Is a Silk Press Damaging for Hair? 5 Tips to Prevent Damage

What is a silk press, and can a silk press damage your hair? Here are our top tips on how to prevent damage with this stunning hairstyle.

A silk press is a great way to style your hair and not worry about it for a while - it can last for weeks when being taken care of properly, and you can even do it at home if you don't fancy going to the beauty salon. 

However, many are wondering - is a silk press damaging to hair? Is the smooth and silky look that I am going for actually worth it? In this article, we will answer these questions and more - and we will give you some tips on how to ensure that you are not damaging your hair when doing it. 

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

Is a silk press damaging to hair?

Compared to traditional relaxers or chemical straightening methods, a silk press is actually considered a safer and less damaging alternative for straightening your hair. However, like any thermal heat styling, it can lead to damage if you are not taking the right measures during the process.

Luckily, there are a few steps that you can follow if you want to take proper care of your silk press process. This will ensure that your silk press won't be damaging for your hair, making the silky and glossy look absolutely worth it!

Here are our top tips on how to prevent damage when doing a silk press:

1. Invest in a tourmaline-plated flat iron

While a silk press is not the same as a flat iron when it comes to hair straightening techniques, it does involve the use of a flat iron in order to achieve your desired results.

However, one of the main differences between a silk press vs a flat iron is that, during the silk press method, you will apply a higher temperature compared with regular hair straightening. 

With flat ironing, the recommended temperatures are 200°F - 400 °F (90°C - 200°) depending on hair type - but with a silk press, it is recommended to apply higher heat - between 420°F and 450 °F (215°C - 230°C) to ensure good, long-lasting results.

This means that using a low-quality flat iron, especially if you like to do a silk press frequently, can mean a lot of heat-damage to your hair over the long run.

In addition, high temperatures strip the natural moisture of your hair and weaken the protein structure of the hair shaft - which means that investing in a good flat iron that helps to prevent the damage caused by high temperatures will be essential. 

Its proprietary negative ion conditioning and far infrared technology seal the moisture in the hair and allow for more gentle styling, reducing the risk of damage when doing your silk press at home.

2. Use a thermal heat protectant

If you are worried about a silk press being damaging to your hair, another tip we have for you is to use a thermal heat protectant like the NuMe Watch Me Werk. Here is why:

• It protects from heat damage - heat protectants create a barrier on the hair shaft, shielding it from the direct heat of the flat iron. This helps prevent damage such as dryness, brittleness, and split ends.
• It helps to maintain moisture - as we mentioned earlier, heat styling at high temperatures can strip the natural moisture of the hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Heat protectants are great for locking in moisture, preventing the hair from becoming overly dry and damaged.
• Helps to add a smooth and silky finish - one of the best things about a silk press is the smooth and silky finish, right? Well, the good news is that it can be enhanced even further by the thermal heat protectant! Products like the NuMe Watch Me Werk contain natural ingredients like a caviar extract and sunflower seed oil to add an extra layer of smoothness to the hair.
• It makes hair styling easier - applying a heat protectant can make styling easier by providing a smoother surface for styling tools to glide through. This can lead to more efficient styling and reduced hair breakage.

3. Section your hair

A silk press can damage your hair if you are not doing the technique properly - regardless of whether you are doing it on a short hair or long hair.

Dividing your hair into sections before you begin styling is very important - it ensures that you are able to work on smaller portions, getting each section evenly straightened without the need for excessive passes with the flat iron. You can use hair clips or ties. 

The exact number of sections will depend on the thickness and length of your hair, but make sure that they are small enough for effective styling. Sectioning also helps to ensure that the heat from styling tools is evenly distributed throughout your hair.

This is especially important for achieving a smooth and consistent result. Last but not least, sectioning also helps prevent tangling and makes it easier to detangle any knots or snarls before applying heat.

4. Work with smooth and steady movements

To ensure that a silk press is not damaging to your hair, make sure to use smooth and steady movements when using your flat iron. Avoid going over the same section of hair too many times to prevent unnecessary heat exposure.

Limiting the frequency of your silk press hairstyles is another way to prevent damage - give your hair time to recover between sessions to prevent overexposure to heat.

5. Provide proper maintenance to your silk press

Maintenance is key if you want to avoid potential damage from a silk press. It not only prolongs the life of your hairstyle to ensure that it will last longer but also reduces any possible damage that may be caused by this technique.

Here are some of our top tips on how to maintain your silk press:

• Minimize exposure and humidity - avoid excessive sweating and cover your hair while showering to minimize the absorption of water as it can revert back and lead to swelling and frizz.
• Protect your hair at night - use a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to protect your hair while you sleep. This helps prevent friction and maintain the smoothness of your silk press.
• Moisturize your silk press regularly - even though a silk press provides a sleek look, it's important to maintain your hair's moisture. Use a lightweight moisturizer or oil to keep your hair hydrated without weighing it down.
• Deep condition - even though a silk press provides a sleek look, it's important to maintain your hair's moisture. Use a lightweight moisturizer or oil to keep your hair hydrated without weighing it down. The NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Mask is a great way to do that!
• Use a wide-toothed comb - when detangling your hair, use a wide-tooth comb to minimize breakage. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid pulling or tugging.

FAQ

Is a silk press more damaging than a blowout?

A silk press and a blowout can both cause heat damage if not done carefully. A silk press involves flat ironing after blow-drying, potentially exposing hair to higher temperatures.

A blowout uses a blow dryer, which can be less damaging if done at lower temperatures. However, proper heat protection and techniques are crucial for minimizing damage in both styles.

Regular conditioning, heat protectants, and controlled heat application help maintain hair health.

Can a silk press damage your hair?

Yes, a silk press is bad for your hair if not done with care. The high heat used during the process can strip moisture, leading to dryness and breakage. However, using heat protectants, lower temperatures, and allowing time between sessions can minimize the risk of damage.

How often can you silk press without damage?

To avoid damage, limit silk presses to every 2-3 weeks. Frequent heat styling can lead to dryness and breakage. Prioritize deep conditioning, use heat protectants, and embrace protective styles between sessions to maintain hair health.

Does hair go back to normal after the silk press?

Yes, a silk press is temporary. Hair gradually reverts to its natural texture with exposure to moisture or humidity. To prolong the sleek look, protect hair at night, use anti-humidity products, and limit exposure to water.

Regular maintenance and care help balance styling preferences with the hair's natural state.

What ruins a silk press?

Several factors can ruin a silk press, including excessive heat, lack of heat protectant, frequent washing, and exposure to humidity. Overuse of heat-styling tools or harsh chemicals can lead to dryness and damage.

It's essential to follow proper techniques, protect hair at night, and choose suitable products to maintain the sleekness of a silk press.