Sometimes as women we just want a change. A change of scenery, change of wardrobe, and most definitely, change of hairstyle. If you wear your hair naturally curly, it’s not unusual to occasionally want to wear your hair straight and sleek. But if you don’t want to permanently alter the curl pattern of your hair, previously choices were quite limited. In recent years a styling technique called Silk Press has been gaining momentum across salons in the UK, as well as gaining legions of curly haired fans across the world and with good reason.
Similar to the traditional ‘hair press/press and curl’ where hair is temporarily straightened using a hot styling tool, the new and improved version ensures that the temperature is controlled due to the use of heat-regulated straighteners aided by finishing products that are light in consistency, allowing hair to flow freely and remain untouched from pore-blocking heavy oils. Stephen Debellotte, Hairstylist and Design Essentials Ambassador says: “Silk pressing is definitely a healthier alternative to the traditional press with flat irons. Previously, those irons would use excessive heat, whereby the straighteners we use today are heat regulated. With silk pressing, you get to keep the integrity of the hair which helps you to maintain your natural curl pattern using moisture instead of oils.”
Stephen Debellotte
So what exactly is a silk press?
The term ‘silk press’ was coined due to the soft, silk-like finish it leaves/gives your hair with. Just like a traditional press and curl, your hair Is straightened with a heated styling tool (in this instance, straighteners) and products are applied to your hair to protect it and help maintain the finish. Silk pressing is suitable for both chemically treated (relaxed/texturised) and natural hair.
How does it work?
It’s all in the technique, and silk pressing can be applied by both professional stylists and at home. Hair is washed, blowdried and prepped, before straighteners are applied to the hair, passing through two times to achieve straightness. Design Essentials has recently released a new product line designed for silk pressing called the Agave & Lavender Blow Dry and Silk Press Collection, which is made up of four products which cleanse, treat, prepare and protect the hair for thermal styling. Products are formulated with natural agave extract, soothing lavender, mango fruit butters, and a blend of antioxidants and restorative vitamins like broccoli oil and green tea. The collection works synergistically to transform your naturally kinky, coily hair to a temporary sleek, satin-like finish. Take the following steps to create a flawless and healthy silk press:
STEP 1
Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Hair Bath
First cleanse the hair with this sulfate-free shampoo that cleans the hair and scalp without stripping it of its natural oils, and also softens the hair for a gentle, tangle-free comb-through and more efficient blowdry.
STEP 2
Agave & Lavender Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner
This ultra-hydrating conditioner marks step 2 in the silk pressing process, and is designed to condition the hair in preparation of the thermal styling process. It is formulated with softening ingredients such as natural Agave and lavender oils, mango fruit butters, and antioxidants that work together to infuse intense moisture and soften curly, coily hair types.
STEP 3
Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Blow-Dry Style Primer
Now that the hair has been cleansed and treated it’s time to move onto the next stage of the process. Agave & Lavender Moisturizing Blow-Dry Style Primer is a light leave-in that primes and prepares the hair for blowdrying, and helps to smooth away signs of damage by mending split ends and minimising damage.
STEP 4
Agave & Lavender Thermal Protectant Crème
The final step in prepping the hair for thermal styling is the application of Agave & Lavender Thermal Protectant Crème. This enriched cream locks in moisture for dry and medium to coarse hear, and provides superior protection for heat styling up to 215 Celsius. And should you be concerned that your silk press will revert back to your natural curls as soon as you leave your house, fear not. The cream contains special ‘anti-reversion’ technology that protects hair from humidity.
Watch this clip below to see how the Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Blow Dry and Silk Press Collection works
So now finally there’s a system that allows us to fully embrace the versatility of our unique textured hair, providing us with the products to transform from curly to straight without compromising the health of our hair.
Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Blow Dry and Silk Press Collection is available to purchase from headlinesbeauty.com
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