How to do Silk Press on Short Hair At Home in 7 Simple Steps

How can you do silk press on short hair? In this article, we will take you through all of the steps you need to do for a gorgeous silk press on short hair.

The silk press technique has gained a significant popularity over the last years, and it is for a good reason - the result of a shiny, smooth and lustrous hair is something doesn't leave anyone indifferent.

But if you are worried that silk press on short hair can be difficult to achieve, we are here to tell you otherwise! In this article, we will take you through all the steps you need to know to get salon-quality silk press results on your short hair from the comfort of your own home.

So, without further ado, let's get right into it:

What is the difference between a silk press and a flat iron?

So, exactly what is the difference between a silk press and a flat iron?

A silk press is a heat styling technique that straightens natural hair without altering its texture, while a flat iron is the tool used in the silk press process to apply heat and achieve smooth, straight results.

The silk press method, when done correctly, delivers a polished, smooth finish that lasts until your next wash. With the right tools, products, and techniques, you can achieve a silk press on short hair that gets all eyes on you!

How to do silk press on short hair: 7 Steps

Let's take a look at our step-by-step guide to do silk press on short hair:

1. Choose the right flat iron

The first step to do silk press on short hair is to choose the perfect flat iron for achieving the most optimal results. There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best flat iron for a silk press:

1.1. Size of the plates

As opposed to long hair, short hair can be more challenging to work with if you are using a flat iron with very wide plates.

Instead, opt for a flat iron with a narrower plate, ideally between 1/2 inch and 1 inch in width - this will allow for greater precision and control when straightening shorter hair strands. Plates that are too wide are harder to maneuver around the roots, so it will be more difficult to create a defined, sleek style.

1.2. Material of the plates

Another factor to consider when looking for the perfect flat iron for a silk press is the material from which plates are made. The most common options are ceramic, titanium and tourmaline, and while all of these materials have their benefits and disadvantages, tourmaline plates tend to be the best option for a few reasons.

Flat irons made with the gemstone tourmaline have ionic properties, which means that they emit negative ions when heated. When hair is exposed to heat, positive ions are generated - which causes the hair cuticles to open, resulting in more damage, frizz, and static electricity.

The negative ions in the tourmaline plates effectively neutralize the positive ions in the hair when thermal hair styling, smoothing out the hair cuticles, retaining moisture and reducing frizz.

 

If you are looking for a great flat iron to do silk press on short hair, look no further than the award-winning NuMe Megastar Flat Iron - a 1-inch-plated hair straightener with proprietary negative ion conditioning and far infrared technology, perfect for straightening your hair without damage.

1.3. Adjustable heat settings

And last but not least, a must-have feature for a good flat iron is having adjustable heat settings. That's important because different types and textures require different heat settings - for example, fine or delicate hair may need lower temperatures to prevent excessive heat damage.

On the contrary, thick or coarser hair may require higher temperatures to effectively straighten or style the hair, so it's important to work with a heat styling tool that can adjust to your hair's individual type and texture.

2. Gather all tools and products for the silk press

In addition to the flat iron, these are all the tools that you are going to need if you want to do silk press on short hair:

• Flat iron
• Sectioning comb
• Blow dryer
• Round brush 

To ensure that your hair is properly protected during the whole technique and even after that, it is also important to have a good shampoo, conditioner, thermal heat protectant, and finishing hair spray. 

3. Wash and condition your short hair thoroughly

Now that you have a good flat iron to do silk press on short hair, the next step is to prepare your hair for this heat styling technique by washing and conditioning it thoroughly.

This step is extremely important because it helps to remove any product buildup, dirt, and oil - as well as pollutants that may be present on the scalp and hair strands. This ensures a clean canvas for the silk press process, allowing the products and heat to work more effectively.

Conditioning the hair also helps to nourish and hydrate it, making it more receptive to heat styling. Conditioners help to soften and smoothen the hair, making it easier to straighten and reducing the chances of heat damage.

However, it's important to choose the right shampoo and conditioner - ideally, products made from natural ingredients and without parabens, like the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Care set.

This powerful trio of vegan shampoo, conditioner and hair mask will set the perfect base for your silk press, minimizing frizz and providing long-lasting results - at the end of the day, you want your hairstyle to last as much as possible.

4. Detangle your hair

In contrast to long hair, doing silk press on short hair tends to be easier and more manageable as short hair doesn't detangle as much. However, it's recommended to not skip this step if your hair has knots and tangles, especially if you are looking for a silky and smooth finish. 

Detangling with a comb ensures that the heat from the flat iron is evenly distributed throughout your hair. When hair is tangled or knotted, the heat may not reach all sections of the hair equally, resulting in uneven straightening or potential heat damage in some areas.

This process also helps to minimize hair breakage during the silk press. When hair is tangled, the act of straightening can cause further damage or breakage as the knots are pulled or strained. By detangling, you reduce the risk of breakage and preserve the overall health of your hair.

5. Protect your hair from the heat

The next step of doing a silk press on short hair is to ensure that it is properly protected from the heat. On top of using a tourmaline-plated flat iron, which we already learned helps to retain moisture and reduce damage caused by excessive exposure to heat, don't forget your thermal heat protectant.

This lightweight product should be an important part of any heat styling routine, whether we are talking about a silk press or any type of styling that involves exposure to high temperature. 

Thermal heat protectants create a barrier between the heat of the flat iron and your hair, minimizing potential damage by reducing the direct impact of heat on the hair strands. It essentially reduces the risk of breakage, dryness, and other forms of heat damage.

6. Blow dry your hair

Start by dividing your hair into manageable sections using hair clips or hair ties. This makes the blow drying process easier and ensures that all sections are thoroughly dried.

Having a high-quality blow dryer is very important - just like the flat iron, using a tourmaline-based tool like the NuMe Signature Hair Dryer for this step of the silk press process will help you minimize the damage from heat. 

 

Begin blow drying on a low heat setting and a low or medium speed. This prevents excessive heat exposure and allows for more control over the drying process.

Working one section at a time, use a round brush or a paddle brush to guide the airflow from the roots to the ends of the hair. This helps to smooth the cuticles and promote a sleeker finish.

As you blow dry each section, use your brush to apply tension to the hair. Pull the hair taut while directing the airflow downwards to encourage straightness and reduce frizz.

Continue blow drying section by section until all the hair is thoroughly dried. Ensure that each section is completely dry before moving on to the next.

7. Make your silk press stay for longer with a finishing spray

A finishing hairspray helps to set and, prolonging the sleekness and straightness achieved through the silk press. It can help to prevent frizz, flyaway, and humidity-induced disruptions, keeping the hair looking polished and intact for longer.

Finishing sprays can also act as a protective barrier, helping to maintain the straightness of the hair and prevent it from reverting to its natural texture or curl pattern. It can help keep the style intact even in challenging weather conditions or high humidity.

FAQ

Will a silk press damage my short hair?

When done correctly and with proper heat protection, a silk press should not damage short hair. However, excessive heat or incorrect technique can lead to damage, so it's important to use the right tools, products, and temperature settings, and practice proper hair care.

Can I silk press my short natural hair?

Absolutely! Silk pressing can be done on short natural hair. It's a great way to achieve a sleek, straight look while maintaining your natural hair texture. Just ensure you use proper heat protection and follow the appropriate steps for a successful silk press for short natural hair.

How long does a silk press on short hair typically last?

The longevity of a silk press on short hair can vary depending on various factors such as hair type, maintenance, and lifestyle.

On average, a silk press can last anywhere from one to two weeks with proper care, including avoiding excess moisture and using heat protectants to maintain the straightness and smoothness of the style.