Summer is here, and with it comes sunshine, beach days, and unfortunately, humidity. If you’re rocking a silk press, you might be worried about keeping your hair sleek and smooth in the face of the summer heat. Fear not! With the right techniques and products, you can maintain your silk press and keep your natural hair looking fabulous all season long. Here’s your ultimate guide to maintaining a silk press during the summer.
Start with a Strong Foundation
Ensure your silk press is done correctly before going outside. Heat training natural hair is essential. This process gradually straightens the hair during the fall and winter months without impacting the curl pattern. It helps your hair learn how to maintain a straight look over time.
Here are some tips to ensure a lasting silk press:
Deep Condition: Use a moisturizing deep conditioner to ensure your hair is well-hydrated and less prone to frizz.
Heat Protectant: Always use a heat protectant spray or serum to shield your hair from heat damage.
Professional Help: If you’re not confident in your skills, consider getting your silk press done by a professional stylist. Keep in mind even with going to a professional if your hair is not well hydrated or heat trained your silk will not last.
Keep It Dry
Humidity is the number one enemy of a silk press. Here’s how to combat moisture:
Avoid Water: Be cautious around water. Wear a shower cap when bathing and avoid water-based activities like swimming. If you do get your hair wet, try to dry it immediately with a blow dryer on a low setting.
Anti-Humidity Products: Invest in anti-humidity sprays and serums. These products create a barrier to prevent moisture from penetrating your hair.
Wrap It Up: At night, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf to keep it smooth and protected from the elements.
Stay Cool
Keeping your hair cool can help maintain your silk press longer:
Cool Showers: Opt for cooler showers to reduce steam exposure.
Air Conditioning:Spend time in air-conditioned spaces when possible. The cooler, less humid air will help preserve your style.
Portable Fan: Consider carrying a small, portable fan for those extra hot days.
Maintenance
Daily care is essential for maintaining your silk press:
Brush Gently: Use a wide-tooth comb or a boar bristle brush to detangle your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid breakage.
Oils and Serums: Avoid heavy oil or serum in the summer time to avoid weighing down your fresh silk.
Dry Shampoo: If your scalp gets oily, use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and keep your hair looking fresh.
Avoid Over-Styling
Excessive styling can lead to heat damage and frizz:
Limit Heat: Avoid using heat tools frequently. If you need to touch up, use the lowest heat setting possible.
Protective Styles: On particularly humid days, consider wearing your hair in a loose bun or braid to protect it from the elements.
Heat-Free Styling: Experiment with heat-free styles like pin curls or bantu knots to add volume and texture without the risk of damage.
Emergency Fixes
Even with the best care, you might encounter some hair mishaps. Here’s how to handle them:
Frizz Control: Keep a small anti-frizz spray or serum in your bag for quick touch-ups.
Maintaining a silk press during the summer while keeping your natural hair healthy can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely doable. Embrace these tips and enjoy the best of both worlds – the sleek, smooth look of a silk press and the natural beauty of your curls. Stay fabulous, stay cool, and most importantly, stay confident in your beautiful hair!
Have any other tips or tricks for maintaining a silk press during the summer? Share them in the comments below!