How Long Does a Silk Press Last on 4C Hair
If you have 4C hair and you’re considering getting a silk press, you might be wondering how long it will last. Especially, during the hot summer months.
Because a silk press is a popular hair straightening technique for black women, it’s important to know how long you can expect it to last before you need to touch it up.
Of course, the length of time a silk press lasts on 4C hair varies depending on a few factors. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can get great lasting results.
Read on to find out how long a silk press lasts on 4C hair.
How Many Days Does a Silk Press Last?
On average, a silk press can last about two weeks before you need to touch it up. The exact amount of days your silk press can last depends on several factors, such as:
- Your hair type: If you have coarser hair, your silk press may not last as long as someone with finer hair.
- Your lifestyle: If you have a very active lifestyle and tend to sweat a lot, your silk press may not last as long because the roots will revert back.
- Products used: If you use products that are too heavy or greasy, it can weigh down your hair and cause it to revert back to its natural state faster.
- Environmental factors: For example, if you live in a humid climate, your silk press may not last as long as it would in a drier environment.
- Proper maintenance: If you don’t properly care for your natural curls and use the right products, it may not last as long as it could.
As you can see, you can help extend the life of your silk press and enjoy smooth, straight hair for longer with proper care.
Related post: How To Keep 4c Hair Straight With These Simple Tips
How Often Should 4C Hair Be Silk Pressed?
Getting a good silk press is a great way to straighten 4C hair without using chemicals. It allows you to achieve a sleek and shiny look while maintaining the health of your hair.
But how often should you silk press your 4C hair?
I recommend getting a silk press no more than every three to four months to maintain the health of your 4C hair. Excessive heat on your natural hair can damage the hair cuticle and ruin your natural curl pattern.
So, in order to avoid the possibility of heat damage, keep your hair healthy, and retain length, it’s better not to overdo it.
It’s important to give your hair time to recover between silk presses. Especially, if your hair is prone to breakage or damage, it’s best to avoid silk pressing too often.
Overall, it’s important to listen to your hair and pay attention to its needs. If your hair is healthy and strong, you may be able to get a silk press more frequently.
However, if your hair is prone to damage or breakage and split ends, it’s best to limit flat ironing it and focus on maintaining its health by using alternative natural hair straightening processes.
Related post: Heat-Trained 4C Hair: Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Healthy Curls
Does a Silk Press Damage 4C Hair?
If you have 4C hair, you might be wondering if a silk press is a safe option for you.
While a silk press can be a great way to temporarily straighten your hair, it’s important to consider the potential damage it can cause.
The heat from the flat iron used in a silk press can cause damage to your hair if it’s not done correctly. If the flat iron is too hot or left on your hair for too long, it can cause heat damage, which can lead to breakage and split ends.
Additionally, if your hair is already damaged or weakened from previous chemical treatments or excessive heat styling, a silk press can further damage your hair.
To minimize the risk of damage, it’s important to:
- choose a hair stylist who is experienced in working with natural 4C hair
- straighten your hair with the right flat iron temperature for 4C hair
- use a heat-protectant spray before applying heat to your natural hair
- get a quality blow dryer and flat iron
I you follow these tips and take care of your curly hair in between, and avoid using too much heat, the silk press process will not damage your 4C hair too much.
How Do You Maintain a Silk Press on 4C Hair?
Maintaining a silk press on 4C hair is crucial to keep it looking fabulous and lasting longer. Here are some tips to help you maintain your silk press on 4C hair:
1. Wrap Your Hair at Night
Before going to bed, wrap your hair with a silk scarf or bonnet to protect it from friction and prevent it from getting tangled. This will help to maintain the smoothness and shine of your silk press.
2. Avoid Moisture
Since moisture can cause your hair to revert back to its natural state, it’s important to avoid getting your hair wet or exposing it to humidity, Therefore, wear your straightened hair in a bun whenever you work out or encounter harsh weather.
3. Use Heat Protectant
When using heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant to prevent heat damage and breakage. Apply the heat protectant evenly throughout your hair before using any heat styling tools.
4. Don’t Touch Your Hair Too Much
Avoid touching your hair too much to prevent it from getting frizzy or losing its shape. If you need to style it, use a light hair oil or serum to smooth it down.
5. Moisturize Your Hair
To keep your hair healthy and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle, moisturize your hair regularly with a leave-in conditioner or hair oil. This will help to maintain the softness and shine of your silk press.
By following these tips, you can help your silk press on 4C hair last longer and keep it looking fabulous.