How long does a silk press last?

A silk press is natural hair that is washed, conditioned, blow-dried and flat-ironed until it's smooth, light and full of movement. There's no relaxer and nothing that changes your curl pattern, so when you wash it, your curls come back.

It's one of the first questions people ask about a silk press: how long will it last? Usually one to two weeks, and sometimes longer. How long yours lasts depends on your hair, the weather and what you do between visits.

What shortens a silk press

• Water and humidity. Moisture is what makes pressed hair go back to its natural texture. Rain, shower steam, a hard workout and a humid DC summer day can all undo a press quickly.
• Too much product. Heavy oils and creams weigh pressed hair down and can make it limp or greasy within days.
• Friction while you sleep. A cotton pillowcase pulls at your hair and roughs it up overnight.
• Dry or damaged hair to start with. A press holds best on hair that's healthy and moisturized underneath.

How to make it last

• Wrap or pin your hair every night, and sleep in a silk or satin scarf or bonnet, or on a silk pillowcase.
• Keep water away. Wear a shower cap, and carry an umbrella or a scarf on damp days.
• Use less product than you think. A drop of light serum on the ends is usually enough.
• Skip the daily flat iron. Reaching for heat every morning is how a press turns into heat damage. If you need a touch-up, ask your stylist what's safe for your hair.
• Plan around workouts. A headband, and a lighter workout for the first few days, go a long way.

How often should you get one?

Most people do best with a press every two to four weeks, with wash days or protective styles in between. Spacing them out gives your hair a break from heat. Healthy hair also holds a press better, which is why our higher levels add strengthening and shine.

Our four silk press levels

Not sure which level is right for you? Book the one that sounds closest, and your stylist will talk it through with you in the chair.

Add a treatment

Hair that's dry or weak won't hold a press as long. A Style Bar upgrade added to your visit can help: a steam treatment, a hot oil treatment or a protein treatment, each $55.

Is a silk press bad for your hair?

Not when it's done well and not too often. Heat is the risk, so the goal is the least heat that gives a smooth finish, on clean, conditioned hair, with time between presses. If your curls stop coming back fully after a wash, that's a sign of heat damage. Tell your stylist, and give your hair more time between presses.

Ready for yours? Book online at our Adams Morgan salon in a few minutes.