How Long Does A Silk Press Last?

Silk presses have become a highly sought-after hairstyle for women who desire sleek, glossy, and straight hair without the need for permanent alteration. This hairstyle adds movement, shine, and versatility to your look, and the best part is that it doesn’t require any chemical relaxers.

But silk presses aren’t cheap, and once you get it done, you want to make it last a long time. So naturally, many women wonder how long a silk press lasts.

The truth is that the exact duration you can enjoy the results of a silk press varies based on your hair type, climate, and other factors. Not to mention this hairstyle requires some care to make it last longer.

Hermosa Hair has created this article to give you real-life expectations on how long your silk press will last and expert recommendations to help you maximize the silk press.

So if it is your first silk press or you are looking for ways to keep your press flawless for longer, this article is for you✍️.

💡What Is A Silk Press?

To understand how long a silk press can last, it is important to under how this hairstyle works. A silk press is a modernized heat styling technique that can transform any hair type into straight strands, and the reason women love it is that it is a chemical-free method.

Unlike traditional press methods that relied on heavy oils and pressing combs, the silk press is lightweight and retains a lot of natural movement.

The process of modern silk pressing is also simpler. It involves:

● Cleansing your hair thoroughly to remove any product buildup.

● Deep conditioning your hair to restore hydration.

● Apply heat protectant and blow-dry your hair for a smooth and even base.

● Flat ironing small sections of your hair for a precise silk-pressed look.

The result is ultra shiny, bouncy, and flowing hair that feel like you are ready for the red carpet. This hairstyle combines the best of both worlds: the elegance of straight hair for special occasions.

Average Duration of a Silk Press

Now that you know what a silk press is and how it works, let’s get to the real question. How long will a silk press last if you get it done today? Here is the average life span for the magic press for most women:

✨Between 7 to 14 days for the vast majority of women with no particular care and precautions.

✨ Up to 3 weeks with proper care and maintenance routine, which we will elaborate on later in this article.

✨ For women who live an active lifestyle or live in very humid conditions, the silk press can fade within 4 to 5 days.

Your natural hair type also plays a major role here. If you have thicker hair strands, your hair will retain the pressed look for longer. Either way, this ultra luxurious hairstyle is a luxury after all, and it is only meant to give you a window of sleek hair, and your hair will eventually return to its natural curl pattern sooner or later.

Other Factors that Affect Silk Press Longevity

Having coarse hair isn’t a guarantee for long-lasting silk-pressed hair. There are multiple factors that can determine how long your hair can hold the prized look. Here are some additional factors you should look out for when determining whether to get this hairstyle or not:

⭐1. Lifestyle & Daily Routine

If you live an active lifestyle that involves regular exercise, sweating, or being outdoors a lot, your curls will return sooner. Sleeping without a scarf or proper protection and using water-based products can also shorten the life of the precious hairstyle.

⭐2. Products Used During Styling

Professional stylists use lightweight serums, heat protectants, and humidity blockers when giving your hair the silk press treatment. The quality of the products used during styling is a major factor in the longevity of the style. The better the quality of products used during styling, the longer your hairstyle will hold.

⭐3. Climate & Weather

The humidity blockers we mentioned in the previous section are applied to preserve your ultra straightned hair from moisture present in the air. However, if you live in a location where humidity levels are high, your hair will swell up faster and lose the straightened look. On the contrary, if you live in a cool and dry place, your press can last longer.

How to Tell It’s Time for a Refresh?🤔

Many women who have had their hair silk pressed wonder how they will know when their silk press magic is wearing off? Here is what to watch out for:

1. Roots Puffing or Curling Back

Keep inspecting the roots of your hair to look for signs of natural curls, taking back control. If the natural curl patterns begin to reappear, it means that your silk press is breaking down. It is time to consider a touch-up or try some of the alternatives we have discussed below.

2. Ends Become Frizzy

When your silk pressed hair is about to revert, you will notice that your hair ends start to split and the texture starts to appear rougher. At this point, you might be tempted to just make a light pass with a flat iron to revive the look, but repeated heating can damage your hair, so it is best to go for the re-press instead.

3. Loss of Shine and Smoothness

One of the telltale signs of your silk press wearing off is the loss of shine and smoothness in your hair. Once the shine fades, you are left with strands of hair that look dull or dry, and even if you use the best serum, it won’t bring back the original shine. You will have to reset and style all over again.

4. The Two-Week Threshold

The last and most obvious sign that your silk press might need a refresh is that it has been two weeks or between 10 to 14 days since you had your hair silk pressed. If you are approaching the two week mark and notice the onset of the signs we have discussed above, then it is safe to wash and rehydrate your natural curls to maintain hair health and avoid prolonged dryness.

Our experts recommend avoiding waiting until your hair feels brittle and lifeless before acting. As soon as the two-week period has passed and you start seeing initial signs of reversal, it is time to give your hair the care it needs.

How to Maintain a Silk Press for Longer?

Despite the sensitive nature of this hairstyle and the many factors that can potentially affect it, there are steps you can take to make a silk press last longer. Here are some pre-cautions you can take along with some easy care methods to maintain your silk press:

📌1. Nighttime Protection

The way you sleep during the night can mean the difference between how long you can maintain any hairstyle. Wrapping your hair in a silk scarf can help preserve the silk press, and using a silk pillow while you sleep is the easiest yet effective way to prolong your straightened hair.

📌2. Moisture Control

By now, it is clear that humidity is enemy number one of straightened hair. Avoiding heavy creams and oils and using anti humidity serums instead is a great way to prevent moisture from ruining your perfect straightened strands.

When showering, use a shower cap and avoid taking overly steamy showers. Now we know how amazing hot showers feel, but avoiding them is a small sacrifice to make for a prolonged straight hair look.

📌3. Daily Styling Precautions

• Hair combing is a regular part of a daily hair care routine, and while combing your hair, make sure to use a wide-tooth comb and be as gentle as possible.
• Keep your roots oil-free using a dry shampoo instead of going for a complete hair wash.
• Avoid the urge to re-heat your hair to refresh your hair strands because it can actually be harmful for your hair and cause damage.

📌4. Always Get a Silk Press Done By a Professional

When it is time to get a refresh, make sure to go to a professional hair stylist who understands this hairstyle and the precision it demands. Make sure to request humidity-resistant products and invest in salon-grade serums and oils to ensure longevity.

Alternatives if You Want Longer-Lasting Sleek Hair

If the above-mentioned care and maintenance requirements seem too much and you think getting a silk press is too much hassle, then there are alternatives you can try. These alternatives are especially suitable for women who live in humid areas of the world, work out regularly, or have hair that reverts back extra fast.

Here are some simple alternatives for ladies who are after the flawless straight hair look but don’t want to commit to a styling loop:

1. Wigs & Extensions

The fastest and easiest way to get ultra-sleek hair almost instantly is by wearing a wig or hair extensions. No heat, no risk of damage, and most importantly, no complex care requirements.

Hermosa Hair’s straight wig collection opens up new possibilities, on top of making beautiful straight hairstyles accessible to you. You can get straight wigs by Hermosa in multiple color options and different lengths. Since our wigs are made with natural human hair, you get the most realistic result possible for months to come.

Apart from the color and length options, we also offer multiple lace designs and silky straight hair bundles. So our glueless wigs are the ideal choice for anyone who wants the same silky smooth vibe.

2. Keratin Treatments

Keratin treatments are a salon-only service designed to smooth your curls and loosen them up. This treatment cuts down the frizz so your hair is easier to straighten. In fact, keratin treatment means your hair will require a lot less heat to get the sought after straightened hair.

A professional keratin treatment can keep its effect for up to 3 months or longer, depending upon your hair type. Unlike chemical relaxers, keratin treatments don’t permanently alter your hair texture.

If you are looking for a middle ground where you aren’t altering your hair texture while making your hair easier to straighten, then keratin treatment is the middle ground for you. However, you will still need to straighten your hair frequently because this alternative doesn’t straighten your hair permanently.

3. Relaxers (Not recommended)

Relaxers are the riskiest alternative to the silk press, and Hermosa Hair doesn’t recommend it due to the potential damage it can cause to your hair. The chemicals used in this hair straightening technique lead to dryness, breakage, and even thinning of your hair, and sometimes the damage can be permanent.

If you are considering this route, we highly recommend consulting a licensed stylist and prioritizing regular deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair healthy.

For many naturalists, Hermosa Hair wigs are the only safe and easy way to get straight hair instantly, no matter if it is humid or even raining. It’s a fuss-free and instant way to get sleek hair without the constant worry or frequent represses.

Conclusion

If you are a fan of flawless straight hair, then silk press is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to get long-lasting straight locks. However, this treatment is not meant to last forever, and you should be ready for refreshes at least once a month based on the factors we have explained above.

With that being said, Hermosa Hair’s straight hair wig range is one of the best alternatives to get the silk pressed look for months without refreshes and constant styling. Our wigs come pre styled and pre cut, so make sure to give them a try if you are tired of constant styling and refreshes.