Silk Press vs Flat Iron: What's The REAL Difference?

Silk press vs flat iron: exactly what is the difference between a silk press and flat iron, and which one is better for you? Continue reading to learn more.

If you are somebody who loves experimenting with hairstyles, you have probably heard the terms “silk press” and “flat iron” tossed around. 

And while some people like to use them interchangeably, they are actually not the same. In this article, we will take a look at the main differences between a silk press and a flat iron, what are the benefits of each one, and which option is the best for your type of hair.

So, let’s get right into it:

Silk press vs flat iron: what is the difference?

The main difference between a silk press and a flat iron is simple: a flat iron is a heat styling tool used to straighten hair, while the silk press is a technique that involves multiple tools, including a flat iron and a comb, to straighten the hair for a smoother and silkier finish. 

The silk press uses more heat than the flat iron (up to 450 °F), and the results last longer - up to 2 weeks as opposed to 2-5 days if you are only using the flat iron. The best temperature for straightening hair with a flat iron will depend on the hair type.

Key differences between a  silk press vs flat iron

	Silk Press	Flat Iron
Type	Technique	Tool
Best temperature	420°F - 450 °F	200°F - 450 °F, depending on hair type
Used for	Achieving straight hair	A variety of hairstyles
Longevity	Lasts up to 2 weeks	Lasts up to 5 days
Target hair type	4a to 4c	All hair types
Recommended frequency	Up to 4 times a year	Up to 3 times a week
Can be done at home	Yes	Yes
Can be done on wet hair	No - may cause damage	No - may cause damage
Hair should be washed beforehand	Obligatory	Highly recommended
Need for a thermal heat protectant?	Obligatory	Highly recommended
Tools needed	A flat iron, a comb, a round brush, clips & a blow dryer	A flat iron
Products needed	Shampoo, conditioner, thermal heat protectant	Shampoo, conditioner, thermal heat protectant (not a must but highly recommended)
Maintenance	Use a silk hair scarf, avoid washing and extra heat	Avoid washing if you want the results to stay for longer
Final results	A smoother & silkier finish	A soft, frizz-free finish

 

In other words, the flat iron is a must for achieving the silk press technique, but it’s only one element of the whole treatment. The flat iron achieves a similar result - straightened hair, but with a less shiny and silky touch.

It can also be used for curling hair in multiple ways, and is much more versatile when it comes to hairstyles than the silk press.

In other words, the flat iron is a must for achieving the silk press technique, but it’s only one element of the whole treatment. The flat iron achieves a similar result - straightened hair, but with a less shiny and silky touch.

It can also be used for curling hair in multiple ways, and is much more versatile when it comes to hairstyles than the silk press.

What are the pros and cons of silk press vs flat iron?

When comparing silk press vs flat iron, there are always pros and cons of silk press and flat iron that you need to evaluate carefully before deciding on the best option for you. Let’s take a look;

Silk press

Pros

• Gets a glossier and smoother finish than regular flat ironing
• Achieves longer-lasting results (up to 2 weeks) with proper maintenance
• The hair is bouncier and full of movement

Cons

• Can be time-consuming, as it involves multiple steps and tools
• It’s not suitable for all hair types and textures, especially if hair is damaged
• Reaches a higher temperature than the flat iron, which can be damaging

Flat iron

Pros

• It’s more versatile, allowing you to achieve various hairstyles including curly hair
• It doesn’t require additional tools, making it faster and convenient for daily use
• Uses lower heat than the silk press, making it suitable for all hair types

Cons

• The end result is less glossy and shiny than the silk press
• The results only last for a few days, which requires a more frequent use
• Using a low-quality flat iron made from cheaper materials can cause damage

In both cases, whether we are talking about a silk press or a flat iron, using a high-quality flat iron is a must if you want to straighten your hair without damage.

Which is the best flat iron for silk press?

Voted  best flat iron for thick curly hair by Glamour, the NuMe Megastar is one of the best flat irons for silk press on the market. It uses proprietary far infrared heat technology and tourmaline plates to lock in moisture and achieve gentle heat styling without damage.

Its wide range of temperature settings, ranging from 190°F to 450°F, makes it perfect for both silk press and flat ironing. This is great news if you are looking to perform the silk press technique at home, because you won’t need a separate thermal hair styling tool for it.

How does the hair straightening process differ between silk press and flat ironing?

When looking at the differences of silk press vs flat iron, another question pops up - how does the process differ between each one? Do they have steps in common, and if so, which ones?

Let’s take a look:

Flat iron

Step 1: Washing and conditioning

While many sources will tell you that hair washing and cleansing is not necessary for a regular flat ironing routine, don’t listen to them if you are looking to enjoy heat styling without damage. From our experience, this step is essential for both the silk press and the flat iron.

Straightening dirty hair can be damaging because you are essentially applying high heat to a buildup of dirt, sweat, dust, natural oils and residue. Exposing this buildup to high temperatures means that it gets burnt on your hair, causing a frizzy and lifeless look.

So, before you start your silk press or flat ironing routine, make sure that your hair is washed thoroughly and hydrated with a nourishing conditioner like the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline set. This will remove any product buildup and will help you begin your routine on a freshly cleaned scalp.

Step 2: Fully dry your hair

Once your hair is deeply washed and conditioned, the next step is to make sure that it’s fully dry before you start straightening your hair with a flat iron.

Ironing wet hair is another bad practice that can be extremely damaging for the hair, as it boils the water molecules within the hair strands, and leaves the hair frizzy, dry, and dull-looking.

Step 3: Apply a thermal heat protectant

Before you turn your flat iron on, make sure that you have applied a thermal heat protectant to your hair. This product creates a protective barrier between your hair and the heat styling tool, which makes the routine easier and less damaging.

It effectively reduces the impact of exposure to high temperatures.

Step 4: Straighten your hair

Now, you are ready to start straightening your hair without damage - and don’t forget that a high-quality flat iron makes a huge difference, especially if you are frequently using it to achieve the desired hairstyle.

Simply divide your hair into sections, grab a small one, make sure that there are no tangles and knots, and slowly start gliding the flat iron down the length of the hair while applying even pressure.

Silk press

Step 1: Washing and conditioning

The first step of the silk press is the exact same as in flat ironing - it’s important to ensure that your hair has been fully washed and conditioned beforehand.

If you are going to do this technique at home, don’t skip this part if you want less damage and longer-lasting results. If you do it at a beauty salon, they will do it for you.

Step 2: Detangling

This step is essential for achieving a proper silk press routine because it prepares the hair for the process. By removing all knots and tangles, you will avoid the pulling and plugging of the hair strands, which may cause unnecessary damage.

Step 3: Apply a thermal heat protectant

Just like the flat ironing process, the silk press exposes the hair to high temperatures, which means that using a thermal heat protectant will be essential for creating a protective barrier between the hair and the flat iron.

The NuMe Watch me Werk thermal heat protectant is a great option for shielding your hair from high heat, and eliminating frizz. It contains key ingredients such as caviar extract, vitamin A and sunflower seed oil to provide nourishment and prevent hair breakage.

Step 4: Blow drying

The next step of the silk press routine is blow drying, and it’s usually done with a round brush.

This part of the technique prepares the hair for straightening - it stretches and elongates the hair, reducing the need for direct heat from the flat iron and the number of passes required to achieve the final result.

Make sure to blow dry from the root to the ends for each section until fully dry.

Step 5: Flat ironing

Now, your hair is ready for flat ironing. Part it into small sections, and make sure to use hair clips to keep each section separate. Then, using a flat iron and sectioning comb, start the silk press technique.

Take one section of the hair, and use a sectioning comb to comb through it as you are slowly gliding the flat iron down the length of the hair. Start at the root, close to the scalp.

Continue to straighten the section of hair with the flat iron until it is completely straight and silky

Is the silk press better for my hair than the flat iron?

The silk press technique can be better for you if you have thick, curly hair, and your desired end result is a shiny and bouncy hairstyle that lasts for weeks with proper maintenance. However, if your hair is damaged or has thin texture, a flat iron is a better choice for straightening hair since it causes less damage due to lower heat exposure.

At the end of the day, the right choice depends on multiple factors: hair type and texture, how damaged your hair is, and of course - the desired end result. A silk press is designed to create a smooth, silky finish, while a flat iron can be used to create a variety of styles, from straight to curly or wavy.

Conclusion

To finish the discussion of the differences between silk press vs flat iron, the final verdict is: not, they are not the same. One is a heat styling tool used for hair straightening, while the other one is a technique that involves the use of this heat styling tool (the flat iron), but also involves more products and steps.