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The colder months call for a super sleek style that won’t budge in the harsh weather. So, in honor of what natural hair girlies have coined “silk press season,” we compiled all the ways to rock the classic look—only you don’t have to confine these styles to winter. They work all year round. Whether you’re sporting a short bob or prefer a little bounce to your straight locks, we have you covered. We tapped eight hairstylists to share the most popular silk press hairstyles to try out.
Meet the Experts
Before We Get Started: What’s a Silk Press?
A silk press is a straightening technique used primarily on natural hair without the use of a relaxer or other chemical treatments. After blow-drying hair, the stylist runs a flat iron over the sections again for smoother finish. Then you finish off the look with a lightweight oil (or hair serum) for a glossy effect.
Keep reading for the top 18 silk press hairstyles you will definitely want to bookmark.
How to Do a Silk Press at Home Like A Professional
1. Classic Silk Press
Kevin Mazur/Contributor/Getty Images
Let’s face it: The classic silk press will never go out of style. It’s a timeless look we can always rely on. “This style is what most people imagine when they have a silk press. It’s suitable for any hair length and it’s extra chic and sexy, especially on those with medium to long lengths,” says Branch. For a boost of shine like Megan Thee Stallion, Branch suggests a hair oil to hydrate the hair and scalp and revitalize the sheen of your locks.
2. Flicked Ends
Pascal Le Segretain/Staff/Getty Images
Zendaya is a prime example that a silk press needs some fun ends. Consider using a round brush (or heat rollers) to flick the ends up for a playful look.
3. Layered Silk Press
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Yup, layers can definitely be incorporated into your silk press—just look at Oprah’s stunning look on the red carpet. “This style is sophisticated, classy and effortless. The layers create depth, movement and texture,” says Blakley. “This technique is also often used to add volume and dimension to the hair, allowing it to frame the face beautifully.” Need help combating frizz? Blakely suggests a small amount of hair oil on the mid-length and ends to prevent it from curling up and adding a boost of shine.
4. Voluminous Curls
Paras Griffin/Contributor/Getty Images
If you want some silk press inspo, look no further than Michelle Obama. The former First Lady had a signature style that kept it sleek on top with large swirls on the bottom, accented by a deep side part. Lucky for us, we found the secret to recreating her look right at home.
5. Lob
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This silk press hairstyle is just what you need to add some pizzazz to your lob. As Blakley shares, “This cut is versatile, stylish and edgy. It’s great for all hair types and face shapes.” The shoulder-length and curled ends also provide some movement that’s rare for traditional silk presses.
6. Blunt Bob
Kayla Oaddams/Stringer/Getty Images
A silk press is not only for long locks as proven by Kerry Washington’s look above. If you’re rocking a short length, consider a blunt bob; it’s super chic these days.
7. '90s Blowout
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Don’t sacrifice the bounce! “[The ‘90s blowout] is a smooth, silky hairstyle that moves with a lot of shine that’s never going to revert,” says Sturdivant-Drew. To recreate Ariana Debose’s look, Sturdivant-Drew suggests applying a smoothing creme and letting it sit for about ten minutes before applying a hair serum and curling the ends. Complete the look with a finishing spray to prevent humidity from seeping through.
8. Slick Back
Taylor Hill/Contributor/Getty Images
Forget about parting your hair and just go straight for this edgy look like Quinta Brunson. Use a brush and some gel to lay the hair back for a smoother finish. Plus, laying down your baby hairs with edge control is a nice touch.
9. Hollywood Glam Curls
Frazer Harrison/Staff/Getty Images
Who doesn’t want the best of both worlds when it comes to their hair? This glam look gives you the silk press and some impressive curls, as sported by Keke Palmer, above. As Smith shares, “This look can be achieved with any length, the key here is to pin the curls while they’re still warm.” The stylist suggests applying a heat protectant spray before going over each section with a large barrel curling iron and pinning ‘em until they cool. Then you get to wonder at your new swirls once you take the pins out.
10. Bleach Blonde
Here’s your sign to try a new color for the season. Now, if you’re not ready to make the full plunge on bleaching your locks, you can follow in Cardi B’s footsteps and put on a wig instead. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell.)
11. Side Bang
Taylor Hill/Contributor/Getty Images
Whether you prefer a flowy fringe or a slicked-down bang like Ice Spice, adding this to your silk press will definitely elevate the look. Sims tells us this style can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Aside from the essentials—a blow dryer and flat iron—Sims suggests spritzing a heat protectant spray to prevent damage and boost shine.
12. Voluminous Lob
Daniele Venturelli / Contributor/Getty Images
Also known as the ‘box bob,’ this look adds movement and texture to the traditional silk press style. Popularized by Zendaya, Sims says it’s a lightweight, tousled bob that’s great for displaying a uniformed length with a chic finish. One more thing: Consider slicking down your hairline with edge control to give your curls the spotlight.
13. Low Ponytail
Jacopo Raule/Contributor/Getty Images
This low ponytail is great for keeping your silk press intact. Just take a page out of Kelly Rowland’s book and gather your hair at the nape of your neck. It won’t just show off your silky smooth locks, but your impressive length, too.
14. Body Curls
If you want large curls, this silk press style should be on your radar. Bilal tells us that this look is full of body with layers and curls throughout. The secret to recreating Karen Pitman’s look? According to Bilal, all you’ll need is a blow dryer, a flat iron and a 1.25-inch curling iron.
15. Deep Waves
Marc Piasecki/Contributor/Getty Images
Yup, you can still rock straight hair with a subtle flair to it. The slight bends in Jasmine Tookes’s hair provide a fresh twist to an elegant look.
16. Graduated Bob
If you have short locks, consider this one for some depth and movement. “The hairstyle has a natural flow with a tousled effect and a silky, shiny finish,” says Clark. To maintain the look, Clark suggests a moisturizing shampoo to prevent damage and keep strands hydrated.
17. Side Part
Arturo Holmes/Staff/Getty Images
We love a middle part, but there’s something about a side part that screams elegance. Add a chin-length bob and glossy tresses into the mix and you have yourself a bonafide pick.
18. Money Pieces
Michael Tullberg/Stringer/Getty Images
When in doubt, give your face-framing pieces the spotlight like Ciara. Whether you put the rest of your hair up or let it flow down, these striking strands are a nice addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Maintain a Silk Press
The experts say these six tips are essential to maintaining a silk press.
Start with a proper cleansing routine. Blakley says the perfect foundation to a silk press starts with your shampoo and conditioner. She suggests using a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup without stripping away your natural oils before going in with a hydrating conditioner that detangles, softens and improves shine.
Use heat protection. The last thing you want is heat damage, so make sure you’re applying a heat protectant on your locks before using your blow dryer and flat iron. The product will protect strands and maintain moisture for shiny locks.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Use styling cream or spray that’s lightweight and hydrating on your hair, so you can fight against any frizz or dryness in the long run.
Minimize exposure to humidity and water. “The best way to maintain a silk press is to avoid getting it wet. Extra moisture of any kind will cause the hair to return to its natural texture,” explains O’Connor.
Book frequent trim appointments. “Regular hair trims and cuts can help prolong a silk press as healthy hair is always a good base for any heat styling,” says Sims.
Protect hair at night. Whether you prefer a bonnet or a headscarf, all the experts recommend wrapping your hair at night to keep your silk press looking fresh for days. Also consider using silk pillowcases to prevent any frizz (ya know, in case your bonnet decides to slip away while you snooze).
Can All Hair Textures Rock a Silk Press?
Absolutely. As Branch explains, “All hair textures can get a silk press; it’s primarily your hair health that determines the outcome. It’s always good to get regular trims and deep condition strands to keep hair as healthy as possible. Once the hair is straight, it will be much easier to see any damage.”
However, Bilal notes those with fine or thinner hair should tread with caution. She says, “Silk press can work on all types of natural hair and textures, however, it’s better suited for medium to thick hair density. Fine hair types can be more susceptible to heat damage with regular application of heat tools.”
How Long Does a Silk Press Last?
The experts say a silk press can last about one to three weeks depending on the hair type or lifestyle. “Results can vary from person to person. It depends on moisture threshold and natural oil production. Lifestyle and weather also factors [in], as humidity, sweat, etc. can impact the style,” says O’Connor.
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