Silk presses can range anywhere from $60 to $100, but can cost even more based on things like the state of your hair and your stylist’s skill level. “How much is a silk press?” is best answered by your stylist since the final price varies greatly.
What we do know is that silk presses are glamorous and one of our favorite ways to try out a new look. They’re also a much healthier straightening option compared to chemical relaxers and hot combs many of us grew up with. Other permanent straightening services can also cost you a few hundred dollars.
Since silk presses can cost quite a bit and can eat up a chunk of your day, it’s worth it to know what goes into the price of a silk press and what you get out of your appointment.
In this guide, we’re going to cover everything cost-related you should know before booking your next silk press appointment.
What affects the cost of a silk press?
Silk press prices vary a lot based on the state of your hair, your hair history, your location, and your stylist’s experience level. Below is a quick breakdown of what factors into the cost.
- Salon location, since some areas have a higher cost of living than others
- Stylist’s experience level, because more experience typically translates to a higher cost
- Hair length, texture, and thickness can add to your costs if your hair requires extra time or services
- Recent changes to your hair like extensions that can increase your appointment time
- Your other hair history like damage or past silk presses
- Services needed based on the above factors, like a trim or wash
- Products needed for each service, like deep conditioner and cleanser
- Appointment length needed to execute everything and achieve the end result
Instead of a fixed price, some stylists may charge hourly or customize their packages to tailor the service to the client. Don’t hesitate to set up a consultation with your stylist ahead of time to get your questions answered on the price, time, and services needed for your silk press.
Remember — a cheap silk press isn’t always a deal and an expensive silk press isn’t always high quality. On top of comparing prices, take the time to compare reviews, before-and-after photos, and services offered within your appointment so you can get the best possible experience and results.
How much are silk presses in the U.S.?
Silk presses cost between $61 and $104 in the U.S. according to our internal appointment data. Utah has the most expensive silk presses at $104 and Michigian is the cheapest at $61. Check out the average prices in the U.S. below.
| State | Average appointment cost |
|---|---|
| AK | $78 |
| AL | $71 |
| AR | $72 |
| AZ | $73 |
| CA | $84 |
| CO | $77 |
| CT | $79 |
| DC | $86 |
| DE | $62 |
| FL | $78 |
| GA | $72 |
| HI | $79 |
| IA | $73 |
| IL | $75 |
| IN | $63 |
| KS | $79 |
| KY | $74 |
| LA | $71 |
| LO | $90 |
| MA | $66 |
| MD | $76 |
| ME | $66 |
| MI | $61 |
| MN | $73 |
| MO | $79 |
| MS | $78 |
| NC | $71 |
| ND | $66 |
| NE | $67 |
| NJ | $71 |
| NM | $65 |
| NV | $76 |
| NY | $82 |
| OH | $62 |
| OK | $70 |
| OR | $88 |
| PA | $64 |
| RI | $72 |
| SC | $73 |
| SD | $70 |
| TM | $89 |
| TN | $74 |
| TX | $79 |
| UT | $104 |
| VA | $70 |
| WA | $86 |
| WI | $70 |
| WV | $75 |
Is a silk press the same as flat ironing?
Silk presses can include flat ironing, but this is just one of the services you can expect during a silk press appointment. You can also expect trims, washes, and other services in addition to flat ironing that will help you get the best result possible.
Which is better, a silk press or blowout?
The best service depends on your end goal, your hair type, and the expertise of your stylist. Generally speaking, silk presses are best if you want to straighten your hair and get some additional hair care services. Blowouts are best if you want a specific style.
Silk presses are a chemical-free way to straighten your hair. Blowouts are just one part of a silk press service. All of the other services you experience during a silk press appointment are tailored to what your hair needs.
However, this tailored service has a much longer appointment time and higher costs compared to blowout appointments.
Blowouts allow you to straighten, curl, and style your hair in lots of ways. It’s quicker than a silk press, but your end result may not turn out exactly the way you want. Blowouts don’t allow for as much since customization compared to silk presses. Blowouts also cost more on average than silk presses. The broad range of keratin treatments also costs a lot.
Regardless of what you choose, there’s unfortunately always a chance that your stylist isn’t experienced with your hair type. You can end up with a bad hair day with either service if your hairstylist isn’t a good fit.
When in doubt, do your research, read reviews, ask them if they’ve worked with people with your hair type, and ask around for recommendations to find a stylist who can help you achieve your dream look.
How long does a silk press last?
Silk presses typically last two to three weeks. As much as we want to keep our silky smooth strands, silk presses are only a temporary look. You can help it last as long as possible by having healthy hair before your appointment and keeping up with proper care afterward.
What to do before your appointment
First things first — try your best to schedule your silk press for the cooler months. When it’s cold, you’re not as sweaty, it’s not as humid, and you’re a lot less likely to accidentally schedule your silk press right before a beach vacation.
Do your best to care for your hair before you go to the salon. Healthy hair is less susceptible to heat-related damage than already damaged hair.
If you don’t mind routine silk press appointments, you can also train your hair to stay straighter longer. Just don’t get them too often since you’ll risk exposing your hair to excess heat, which can damage your natural curls.
Although you can attempt a silk press at home to save some money, you’re missing out on the expertise, products, and tools that your local stylist will use at a salon appointment. An experienced stylist is best equipped to help you prolong your silk press.
What to do after your appointment
Like with any style, upkeep is key. Silk presses luckily don’t take much maintenance to keep them looking healthy and smooth.
Humidity and moisture are the top two enemies of silk presses. Exposure to either can make your hair frizz or start reverting your hair to its natural state. To avoid this, you’ll need to get used to wearing a shower cap to protect your hair in the shower. You’ll also need to wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf to help your hair retain its natural moisture and prevent breakage.
Limiting heat styling and hair products are a couple of other ways you can help your silk press last a little longer. Heat can make your hair frizzy or stiff, so keep the heat on the lowest setting if you’re itching to try a new look.
Hair products aren’t as necessary after it’s straightened as they were when your hair had its natural curls. Your post-silk press hair will more easily get the natural oils from your scalp than it normally would. Adding on hair products can weigh down your hair and make it feel greasy.
If you feel like you’ve done all you can at home, you can also ask your stylist about getting a texture release to help you prolong your silk press.
Does it damage your hair?
Silk presses shouldn’t damage your hair as long as you take the right steps to protect your hair during and after the service. Here are a few tips:
- Use heat protectant and minimize your hair’s exposure to heat
- Space out silk press appointments to at least every three to four months to avoid heat damage
- See a stylist and get tips before attempting to do it at home
Are silk presses worth it?
Silk presses are worth it if you want to straighten your natural hair without the risk that comes with chemical relaxers. We cover the major silk press pros and cons you should consider below.
Pros
There are lots of benefits you can walk away with when you get this service. Not only can you avoid chemicals, but you can also leave with healthier and shinier hair. Some benefits of silk presses include the following:
- They lack chemicals and are less likely to damage your curl pattern compared to other straightening techniques
- They require little-to-no maintenance since you have minimal upkeep rules to follow
- They provide a versatile final look that gives you the freedom to try different styles
- They result in healthier hair thanks to the cleansing, conditioning, and trim you’ll get during your appointment
Cons
As much as we love silk presses, every hair service has its drawbacks. Silk presses still expose your hair to heat and can restrict you from certain activities. Some of the disadvantages include the following:
- They use heat styling and can damage your hair, especially if you get consistent silk presses
- They can limit your activities since you may need to be mindful of anything that exposes your hair to humidity or moisture
- They expose hair to product and grease buildup since you can’t wash your hair
- They invite potential breakage when your natural hair starts to grow at the roots
Figuring out how much a silk press is for your hair will take some research. This service can cost a lot, but it’s well worth the money if you can find the right stylist. You know you’ve found a great one if they take the time to learn about your hair history and goals to tailor your appointment.
If you’re ready to finally set up that consultation, find a stylist nearby who specializes in silk presses.
