19 Oct Head to Head: the Blowout Versus the Silk Press
Want fun, carefree, Florida hair but feel like you don’t have the right hair type? NEWSFLASH: there is no such thing as the “right hair type.” There are so many ways to achieve sleek and lively hair. Two styles that Salon Brazyl recommends for women looking for something quick and sexy, are the blowout and the silk press. However, how do you know which is right for you? And how do you know if it is being done correctly on your hair? We will detangle the misconceptions, press out all the details, and share tips on how to create and maintain these looks.
Before we dive in, you always want to assess your ends for a trim before getting one of these styles. You want your hair to look silky smooth, but that is less likely when there are split ends tangling around each other, thus keeping your hair from lying smoothly.
Now that we have that covered, let’s talk about blowouts.
What is a blowout?
A blowout is a technique used when blow-drying hair which leads to a particular style. This style is very quick, clocking in at 30 minutes or less depending on the hair length and density. They are generally done on those with naturally or chemically straightened hair. All blowouts begin with a thorough shampoo, followed by a conditioning treatment. After applying product, your hair is blow-dried in large sections starting from the back and working toward the front of the head. Your stylist may vary the size of the sections in an effort to give the look more volume, but generally speaking the large sections are what help get you in and out of the chair fast.
Blowout with Thermal Styling at Salon Brazyl
The style is usually achieved using a round brush or a Denman brush. A round brush can be used to create curls and volume, or what some call “sexy hair” (and I don’t disagree). Denman brushes, on the other hand, work to create pin straight and smooth hair. These brushes are mainly used on shorter cuts, and have grown wildly popular in the natural hair community.
Blowouts should be done with a blow-dry cream or volumizer. Such products give the hair a nice shine, while also protecting it from the heat. Don’t go crazy though! Too much product on a blowout can take the look from fab to drab, making it look stringy and less than smooth. Too little product and you are stuck with a blowout that looks dry. For the best results, apply a small amount of product, like argan oil, to the ends to keep from weighing down the roots, and to make the hair extra luminous.
What is a silk press?
The silk press is a style that involves a blowout (specifically using a Denman brush), followed by a press with a flat iron. Silk presses are more often reserved for women with natural hair. A good silk press can be a great way to do a length check, get an even trim, and to change it up a bit without permanently changing your hair’s natural curl. This style can take a bit longer because it is multi-pronged. The time also varies depending on the length and thickness of the hair.
Much like the blowout, the silk press begins with a thorough shampoo. At Salon Brazyl, the first cleanse is done with a purifying shampoo which clarifies the hair and gets rid of any dirt and buildup, followed by a moisturizing and restorative shampoo in order to give moisture back to the hair. These are key ingredients in a successful silk press. Finally, the hair is treated with a conditioner or treatment that has a nice balance of protein and moisture.
Silk Press on Natural Hair at Salon Brazyl
Before applying any heat to your hair, you should be applying a lightweight detangler or oil (heat protectant). Salon owner, Tish Hankerson, recommends Agadir Argan Oil Hair Shield 450 Hair Oil Treatment for blowouts and silk presses. When blow-drying the hair, the section size for a silk press is much smaller than that of a normal blowout. On natural hair, some stylists – especially Tish – opt for the Denman brush because it is less aggressive and assists in getting the hair as straight as possible. After the blowout is complete, more product is added to the ends to protect the hair from the next layer of heat.
When pressing the hair, it should be done in even smaller sections (an eighth of an inch recommended). Each section is detangled, and as soon as the flat iron is clamped, a comb is put behind it to follow in the iron’s path. This is a technique known as comb-chasing and leads to a more complete and free-flowing look. A small amount of oil is applied at the end of the style to give it more shine. Be wary of how much you apply, because the last thing you want is hair that looks overly greasy.
How long do these styles last?
This style lasts as long as you care for it. Because of the nature of hair, the freshness of the blowout lasts only for a few days. Gradually, the scalp begins to secrete natural oils which can build up and cause the style to look greasy. Realistically, a silk press can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks, maybe longer – but I don’t recommend longer. Since you should be shampooing your hair at least every two weeks (once a week is recommended, maybe more depending on your lifestyle), prolonged wear of a blowout or silk press is not suggested. Exposing your hair to moisture like rain, showers and steam, and excessive sweating, is sure to ruin a poppin’ silk press.
Will it cause heat damage?
The main concern for any woman, but especially women with natural hair, is the idea of losing their curl pattern due to excessive heat. But I’m here to tell you that the heat will only damage your hair if you let it. Making sure that you are properly protecting your hair before applying heat by way of a protectant is one way to maintain a healthy curl pattern. If you are giving your style a touch up, opt for a medium setting rather than high. If you NEED to use high heat, then it is probably time to start fresh with a new style. Otherwise, keep your touch ups to once a week, twice max.
If applying heat to your hair makes you feel uneasy, then leave it to the professionals. Don’t limit the styles you are doing to your hair because you are scared of damaging it. Professional stylists have been trained with the best practices for these hair styles. Make sure you are going to a salon that puts healthy hair as its top priority. If your hair is healthy, the length will come. If you are considering getting a blowout or silk press, be sure to book with us because we believe healthy hair is good hair.