The 14 Best Silk Press Products of 2021

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One of the beauties of textured hair is that it’s so versatile. You can have curls and waves one day and style it straight the next. And if you're looking to achieve a silk press all on your own, you want to be sure that you have the tools to maintain it healthily.

In spite of what you might have heard, you can safely straighten your hair on occasion without kissing your precious curls goodbye forever. An appointment with your stylist is obviously the best way to go for a silk press that lasts (and doesn’t cause damage), but if you can’t get to the salon, we’ve got you covered. We caught up with NYC hairstylist, Shonel Arez of Bibi Salon to get tips on the best products for a bouncy and well-behaving blowout at home.

Keep reading for the best silk press products.

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According to Shonel, “A good clarifying shampoo is always needed when dealing with natural hair to open the hair cuticle and cleanse so that proper conditioning can occur.” He recommends this shampoo for its healing formula that fortifies as it cleanses. With silk amino acids, soy protein, and avocado oil, you can expect your hair to be primed and ready for a salon-quality silk press.

Your hair should never smell singed or burnt while styling. In order to prevent heat damage, avoid setting your iron over 400 degrees.

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In order to reduce tangles and breakage, your routine should actually begin before you shampoo your hair, and this comb-out treatment is a great place to start. It contains peppermint oil and other botanicals to nourish your hair as it creates slip for easily detangling. The results? Detangled, nourished strands that are much more manageable.

For maximum usage, add this product to a spray bottle and dilute with water according to your hair thickness.

carol's daughter monoi repairing conditioner

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No matter the texture of your tresses, health, and strength is the key to glass hair with body and shine. This conditioner is infused with pro-vitamin B5 and monoi oil to restore damaged hair while strengthening it to protect it from future damage. This conditioner is especially effective for those that use heat often or have color-treated hair.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner

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There’s a reason why this drugstore deep conditioner continues to be a go-to across all hair types. It’s able to penetrate the hair cuticle in just three minutes, making it a prime choice for anyone seeking deeper hydration in a pinch. With a touch of Australian aloe, jojoba, and sea kelp, this product has the nutrients you need to transforms dry hair into silky blowout-ready strands.

Glow by Daye “Lilac” Conditioning Heat Cap

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Before you put your hair through the tension and heat exposure of a silk press, you’ll want to make sure that it has all of the nutrients it needs to remain healthy. This heat cap is a super-easy way to deep condition your hair without being restricted to a dryer. Simply pop it into the microwave and then go on about your day as the conditioner penetrates deep into the hair.

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Finger detangling might be a great method for rocking curly styles, but when you’re going for a sleek look, you want to make sure that no strand goes unsmoothed. This detangling brush is a great choice for gliding through kinks and curls while reducing shedding. You’ll also love that it has flexible bristles that help natural hair without the expensive price tag.

Taliah Waajid Green Apple & Aloe Leave-In Conditioner

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This leave-in conditioner is sulfate-free, versatile enough for both straight and curly styles, and an ideal product to keep handy for heat styling, according to Shonel Arez. Green apple provides benefits for a healthy, itch-free scalp while aloe preserves the integrity of your hair. For your silk presses, spray sparingly on wet hair to strengthen and fortify your strands to withstand the heat.

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Whether your hair is relaxed or natural, a quality heat protectant is non-negotiable for a healthy blowout. The lightweight formula uses 17 amino acids to strengthen your strands while eliminating static for a frizz-free, smooth look. With as little as 1 to 4 drops, depending on your hair length, you can expect a high gloss finish and flowing strands.

Since split ends are dry, brittle, and hard to manage, trimming your hair regularly will result in a sleeker look.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

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This effective, affordable product has been on my personal DIY silk press list for years now. Not only does it smell amazing, but it's great for application on both wet hair and on dry hair after straightening for added shine. It works to control frizz in even the most humid climates, making it ideal for long-lasting blowouts. I especially like to add a bit to my ends for a sleek, finished look.

BaBylissPRO Nato Titanium Ultra Thin Straightening Iron

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This ultra-thin straightening iron has everything you need to reach each kink and curl. Its 5-inch extended plates allow you to cut down on your styling time, and it’s lightweight design allows you to reach the hair closest to the scalp, so you can straighten from roots to ends. You can also feel confident about the smooth titanium irons that deliver even heat to prevent damage.

For looser curls, this tool also comes in 2” plates to straighten even more hair at a time.

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Blow drying textured hair is usually a two-handed job (one on the dryer, and the other on your paddle brush), but this handy tool allows you to blow dry in one step. The flexible, tangle-free bristles cut down your drying time with ionic conditioning by distributing heat evenly for less frizz and more shine. You’ll also enjoy that it’s pretty lightweight, so you can skip the bicep workout.

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Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

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While you’ll want to use oil sparingly on your hair while it’s straight, it can still be a useful part of maintaining a healthy silk press. The convenient dropper on this nutrient-rich product makes it easy to apply as little or as much as you need, delivering essential oils and biotin to fortify both your hair and scalp. It’s also great for smoothing split ends, which is key to retaining length and a smooth look.

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When doing a silk press at home, parting your hair in sections to divide and conquer is the best way to go. These clips make it super easy. The jagged edges help hair to stay put without creasing, while the perforated surface allows hair to dry with the clips in.

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There’s nothing worse than spending time and energy on silky smooth hair, only to ruin it right away in the shower. To extend the length of your silk press, this luxe shower cap will keep moisture away. The elastic band accommodates most head sizes, and it’s a good fit whether you have plenty of hair or very little. Best of all, it’s cute! So you’ll actually enjoy wearing it.

12 of the Best Products to Keep Your Hair Straight and Smooth