Mastering the Silk Press

For Mandee, the foundation of a flawless silk press begins with preparation and control. Start by dividing the hair into four quadrants. Working section by section, blowdry hair using medium heat and a comb attachment to gently stretch the curls without overstressing your strands. Curls should never be exposed to excessive heat, so keeping the temperature moderate and the tension controlled is essential.

When it’s time to flatiron, restraint is key. Temperatures should always stay below 400°F using minimal passes on each section. Slower, intentional movements allow the iron to smooth the hair efficiently, helping you achieve sleek results without overworking or drying your strands.

 

Pro Tip: When using a flat iron, gently hold each section of hair straight down from the roots. This helps keep the hair smooth and flat at the top, preventing extra puffiness or volume near the scalp for a sleeker finish.

Heat Styling Essentials for Type 3 Hair

Type 3 curls benefit most from products that smooth the cuticle while maintaining bounce and movement. Mandee begins with Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler, which preps hair with hydration and slip, making detangling and stretching significantly easier. From there, she applies Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray from roots to ends to smooth hair while keeping the curls bouncy, full, and protected against heat up to 450°F. 

Once the hair is prepped, she blowdries using an Italian Resin Large Round Brush for a polished, voluminous finish. To complete the style, she works a few drops of Eternal Curls Polish & Protect Oil through the hair, sealing in moisture and adding shine.

Heat Styling Essentials for Type 4 Hair

For Type 4 coils, preparation and protection are especially important. The goal is to gently stretch strands while preserving strength and moisture. Mandee starts with Priming Lotion Leave-In Conditioning Detangler, applying less than she would for wash-and-go styling, to help with slip while stretching the hair. This allows the hair to maintain movement without becoming weighed down during the styling process.

Next, she layers on Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray for 450°F heat protection before introducing the blow dryer. For the silk press, Mandee works section by section, applying a small amount of Eternal Curls Polish & Protect Oil before passing the flatiron over the strands. This step helps enhance smoothness while delivering a beautiful, glass-like shine.

The Golden Rule of Heat Styling

At the end of the day, heat styling isn’t about overpowering your curl pattern—it’s about working with it. With the right preparation, protective formulas, and thoughtful technique, curls and coils can be transformed without losing their strength, elasticity, or beauty.