Understanding Silk Me Serums for Natural Hair Pressing

Understanding Silk Me Serum

Silk me serums have become quite popular among people with natural hair who want to achieve a sleek, straight silk press look without harsh chemicals. These serums often contain natural oils and silicones that help smooth and soften hair strands to make them more manageable for heat styling. When used properly, a good silk me serum can help you get that luxurious straight hair look while maintaining healthy hair.

What is a Silk Me Serum?

A silk me serum is a hair care product specially formulated to help prep and smooth out textured hair types like curly, coily and kinky hair. The "silk" refers to the soft, shiny finish it provides hair.

These serums typically contain:

• Natural oils like argan, coconut or olive oil to moisturize hair
• Silicones like dimethicone or amodimethicone to coat hair and provide slip
• Emulsifiers to blend ingredients
• Fragrance

Benefits of Using a Silk Me Serum

Here are some of the benefits of using a silk me serum on natural hair:

• Smooths and softens hair texture - The oils and silicones coat each strand to make it feel smoother.
• Reduces frizz and flyaways - The serum tames frizz and stray hairs around the hairline edges.
• Adds shine and luster - Silicones reflect light to give hair a glossy, luminous finish.
• Easy detangling - The coating action makes combing and detangling easier with less breakage.
• Heat protection - Ingredients create a barrier from hot tools to reduce damage from straightening/pressing.

How to Apply Silk Me Serum for Best Results

Using the right technique is key to getting sleek results from your silk me serum. Follow these tips:

1. Shampoo and condition hair as normal then towel blot to dampness.
2. Spray hair lightly with water before applying serum to boost absorption.
3. Apply quarter-sized amounts down the length of hair in sections.
4. Use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute product from roots to ends.
5. Let hair air dry or sit under a hooded dryer before heat styling.
6. Straighten hair in small sections with a flat iron on medium heat.

Reviews of Top Silk Me Serums

Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Serum

The Mielle Mongongo oil serum contains antioxidant-rich mongongo oil to hydrate hair alongside amino acids, proteins and vitamins to strengthen strands and reduce breakage. The creamy serum has a nice slip to help detangle prior to heat styling without leaving residue.

Design Essentials Natural Silk Essentials

Designed specifically for silk pressing, the silk essentials serum by Design Essentials utilizes silk protein and botanical oils to prime textured hair. It goes on smooth, cuts down on pass-throughs with hot tools and leaves an incredible straight, shiny finish.

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Straightening Serum

Creme of Nature's straightening serum harnesses the nourishing properties of argan oil along with silk protein. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula helps achieve sleek blowouts and silk presses while keeping hair soft and protected up to 450°F when heat styling.

DIY Silk Me Serum Recipe

You can also easily make your own silk me serum at home using just a few simple ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup argan oil
• 1⁄4 cup coconut oil
• 1⁄4 cup grapeseed oil
• 2 tsp. silk amino acids
• 10-15 drops essential oil for fragrance (optional)

Mix together all ingredients until well blended. Apply to damp, freshly washed hair focusing on ends first then mid-lengths and roots. Let air dry before flat ironing or sit under a hooded dryer. Store in an airtight container away from heat and light.

Tips for Making DIY Silk Serum

• Avoid mineral oil or petroleum which can dry out hair over time.
• Use light, penetrating oils that won't weigh hair down.
• Silk amino acids help mimic results of silicone for smoothing.
• Shake well before each use to combine the oils and silks.
• Patch test serum on a small section of hair before wide use.

FAQs

Can I use a silk me serum on wet hair?

It's best to apply silk serums to damp or air dried hair. Using them on soaking wet hair can dilute the product and make it less effective. Gently towel blot hair after shampooing before applying serum.

How often should you use a silk me serum?

Use your silk serum every time you shampoo and heat style your hair straight. For some, this may be once a week or every 2 weeks. Avoid overusing serums daily as product buildup can cause limp hair over time.

Is a serum better than an oil for silk pressing?

Serums are generally better than plain oils for silk pressing as they contain silicones that better aid in the straightening process. Oils alone can weigh hair down without providing enough hold, smoothing and heat protection.

Can I make a DIY serum without silk amino acids?

You can attempt a DIY serum without silk amino acids but it won't fully mimic the results of store bought options containing silicones. Opt for lighter plant-based oils so hair doesn't get too greasy.

What's the difference between a serum and a glosser?

Both prep hair for styling but gels and glossers tend to be thicker with stronger hold than serums. Glossers also create more shine. Serums focus more specifically on straightening smoother textures.