Looking for in-depth guide on silk press for natural hair and the best flat irons for silk press? I have got you covered.
If you have naturally curly hair and you are looking for a temporary change in your hair without compromising on your natural curl pattern or your hair’s health then you should consider a silk press for your natural hair.
What Is A Silk Press For Natural Hair?
Silk Press is a technique where your hair is treated with a certain set of products along with flat iron so that your hair appears silky, shiny, and perfectly straight.
Think of it as an upgraded version of the hot comb press which temporarily leaves your hair sleek straight, shiny, and silky.
To do silk press at home, you will need to wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner and prep your hair with blow drying. Then you will need a glossing product that would give you the results that you desire and also make your silk press long-lasting.
And then you will need to use a good heat protectant and finally use a good flat iron for silk press to achieve that perfect silky straight and glossy hair.
If you have never done a silk press on your naturally curly hair before, I would definitely recommend you to find a good salon that specializes in this so you don’t end up damaging your hair in the process.
As silk press on natural hair seems easy but is a trickier art to master.
Best Flat Irons For Silk Press At Home
There are a lot of good quality flat irons for silk press available on the market but here are the ones that I feel are best of the rest straighteners for silk press:
Deogra Flat Iron for African American Hair
If you are in a rush then this is the one that I recommend the most especially if you have thick coarse hair and you desire that perfect silk press at home.
Why Deogra flat iron for silk press?
Because it has a specific feature of iron emission which helps to smooth out your hair while trapping the moisture from the products used.
If achieving that extra hydration and gloss is your dream then this flat iron for silk press is the best as it has the plates infused with argan oil and keratin which helps your hair get shiny and silky at the same time.
This flat iron heats up in seconds and has six different temperature settings built in that range from 330F to 430F. It also has an auto shut-off feature along with a digital display so you can be sure of its temperature before every use.
Pros
- Digital display with 6 different temperature settings
- Auto shut-off feature
- Gives quick results
- Fast heat-up time
- Plates infused with keratin and argan oil
- Swivel cord and dual voltage
- Leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable
Cons
- Dries hair out when used often
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
ghd Platinum+ Styler – 1″ Flat Iron, Professional Performance Hair Styler, Ceramic Flat Iron
If budget isn’t an issue, then I would definitely go for this one.
This is hands down the best flat iron for silk press at home.
It has super smart sensors which maintain the temperature at 365 F and its infinity sensors manage heat 250 times per second to make sure your hair gets evenly distributed heat with less damage. You can also set it to the highest temperature setting aka 450F.
What I like the most about this one is that it suits every hair type no matter if you have thin hair or thick hair or coarse hair or stubborn hair. If you can afford it, I would definitely urge you to pick this flat iron for silk press.
No matter your hair length and type, this flat iron will give you efficient and satisfying results.
Pros
- Slim design with sensors for perfect temperature setting
- Works even on the most coarse and stubborn hair
- Suitable for all hair types
- Leaves hair frizz free and manageable every time
Cons
- Comparatively a little higher on the price point
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
HSI Professional Glider Flat Iron For Silk Press
This flat iron for silk press at home is a good option to consider.
It has plates built-in of ceramic and tourmaline which makes sure that your hair stays frizz free and manageable for a longer duration. It also heats evenly so you are sure that your silk press comes out perfect every time.
What I like the most about this hair straightener is its different temperature settings. It has temperature settings from 140 F to 450 F which makes it ideal for those days when you just need some low heat gently styling as well as it nails the higher heat stylings like silk press every time.
Pros
- Gives a long-lasting style
- Has different heat settings to choose from as per your current styling needs
- Has ceramic and tourmaline plates which heat evenly and leave hair perfect
- Suited for all types of hair
Cons
- Will leave your hair dry if you use the flat iron on high heat settings often
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron
This is yet another great option to consider when you need a flat iron for silk press at home. Its nano titanium technology shields your hair from further damage while giving you the exact desired styled hair every time you use this hair straightener.
It has a slim structure which adds to its user-friendliness and its highest temperature setting is 450 F which makes it ideal to use when you want to do along like silk press at home
Pros
- Titanium plates
- 50 heat settings
- Temperature range of 300-450 F
- Slim design flat iron
- Makes your hair shiny and frizzy-free
- Prevents hair damage.
Cons
- Not a good option for people with thick hair
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron
This hair straightener is another great option to consider if you are looking for a good flat iron for silk press. It has plates made from a combination of tourmaline and ceramic which evenly distributes the perfect heat to every hair strand so you achieve that perfectly styled hair.
It has one-and-a-half-inch wide plates which makes it suitable for people with thicker hair and it makes it an ideal companion for people who prefer styling larger sections of hair at once.
Like other flat irons in this category, this one heats up all the way to 450F for that right heat temperature for doing silk press at home.
Pros
- Ceramic and tourmaline plates
- Works for all hair types
- One and-a-half-inch wide plates
- Adjust temperature settings as per your choice.
Cons
- Using this flat iron on the highest setting often would leave your hair dry and brittle
- Its thicker size leaves hand tired while using it
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Remington S9520 Pro 2″ Pearl Ceramic Flat Iron
If you are looking for a good flat iron for silk press on a budget then you should consider this one.
It has wide 2-inch plates that are infused with the goodness of pearls which leaves your hair frizz free and soft to touch with every use. The best part about this flat iron is that it handles even the roughest and coarse hair with ease. And it works great on my long Indian hair too.
It has the highest amount of ceramic almost more than 8 times compared to other flat irons at the moment and has the highest heat setting of 450 F which makes it ideal to achieve a salon-like silk press at home with ease.
Pros
- Plates are infused with ceramic and pearls
- Gives you long-lasting results
- Suitable for every hair type
- Works great on coarse and long hair
- Perfect for people who prefer doing larger sections at once
Cons
- Leaves hair dry when used on the highest settings often
- The wider plates leave hands tired
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
NITION Professional Salon Hair Straightener
I am going to admit that I added this here because I loved loved loved its design and features. This flat iron looks gorgeous and is comfortable to use.
It has 3D tools and 5 in 1 ceramic plate which is infused with argan oil, nanosilver, tourmaline, and titanium. I mean what more can you ask for?
Another great feature is that you can change its temperature settings by simply rotating your flat iron and has a C sensor that heats the plates evenly for that perfect style every time too in just 10 seconds.
Pros
- 5 in 1 ceramic plate infused with argan oil, tourmaline, titanium, and nanosilver
- Heats quickly and evenly
- Prevents hair from damage
- Ideal for most hair types
- Leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable
Cons
- Might not heat up enough for coarse hair
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How To Do A Silk Press At Home The Right Way?
As your friend I would urge you to do it the first time at least in the salon but don’t worry if you have made up your mind I will be your helping hand and share step-by-step instructions on how to do silk press at home the right way:
Step 1: Deep Cleanse
Start by using a good clarifying shampoo to remove the build-up from your scalp and hair so your silk press turns out perfect.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 2: Hydrate
Follow up with a good hydrating shampoo and conditioner. This will help elevate the results of your silk press. This is an important step because when we use a clarifying shampoo it often strips off the natural oil from our hair and scalp too when it deeply cleanses to remove the build-up.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 3: Deep Condition With Steam
If your hair is dry or even if they are not a good deep conditioning mask can be a game changer here. It would not only increase the impact of silk press at home but will leave your hair healthy enough to deal with the strong heat styling that we are about to throw its way.
Apply a good deep conditioning hair mask and leave it on for 15 minutes.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Before you wash your hair with just water, give your hair some steam, I prefer using my thermal steam cap. It makes sure that the deep conditioning hair mask penetrates deep inside your hair shafts leaving your hair soft, nourished, and hydrated.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 4: Apply A Leave-in Conditioner
We need our hair to appear smooth and extremely hydrated and a good step is to use a hydrating mist or a leave-in conditioner. Apply a good leave-in conditioner on your hair lengths and make sure you detangle your hair well.
- Can You Use Regular Conditioner As Leave-in Conditioner?
- How To Use Coconut Oil As Leave-in Conditioner For Frizzy Hair
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 5: Heat Protectant Is a Must
We all know that heat leaves our hair dry and damaged. And when we use a blow dryer and a flat iron for silk press, we are bound to deal with high-temperature heat settings. So always use a good heat protectant to prep your hair.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 6: Blow Dry
You might be wondering why do we need to use a blow dryer when we are about to use a flat iron. This is because the straight you blow dry your hair, the less time with flat iron you will spend. It improves the results you achieve with the silk press by a larger magnitude.
Think of it as the foundation of your silk press for natural black hair. The better job you do with your blow dryer the better results you achieve.
It is best to use a blow dryer with a comb or a blow dryer with concentrated nozzle for silk press on natural black hair.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Start by sectioning your hair and blow dry from your ends to your roots. Make sure you use a good hair brush along with your hair dryer to detangle your hair and achieve the perfect straight hair in one go.
Step 7: Serum or lightweight oil
Now apply a good lightweight oil like argan oil or use a good lightweight hair serum. We are using a lightweight serum because we want our hair to appear healthy and voluminous and not flat. Right?
So a lightweight serum will make sure your hair stays hydrated and appears voluminous and straight.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 8: Using Flat Irons For Silk Press Natural Hair
Start by parting your sections. And it’s very important that you chose a good flat iron for silk press.
Using a cheaper one might leave you with compromised results and fried hair or damaged hair to deal with. You can check out the list of best flat irons for silk press that I shared above for detailed reviews on different silk press straighteners.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Start by sectioning your hair in four sections and adjust the heat settings as per your hair type. Ideally, you used to keep heat settings like below:
- For fine hair, the highest you should set your temperature setting to 310 F
- For normal hair, set your temperature maximum up to 400 F
- For thicker, coarse, or longer hair, the maximum temperature you should opt for is 425, and for extremely stubborn hair set it to 450F.
But be careful when you use such high temperatures. This is exactly why I recommended you to go to a good salon. As they know the exact temperature settings to use as per your hair type without damaging your hair.
Another thing to keep in mind is using your flat iron just once. Since we are working with higher temperatures, don’t overdo it. We don’t want to end up with fried hair.
Now that we have our temperature setting figured out, straighten your hair section by section and make sure you start as close to your roots as possible while concentrating well on hair length and ends.
After you are done flat ironing your entire hair length and sections, you are officially done and ready to flaunt your silk press on natural hair.
Kudos on the hard work and job well done 🙂
How Long Does A Silk Press Last?
A well-executed silk press lasts anywhere from one week to five weeks, depending on how well you maintain your silk press and how good is the weather.
Ideally, if you are living where the current climatic conditions have a lot of humidity then I would recommend you to not do your silk press on natural hair until it balances a bit.
How To Maintain Silk Press On Natural Hair?
To maintain your silk press and make it last longer, you need to keep a few things in mind:
- Skip washing your hair as your silk press would be ruined the moment you wet your hair
- Protect your hair with a shower cap while you bath
- If you must use absolutely must use a good dry shampoo for dark hair
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to protect your hair while sleeping.
Bottom line
Doing occasional silk press on natural hair using straighteners is a good way to achieve instant makeover without changing your curl pattern. You can also check out the effects of different hair products on your hair shafts for better understanding.
If you do follow this tutorial on how to do a silk press at home using one of our recommendations of best flat irons for silk press, then feel free to tag me on Instagram. I would love to give you a shout-out.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out:
- 6 Best Flat Iron With Teeth For That Perfect Straight Hair
- 5 Best Products To Keep Your Hair Straight After Straightening It
- How To Do Hair Smoothening At Home: A Step By Step Guide
- 6 Best Volumizing Mousses For Thicker Picture Perfect Hair
- 5 Best Curl Activator For Relaxed Hair To Achieve Your Dream Curls
Have a lovely day 🙂