So You Want To Be A Straight Natural?
The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Straight Natural: Silk Press Tips, Tools, and Products for Healthy Heat Styling
*This post contains affiliate links*
Are you curious about being a straight natural? That’s the term for those of us with naturally curly hair who love to wear it straight – without permanently altering our curl pattern.
In this guide, I'll take you through a step-by-step process of achieving a silk press, the products and tools I swear by, and some essential tips for heat styling while protecting your natural curls.
What is a Straight Natural?
A straight natural is someone with naturally curly or coily hair who prefers to wear it straight through heat styling rather than chemical straighteners. By choosing temporary heat over permanent chemical alteration, you can still enjoy a return to curls after wash day. But, mastering the art of safely heat styling is key to preserving the health of your curls.
Preparing Your Hair for a Silk Press
A good silk press starts with excellent prep. Here’s how I prepared my client’s hair with products to ensure a healthy, glossy finish and strong hair that bounces back.
Olaplex Bond-Building Treatment
For strong, healthy hair, I began with an Olaplex treatment, which is often mistaken for a protein treatment but works differently. Olaplex is a bond-building treatment that goes deep into the hair shaft, repairing damage from chemical and heat styling. Using Olaplex ensures the hair’s elasticity and strength without the risk of protein overload.
Steam Treatment for Extra Hydration
I followed up with a steam treatment to lock in moisture alongside the Olaplex, a crucial step in any heat styling regimen. This added hydration helps maintain healthy hair and prepare it for high temperatures.
Products for Long lasting Moisture
For cleansing, I used the Moisture Shampoo that hydrates without weighing the hair down, ideal for keeping hair nourished yet light. Then, I applied the Deep Repair treatment to strengthen and moisturize the hair. This product is infused with keratin proteins, providing the strength necessary to protect against heat damage.
Pro Tip: Deep conditioning is essential for straight naturals. Always deep condition on every wash day to ensure your hair can handle the occasional heat styling without damage.
Essential Products for a Long-Lasting, Frizz-Free Silk Press
When prepping hair for heat styling, it’s all about layering the right products:
Emergency Miracle Treatment Leave-In Conditioner
I started with the Emergency Miracle Treatment leave-in conditioner from my curly hair care line. This lightweight cream deeply penetrates hair without leaving a heavy, greasy finish, a must-have for smooth, shiny silk presses.
Le Deux Blow Dry Cream
For added heat protection, I layered in Le Deux , a blow dry cream. Blow dry creams are game-changers, especially for curly hair, as they not only add moisture but also provide a barrier against heat, preventing the hair from drying out.
Amethyst Oil Heat Protectant
I sealed it all with Amethyst oil, which adds shine and extra heat protection. This lightweight oil gives a silky finish and keeps the hair sleek without weighing it down.
Benefits of Being a Straight Natural
Now, let’s talk about why some choose to become straight naturals and the benefits that come with it.
Ease of Management: Curly hair, while beautiful, can be challenging to detangle and style. A straight style makes daily care simpler and less time-consuming.
Reduced Shrinkage: Enjoy showing off your true hair length! When your hair is straight, you can fully display your length without the effects of shrinkage.
Temporary Transformation: Unlike chemical relaxers, heat styling is reversible. You can go back to your natural curls after each wash, giving you the best of both worlds.
Tips for Maintaining Your Silk Press and
Preventing Heat Damage
Once your silk press is complete, there are a few key practices to help maintain it:
Limit Heat Usage Post-Press
Avoid using additional heat after wash day. Hair becomes more fragile as it loses moisture over time, so refrain from touch-ups to prevent damage.Protect Your Hair Overnight
Wrap your hair, use pin curls, or set it with flexi rods at night to keep your style intact and avoid the need for more heat.Give Your Hair a Break from Heat
To keep your curls healthy, give your hair a break between heat styling sessions. Rotating in natural styles allows your hair to regain its moisture and bounce.
The Final Result
After the silk press, my client’s hair was shiny, bouncy, and full of life. A fresh trim added shape, and her layers provided movement and body, making the silk press look effortlessly chic.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the straight natural lifestyle or just want to enjoy the occasional silk press, following these steps will help keep your hair healthy and vibrant. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel. Until next time, happy styling!