The secret is out; chemical hair relaxers put women at a higher risk for uterine cancer, according to a 2022 study from the National Institutes of Health. I’m sure many of us are not surprised, but there’s still one question, what do we do instead? What are the alternatives to chemical hair straighteners? One alternative for black hair and curly textures is a silk press, which can be done at home or at a salon.
But what is a silk press? A silk press will take your flat iron routine to a whole new glossier level. The key is to work in lots of hydration. Here’s how to do a silk press at home:
First, you'll need a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup.
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Shampoo has no sulfates or mineral oil, making it perfect for cleaning dirt and products from hair without leaving it too dry and brittle. Charcoal and tea tree oil are great for removing buildup without drying the scalp.
Melanin African Black Soap Reviving Shampoo also contains clean ingredients like tea tree oil, shea butter, and turmeric root extract to cleanse the hair and scalp without sacrificing moisture.
Then, you'll need a hydrating deep conditioner which should be kept in for about 15 minutes.
Mielle Organics Babassu and Mint Deep Condition uses proteins and natural oils to strengthen the hair, preventing breakage and replenishing hydration before styling.
In my opinion, As I Am Hydration Elation Deep Conditioner is one of the best conditioners for natural hair. It contains natural ingredients like green tea and coconut paired with vitamin E to make detangling thicker, curlier hair much easier.
After you wash, condition, and thoroughly rinse all the products out with cold water, you’ll want to incorporate some moisture using lightweight products. I suggest sectioning your hair and applying a small amount of the following before blowdrying your hair in small sections with a round brush or paddle brush.
It's a 10 Haircare Miracle Leave-In adds a touch of extremely lightweight moisture ahead of blow drying and styling
OUAI Hair Oil, a holy grail on TikTok, smooths split ends and flyaways, preventing frizz and adding heat protection and shine.
Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Hairspray is the best heat protectant spray to protect curls from high heat, leaving hair bouncy and not weighed down.
Your hair should be bouncy and soft even before the “press.” Finally, flat iron your hair in small sections using a light heat protectant like Garnier Fructis Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist.
Use a small amount of OUAI Hair Oil to tame any stray hairs. If everything goes right, you should have a flowy silk press with body and shine. Use a satin scarf and pillowcase to maintain the style while you sleep, or use flexi rods for a curly look.
What does a hair relaxer do? Learn more about the hair relaxer lawsuit here.
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