The Perfect Silk Press: 4 Tips To Get You There

4 Things You’re Forgetting During a Silk Press Service

We can’t think of anything more satisfying than watching curly hair turn silky, smooth and straight. The only problem? Protecting your client’s curls! Far too often, curly clients come into the salon looking to switch up their style and leave with permanently damaged hair. 

That’s why we’re here to give you everything you need to perform a silk press service: How to properly prep, protect from heat damage and all the tools you should have in your kit. Get all the silk press deets below with the help of texture expert Jamal Edmonds (@lamajbackwards).

1. Client comfort is key

Don’t make this mistake! Although your hot tools do most of the work during a silk press service, your combs are just as important when it comes to making your clients feel comfortable in your chair.  

When detangling before you blow-dry, avoid using a small comb that can’t work through the client’s natural curl pattern and density to prevent discomfort. The roots won’t lay flat when not properly detangled, so this step will make the rest of your silk press a breeze.

Photo Credit: Instagram via @lamajbackwards

2. Prioritize proper prep 

And we don’t just mean product! A high-quality product is essential for a silk press, but you also need to make sure that your curls are flat at the roots before picking up your flat iron. Although the flat iron is the star of the silk press show, it’s important to make sure that you’re blow-drying properly to straighten the hair without damaging it. 

To avoid damage, make sure to blow-dry small sections of the hair at a time. If your sections are too large, it makes it difficult for the hair to dry evenly and straight. That will result in more passes with your flat iron which risks heat damage!

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3. Jamal’s secret to “Press and Go” services

The No.1 factor that leads to permanent damage is heat: That’s why Jamal LOVES the Hot Tools™ Professional Black Gold Dual Plate Flat Iron. It has four plates for super sleek results giving you two passes in one—pretty cool right?

With the ability to adjust temperatures between the left and right plates, you can set the first plate to warm the hair with the second plate following to straighten and seal. Plus—if your client has heavy texture at the roots, you can set the temperature to be higher near the roots and lower for the ends.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jamal Edmonds (@lamajbackwards)

Pro Tip: Use a heat-resistant comb when flat ironing. This will ensure a smooth finish for even the curliest of clients! Simply place the comb in front of your iron while keeping tight tension as you pass through the hair.

Photo Credit: Instagram via @lamajbackwards

4. Finish your look with flat iron waves or a bouncy blowout 

After you’re done straightening the hair into perfect, silky locks, keep your flat iron plugged in because it’s the perfect tool for curls and waves, too! 

This year’s favorite glam hairstyle has been the bombshell blowout. Finish your silk press service by round brushing straight locks into rollers for a super bouncy blowout with all of the Hollywood drama your client desires.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jamal Edmonds (@lamajbackwards)

Or you can keep it simple by finishing with cute flat iron curls with the Hot Tools™ Professional Black Gold Dual Plate Flat Iron. Pro Tip: Make sure to take small sections when curling with your flat iron to avoid curls that fall flat! The smaller the pieces, the better the hold.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jamal Edmonds (@lamajbackwards)