, glossy and beautiful hairstyle:

• Use a flat iron with tourmaline plates - using a flat iron with tourmaline plates like the award-winning NuMe Megastar is a great way to do your silk press at home without the damage associated with high heat. Made from the gemstone tourmaline, these plates emit up to 6 times more negative ions than regular ones, helping to seal in moisture for minimized damage to the hair.
• Sleep on a silk or a satin pillowcase - sleeping on a silk or a satin pillowcase is a great way to enjoy your gorgeous silk press for longer. These materials help to reduce friction between the hair and the material, keeping it smoother and shinier. In contrast, cotton pillowcases create more friction and absorb the moisture from the hair.
• Do your silk press on a clean hair - as we mentioned earlier, it is important to perform your silk press on clean hair. If you are doing a silk press on dirty hair, you will end up sealing in all the buildup of products, oils and residue into the hair during the hair straightening process.
• Deep condition before the silk press - prior to the silk press, consider doing a deep conditioning treatment to provide extra moisture and nourishment to the hair. This step helps in minimizing frizz and maintaining the hair's health during the straightening process.
• Don’t do a silk press on wet hair - before you turn on the flat iron for your silk press routine, make sure that your hair is completely dry. Applying heat to wet or damp hair can be extremely damaging, as you will essentially be boiling your hair follicles, leading to dry and frizzy hair. Air dry or use a blow dryer on a low to medium heat setting to dry the hair thoroughly.
• Don’t forget your heat protectant - we mentioned it earlier, and we can’t stress it enough - on top of using oil for silk press, don’t forget to use a thermal heat protectant if you want to minimize the damage caused by excessive heat. This product is essential for protecting the hair from the heat, and it also adds a smoother and sleeker finish.
• Avoid excessive touching - you should avoid excessive touching if you want your silk press to last longer. Manipulating the hair too much may disrupt the smooth finish, and it may cause it to lose its straightness - which, of course, is the main goal of the silk press.
• Use even passes - when using your flat iron, make smooth, even passes through each section of hair. Avoid stopping or dwelling in one spot for too long, as this can cause heat damage and potential hair breakage. Apply gentle pressure to the hair and move the flat iron down the section in a fluid motion.

FAQ

How long does a silk press last?

A silk press typically lasts around 2 to 3 weeks, depending on factors such as hair type, maintenance, and exposure to humidity. Regular upkeep, nightly wrapping, and avoiding moisture can help prolong the longevity of the silk press.

How can I make my silk press last longer?

To make your silk press last longer, wrap your hair at night using a silk or satin scarf or bonnet, avoid excessive moisture, minimize heat styling, and use a dry shampoo or lightweight oil to refresh the hair between washes.