Technique: The Silk Press

Silky, smooth, reflective locks of hair resembling fine strands of glass can turn heads and make your client feel like she has just stepped out onto the runway with all eyes on her. The glass hair trend (commonly known as the silk press) has been big in social media and has been around for decades, popularized by the work of British stylist Vidal Sassoon in the 1960s.

If your client would like to show off their new style with style it is important to prepare their hair before starting the process. This is especially true for hair extensions that lack beneficial hair oils by not being attached to your client’s scalp. The key is maximum hydration and protection throughout the process, so the integrity of the extensions is maintained.

Here’s our go-to technique:

STEP ONE:

Because the silk press involves the use of hot tools a thorough cleansing should be done before the silk press is performed followed by the application of a good moisturizing conditioner.

STEP TWO:

Ensuring that the hair is free of tangles is also important to the process. Detangling in small sections can help make sure the process is thorough, and that the hair is suitably ready for the silk press procedure.

STEP THREE:

A leave-in heat protection is necessary for the hair to prepare for the blowout to prevent damage from the use of the blow dryer and the flatiron.

STEP FOUR:

The hair should have a smooth finish, so using a blow dryer and a paddle brush can allow you to dry and prepare the hair in sections. Afterwards beginning at the roots, take small sections of the hair and slowly work toward the ends with a flat iron. To avoid damaging the extensions try to do this in one pass instead of two or three and take things slow.

STEP FIVE:

Applying a leave-in conditioner or a hair oil can help to bring out that extra shine while also providing the hair with protection from further heat styling and day to day activities.

MAINTAINING THE LOOK:

Teaching your clients how to properly maintain their new style is important to helping it to last. With proper care a silk press can last a couple of weeks or a bit longer. Avoiding excessive heat and moisture is the key to keeping the silk press in good shape for as long as possible. Using a silk or satin scarf to wrap the hair at night can help maintain the look, as can use of a dry shampoo and cooler showers can help to keep the shine lasting for a while.