Hair by Al Campbell, @al_alexander on Instagram
Al Campbell, a Sam Villa and Mizani team member and owner of D Alexander Studios, explains the difference between a blowout and a silk press, and provides a detailed silk press process.
According to Campbell, both use a brush and dryer, but the approach and end results are very different:
Blowout–A round brush is used to add body and volume.
Silk Press–A paddle brush is used with high tension, similar to a flat wrap, to smooth textured hair.
See Campbell do an entire silk press:
How To: Silk Press
- Prep Hair: Detangle hair by applying Mizani 25 Miracle Milk. And using a Sam Villa Signature Series Paddle Brush, start at the ends and work up to remove loose hair.
- Clarify: Shampoo to clarify hair and ensure it’s receptive to moisture–use Mizani Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo for moderate buildup or Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo for more intense buildup.
- Shampoo and Condition: Use Mizani Thermasmooth Shampoo and Conditioner; let conditioner sit for five to seven minutes before rinsing with cool water.
- Section: Apply Mizani 25 Miracle Milk as a leave-in and section hair into eight sections with the Sam Villa Signature Series Tail Comb using Bantu knots to control the hair and to retain moisture.
Hair by Al Campbell, @al_alexander on Instagram - Blow Dry: Dry each section with a dime-size amount of Mizani Thermasmooth Sleek Guard Smoothing Cream for smoothing/heat protection and a Sam Villa Light Professional Ionic Blow Dryer on high heat/speed with a paddle brush for maximum tension/stretch to lay the cuticle flat.
- Iron: Section hair from ear to ear and start in the back with diagonal back sections in the nape (for comfort and closeness) using the Sam Villa Signature Series Sleekr Professional Straightening Iron and a tail comb. Remember to comb chase with the iron to smooth strands before they are ironed for maximum smoothness.
- Finish: After a silk press, hair can be left silky and straight or embellished with curls or waves.
