Tracee Ellis Ross recently made waves when she debuted a notably different take on the silk press during the launch of Pattern Beauty's Heat Styling Essentials collection. While her fellow campaign stars Anderson .Paak and Ryan Destiny showcased sleek, ultra-straight bobs created with the brand's new vibrating flat iron, Ross appeared with her signature long hair styled in a textured, voluminous silk press that challenged conventional expectations of what the style should look like. For Ross, who has been predominantly photographed in low-manipulation styles including natural afros, blowouts, and cornrows in recent years, the departure marked a significant moment in the conversation around heat styling and hair care for Black women.
The appearance prompted an important question among beauty enthusiasts: does a silk press actually need to be completely smooth and silky? According to Ross herself, the answer is no. In an exclusive interview with Essence, she emphasized that heat styling does not require sacrificing texture or volume. She attributed part of her approach to the vibration technology in her styling tool, which reduces the number of passes needed across the hair, thereby minimizing potential damage. This philosophy represents a shift in how Black women approach heat styling, prioritizing both aesthetic versatility and hair health.
Celebrity hairstylist Lurissa Ingrid provides insight into how anyone can achieve and maintain a textured silk press similar to Ross's style. The foundation begins with proper cleansing. Buildup from products and styling residue can interfere with the heat styling process, requiring multiple passes with the flat iron that ultimately damage the hair cuticle. Ingrid recommends starting with a clarifying shampoo to remove accumulated oils, waxes, and creams. For those with drier hair, following up with a moisturizing shampoo helps restore hydration in preparation for heat styling.
Conditioning treatment is equally critical to the silk press process. A quality deep conditioner applied before heat styling boosts shine, prevents breakage, and protects hair from humidity, which can extend the longevity of the style. Ingrid follows deep conditioning with a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant primer to further shield the hair. Several formulations on the market specifically target these needs, offering silicone-free options alongside traditional products that repair damage and prevent future breakage.
The technique itself requires restraint and precision. Ingrid advises monitoring heat settings on styling tools to prevent damage, particularly for at-home applications. She emphasizes that silk presses should not be performed weekly, as frequent heat styling compromises the natural curl pattern. Instead, she recommends spacing them out and using heatless styling methods like flexi rods, pin curls, or curl formers to maintain the look between appointments. Advanced tools with regulated heat control or vibration technology can minimize the number of passes needed, reducing heat exposure overall.
Environmental factors also play a role in maintaining a textured silk press. While a little moisture actually contributes to the voluminous, textured appearance that distinguishes this style, excessive sweat and humidity will eventually revert the hair to its natural state. Ingrid suggests limiting activities that cause heavy perspiration and using humidity-blocking sprays designed for challenging weather or workout sessions. With these precautions, a textured silk press typically lasts approximately two weeks.
Nighttime care proves essential for preservation. Rather than the tight wrapping required for ultra-sleek silk presses, textured versions can be maintained by loosely pin curling or wrapping the hair in a silk scarf, protecting it from friction against pillowcases while respecting the intentional volume of the style. This approach allows Black women to enjoy the versatility of heat-styled hair without surrendering texture, movement, or long-term hair health.
Source: Essence | Published: Sat, 22 Aug 2026 12:00:00
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