Women have been using the silk press method to straighten their 4c hair for centuries.
The process involves using a hot comb or flat iron to smooth the hair’s cuticle, resulting in shiny, sleek strands.
While the silk press is a popular choice for many women, it’s important to know that this method can be damaging to your hair if not done correctly.
That being said, I’ll be sharing with you 7 easy steps on how to silk press your 4c hair the right way.
What is 4C hair?
4C hair is a type of tight, kinky hair, characterized by its small, curled strands and high density.
Because of its tightness, 4C hair can be more difficult to style than other types of hair.
4C hair has several unique properties that make it different from other types of hair.
For one, the strands are extremely close together, which makes it appear fuller than other types of hair. Additionally, the strands are very fine, which makes them more prone to damage.
Despite these challenges, 4C hair can be beautiful and healthy when properly cared for. Plus, it can be straightened without any chemicals using the silk press method.
What is Silk Press?
Silk presses have become increasingly popular among women with 4c hair as they provide a way to achieve sleek, straight styles without damaging the hair.
A silk press is a non-chemical hair straightening technique typically done on curly or coarse hair in which the hair is ‘pressed’ with a flat iron after getting shampooed, deep conditioned, and blown out.
This results in straight, sleek hair with a lot of shine.
Can You Silk Press 4C Hair at Home?
If you’re looking for a way to save money on your 4c hair care routine, you may be wondering if you can do your silk press at home.
While it’s possible to achieve professional-looking 4c hair silk press results at home with the right tools and techniques, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you get started.
First, it’s important to make sure your hair is healthy and free of any damage before you attempt a silk press. If your hair is brittle or has split ends, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
You’ll also need to make sure your hair is completely dry before you begin straightening it.
A silk press is essentially a straightening treatment that uses a flat iron to give the hair a sleek, shiny finish. The key to getting a good silk press is all in the prep work. You need to start with clean, dry hair that has been properly detangled.
How To Silk Press 4C Hair?
If you’re like most people, you probably think that silk pressing is a complicated process that can only be done by a professional.
However, there are simple steps to follow on how to silk press 4c hair.
1. Cleanse with a Moisturizing Shampoo
The first step to achieving the perfect silk press is to use the right shampoo.
A moisturizing shampoo will help to cleanse the hair and prep it for styling. Be sure to avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, as these can strip the natural oils from the hair and leave it feeling dry and brittle.
When selecting a shampoo, look for one that is specifically designed for kinky, or coarse hair. This will help to ensure that your hair gets the hydration it needs to achieve a smooth, sleek look.
Additionally, washing your hair at least twice will make sure there’s no lingering residue or oil buildup that may hinder the silk press process.
Recommended Product: Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight
2. Don’t Forget to Deep Condition
4c hair is naturally dry and prone to breakage. The only way to combat this is by adding moisture back into the hair shaft.
This is where deep conditioning comes in. By saturating the hair with a rich conditioner, you’re giving your strands much-needed hydration.
Not only will your hair be softer and more manageable after a deep conditioning treatment, but it will also be less likely to frizz and revert to its natural state after being pressed.
When deep conditioning 4C hair, be sure to use a product that is designed for 4c hair.
Leave the conditioner in for at least 30 minutes, and then rinse it out thoroughly with cool water to seal your cuticles.
Recommended Product: SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration
3. Apply a Smoothing Heat Protectant
I hear you wondering; “We are not done yet preparing 4c hair for silk press?”.
And yes, of course, washing and deep conditioning your hair are important. But you also have to take some additional steps when getting ready to add heat to your hair.
Before you silk press your 4C hair, it is important to apply a smoothing heat protectant. This will help to protect your hair from high temperatures and also help to keep your hair looking smooth and shiny.
Recommended Product: Hair Food Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant
4. Blow-Out Your Hair
The initial blow-dry is when you should begin incorporating brushes, and heating tools. You can either go with:
- A brush and a blow dryer.
- A hair dryer brush.
If you’re silk pressing 4c hair at home, I recommend you go with a hot brush as it makes the process much easier.
Divide your hair into sections and clip them up so they’re out of the way. Start with the lowest heat setting on the hair-dryer brush and gradually increase it if needed.
After each section is completely dry, you can move on to the next step on how to silk press 4c hair.
Recommended Product: REVLON Hot Air Brush
5. Layer on a Light Serum
If you have 4c hair, you know that it can be difficult to get a good silk press. But using a light serum before you silk press your hair can help make the process easier.
Apply a small amount of serum to your hair. Then, use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the product evenly.
Next, section your hair to prepare it for step 6 of the silk press process.
Applying a light serum before you silk press your hair won’t only protect it from heat damage, but also help you get that silky and bouncy finish you’re going for.
Recommended Product: Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray
6. Straighten Your Hair
Before you start pressing, make sure your hair is completely dry. Applying heat to moist hair will fry your strands, leaving them frizzy and damaged.
Taking that into consideration, it’s now time to straighten your hair.
A titanium plate flat iron like this one will help you achieve better results, that’s because the plates glide all over your hair while distributing heat more evenly than most flat irons.
Recommended Product: BaBylissPRO Straightening Iron
7. Wrap it up
Once your hair is straight and smooth, apply some hair spray for additional shine and hold. Do this by spraying it liberally onto your palms, then running them down the shaft of your hair.
Spraying directly onto your head will dampen your hair and, as I’ll explain below, moisture is the enemy for a silk press.
Recommended Product: Cantu Shea Butter Hold Mist
How To Maintain A Silk Press On 4C Hair?
A silk press is a great way to achieve straight, sleek hair without having to use harsh chemicals. However, if you have 4C hair, you may be wondering how you can maintain a silk press.
Here are 5 tips for keeping your 4C hair looking sleek and shiny:
1. Wrap Your Hair at Night
If you have 4C hair, then you know that it can be a challenge to keep your hair looking its best.
One of the best ways to do this is to wrap your hair at night. This will help to maintain your silk press and keep your hair from getting frizzy or damaged.
There are a few different ways that you can wrap your hair at night, but the most important thing is to use a satin scarf or bonnet. This will help to protect your hair and keep it from drying out.
2. Avoid Getting Your Hair Wet
When it comes to maintaining a silk press on 4C hair, one of the most important things that you can do is avoid getting your hair wet. This may seem like a difficult task, but there are a few ways that you can go about it.
One way is to use a shower cap when you shower. This will help to keep your hair dry and protected from the water.
Another way is to apply a leave-in conditioner before you get your hair wet. This will help to seal in the moisture and keep your hair from absorbing too much water.
Finally, make sure that you blot your hair dry with a towel instead of rubbing it. This will help to minimize frizz and maintain the silk press.
3. Do Not Reapply Heat
If you have 4C hair and you’re looking to achieve a silk press, there are a few things you need to know. First, when it comes to heat, less is more. You don’t want to overdo it and end up damaging your hair.
Second, once you’ve applied heat to your hair, resist the urge to reapply heat to maintain your silk press. Doing so will only further damage your hair.
Here’s what you need to do instead: after applying heat, allow your hair to cool completely. Once it’s cooled, use a brush or comb to lightly style your hair into place.
If necessary, you can apply a small amount of hold spray to help keep everything in place. And that’s it!
4. Avoid Weighing Down Your Hair
Achieving and maintaining a silk press can be difficult, especially if you have high porosity hair.
Weighing your hair down with products is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when trying to achieve a silk press. Here are three reasons why:
1. Weighing your hair down with products will make it look greasy.
2. The products will build up on your hair, making it difficult to style and causing your hair to become dull.
3. Using too many products can also cause your hair to become limp and lifeless.
If you want to achieve a silk press that lasts, avoid weighing your hair down with products. Instead, focus on using leave-in conditioners and light oils to keep your scalp healthy and your strands moisturized.
5. Give It a Trim
Split and dead ends are hard to maintain, especially in a silk press. They become more visible and tangle easily.
Be sure to ask your hairstylist to get a trim next time to maintain that silky smooth hair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silk Press 4C Hair
If you have 4C hair and are considering a silk press, you may have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about silk pressing 4C hair.
How Long Does a Silk Press Last on 4C Hair?
A silk press can last anywhere from 2-3 weeks, depending on how well you maintain your 4c hair afterward.
Does a Silk Press Damage 4C Hair?
A silk press is a process in which heat is used to straighten hair. Many women with 4C hair use this method to achieve a sleek, polished look. However, some worry that the intense heat may damage their hair.
While the heat can certainly cause some damage, it is not necessarily permanent.
If you use the right products and take care of your hair afterward, you can minimize the damage and keep your locks healthy and strong.
How Often Should 4C Hair Get a Silk Press?
While some people may choose to get a silk press more or less often, depending on their personal preferences, it is generally recommended that 4C hair be pressed every 6 to 8 weeks.
This helps to keep the hair moisturized, prevents split ends, and keeps the hair looking healthy and shiny.
What Temperature Should You Silk Press 4C Hair?
Silk pressing 4C hair can be done at a variety of temperatures, but your best bet would be to go with something around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit (170-200 degrees Celsius).
This temperature will give you smooth, sleek hair without causing any damage.
What’s the Difference Between Flat Ironing and a Silk Press?
When it comes to hair straightening, there are a few different options. You can go to a salon and get a flat ironing or silk press. But what’s the difference between the two?
A flat iron is going to give you a more traditional straight look. It doesn’t add any extra shine or smoothness to your hair.
A silk press, on the other hand, has an extensive styling technique and beforehand hair preparation, which is going to give you shiny and smooth hair.
It’s a bit of a higher-maintenance style, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for that extra bit of glamour.
Silk Press 4C Hair – Final Thoughts
A silk press is a great way to achieve sleek, straight hair without resorting to harsh chemicals. It is a gentle alternative that can be done at home, and it is a style that will last.
Though, it is important to use the right products and tools to get the best results. With a little practice, you can achieve a salon-quality silk press at home.
If you have 4C hair, give the silk press a try!