Expert Tips to Make Your Silk Press Last Longer

Hairstylists share their top advice for maintaining a silk press for up to two weeks.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A silk press is a heat-based styling technique that allows those with tight curls and coils to achieve silky, straight lengths without a chemical relaxer. Hairstylists Sabrina Porsche, Tippi Shorter, Claudette Gyles, and Todd Edwards share their expert tips on how to make a silk press last as long as possible, including using the right moisturizing products, getting a smoothing treatment, protecting the style during workouts and sleep, and limiting heat styling.

Why it matters

Silk presses are a popular styling option for those with naturally curly or coily hair textures, as they provide a sleek, straight look without the use of harsh chemical relaxers. However, maintaining a silk press can be challenging, especially in humid or dry weather conditions. These expert tips can help people with curly hair get the most out of their silk press and enjoy smooth, straight styles for up to two weeks.

The details

To keep a silk press looking its best, experts recommend using moisturizing products that seal the hair cuticle and prevent frizz, such as serums and shine sprays. They also suggest considering a smoothing treatment like a keratin or amino-acid-based treatment, which can help extend the life of the silk press. During workouts, the hair should be wrapped in a scarf to keep it stretched and prevent reverting, and air-dried completely before unwrapping. At night, a silk or satin bonnet or scarf should be used to protect the style from friction and preserve the straight look. Limiting heat styling to once or twice during the life of the silk press can also help maximize its longevity.

  • The silk press styling technique has been used since the 1890s.

The players

Sabrina Porsche

A celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez.

Tippi Shorter

A hairstylist and the global artistic director at Mizani.

Claudette Gyles

A regional educator for Design Essentials and the owner of Essence of Beauty Salon in Mt. Vernon, New York.

Todd Edwards

A hairstylist and Mizani artist based in Atlanta.

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What they’re saying

“While both are smoothing treatments that use heat to achieve sleek results, they have several key differences, primarily in their active ingredients and mechanism of action.”

— Claudette Gyles, hairstylist and Design Essentials educator (instyle.com)

“The Design Essentials STS Express Smoothing System is primarily an amino-acid-based strengthening and smoothing therapy that temporarily loosens your curl, whereas a traditional keratin treatment is a protein-based coating that can have a longer-lasting effect, often using harsher chemicals.”

— Claudette Gyles, hairstylist and Design Essentials educator (instyle.com)

“By leaving it stretched until dry, the hair doesn't have the chance to revert.”

— Tippi Shorter, hairstylist and global artistic director at Mizani (instyle.com)

“Resist the urge to flat iron your hair daily. If your style loses its shape, use the nighttime wrap/pin-curl methods instead of re-applying heat. If you must use a flat iron, use a heat protectant and keep the temperature as low as possible.”

— Claudette Gyles, hairstylist and Design Essentials educator (instyle.com)

“Getting silk press frequently helps with heat training your hair. This leads to longer wear.”

— Tippi Shorter, hairstylist and global artistic director at Mizani (instyle.com)

What’s next

None

The takeaway

These expert tips can help people with curly hair textures maximize the longevity of their silk press styles, allowing them to enjoy sleek, straight looks for up to two weeks with the right products, styling techniques, and heat styling habits.