When you go to the beauty shop to get a silk press or blow out, you want it to last longer than a day, right? My most recent silk press lasted for 10 plus days (don’t believe me, check my Instagram) with little or no reversion at all. Here are a few tips to help make your straight natural hair last longer.
Note: If you live in a humid climate, sorry, all these tips may not apply. Check out our post on 6 Tips for Keeping Natural Hair Straight In Humidity.
Keep Those Split Ends At Bay
Split ends can easily hide in curly, coily, kinky hair. But when your hair is straight they’re very visible. They also cause frizz and keep your hair from holding curls. Even if you don’t wear your hair straight but once a year, it’s best to regularly trim your ends. You will see a difference, especially when your hair is straight.
SEE ALSO: The Best Times To Trim Your Ends & How Often
Opt for Flat Curls
When your hair is natural, it grows in layers. You or your stylist is going to want to curl those layers into bouncy curls. It will be beautiful!!! As soon as you walk outside, all those different lengths and their curls start to do their own thing. The different lengths of curls can look like your hair is reverting. Opt for a smooth, flat silk press with a light curl on the ends. It will be easier to maintain and less likely to revert as easily.
Less Products
You want your hair to remain light and fluffy. Don’t weigh it down with product and be especially careful to avoid water-base products. Anything with water can cause your hair to revert. If you need product for extra shine or manageability, try a silicone product like Chi Silk Infusion or Biosilk Silk Therapy. These products will protect your hair from breakage and humidity.
If you’re anti-silicone, light oils like jojoba, olive, or avocado oil work as well to add shine & prevent breakage.
Avoid Moisture
You may want to avoid hot, steamy showers while your hair is straight. If you can’t resist, keep your headscarf and shower cap on until the room has aired out.
This doesn’t mean you have to stay out of the gym, though. I actually workout 4-6 times in the two weeks my hair was straight. If you sweat in your head, don’t wrap your hair. All your hair will be soaked after your workout. Try a pony tail or workout headband (these are specifically made to whisk away sweat) instead, the trick is to leave your hair up or workout headband on until your hair completely dries.
Wrap Your Hair
Most of us are no stranger to the wrap. Its the practice of literally combing or brushing your hair so that it wraps around your head. Then, you tie your hair in place with a silk or satin head scarf.
Its a great way to preserve your style, no matter the time of the day. This is especially true if there’s any precipitation or if you’re just getting ready for bed.
If you have a special trick to making a press or blow out last longer, share it in the Comments Section below.
When I straighten my daughters hair (about once a year), I cannot get it to lay flat. It puffs up on the sides. I have read articles and watched videos, but I am not sure what I am doing wrong. I appreciate any input or help. 😊
I use “it’s a 10 miracle finishing spray.” It helps me.