Why your silk Press Isn’t Lasting-and How to fix it”

By Rashida Webb | Rx Salon

Let’s be real-there’s nothing like the fresh feeling of a silk press. That shine. That bounce. That “don’t touch me, I just got my hair done” energy.

But what happens when the “new hair” “don’t care” vibe disappears way to soon? One day your silky smooth, and the next…poof- you have an afro, wondering what went wrong. Was the shower too hot? Did I sweat in my sleep? So many questions and no answers.

Flat Iron for professional use only.

Here’s the truth: a silk press that doesn’t last isn’t always about the stylist. A silk press needs proper care before the style.  Sometimes it’s about what happens before and after you leave the chair. Let’s break it down so you can keep that press a little longer.

1.      Your hair Wasn’t Properly Prepped

A good silk press starts before the flat iron even comes out. The shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner, styling products, flat irons, and even the comb matters. If your hair is not thoroughly cleansed, hydrated and dried beforehand, it’s not going to hold the style. Period.

Pro Tip: At Rx Salon, I always start with the proper products for each individual client’s texture. Healthy Hair = longer lasting results. No shortcuts.

2.      You’re skipping heat protectant

Heat protectant should be in your leave-in conditioner and styling products. Your shampoo and conditioner should also prepare your hair for heat styling. Without it, your hair is left dry and susceptible to damage. Unable to hold shape and shine.

Pro Tip: I only use salon quality products- heat protectants that shield up to 450’F without weighing your hair down. If your stylist isn’t using heat protectant- or if you’re skipping it at home during touch ups- it may be the reason for any hair damage you’re experiencing.

3.      Humidity is Real, Sis

Let’s not pretend we’re living in a vacuum. Step outside into humidity without the right products, precautions, or healthy hair and your silk press will tap out quicker than a toothpick holding an elephant, so yes immediately.

Pro Tip: Invest in anti-humidity serums and avoid water-based products after styling. Talk to your stylist about keratin treatments and/or protein treatments to help reduce frizz. I send clients home with tailored maintenance products/instructions because your environment matters.

4.      You’re not wrapping your hair properly at night

Silk pressing without silk wrapping? That’s like getting your car detailed and then parking it in a rainstorm, hoping for the best. If you’re sleeping on cotton pillow cases, not wrapping your hair, taking hot showers, not using a shower cap, and using the wrong materials- it’s going to frizz up overnight.

Pro-Tip: Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf, and sleep on a silk pillowcase for back up. And please don’t go to bed with damp roots. That’s a one-way ticket to Revert City.

Instead apply a dime size amount of olive, almond or jojoba oil, blow dry, lightly flat iron, if necessary and wrap hair. Apply a small amount of oil around the hair once wrapped, tie with silk scarf and unwrap in the morning.

5.      You’re touching it. Too. Much.

Yes, it’s soft. Yes, it’s shiny. No. you don’t need to run your fingers through it every 10 minutes. The oils from your hands (plus tension from manipulating your hair) can shorten the life of your press.

Pro Tip: Let it be. Comb it once, wrap it up, and let the silk do what it came to do.

So How Do You Make It Last?

·       Start with a healthy foundation (regular trims + treatments)

·       Use salon-quality heat protectant

·       Avoid moisture-heavy environments when possible

·       Wrap it up every night

·       Keep your hands and humidity to yourself

A Silk Press should last anywhere from 1-2 weeks with proper care- and even longer with a touch-up. If yours is ghosting you after 2 days, it might be time to tweak your routine.

Need help figuring it out? Book a Silk Press Session at Rx Salon and let’s create a routine that actually works. Your hair deserves better than a 48-hour glow-up.

With Care,

Rashida Webb

Healthy Haircare Specialist | Rx Salon