Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade of hands-on experience creating silk presses that look polished and protect natural texture. In this gallery you’ll find 32 silk press hairstyles for women, ranging from ultra-straight classic blows to layered, face-framing styles and soft waves created with a flat iron. Silk presses flatter Type 3 and 4 natural hair, transitioning textures, and anyone wanting a temporary sleek finish without chemical straightening. My go-to approach pairs a professional blowout, a quality heat protectant, and controlled flat iron passes at the right temperature for your density. I’ll also show variations for parting, length, and finished edge styles so you can pick a look that complements your face shape and lifestyle. Whether you’re prepping for an event or want a weekend of polished hair, these 32 visuals will help you choose a style and understand the techniques behind a lasting, healthy silk press.
Vintage Sculpted Finger Waves for Mid-Length Hair
This polished vintage finger-wave look suits straight to slightly wavy hair in medium to thick densities; fine hair can also wear it with root padding or light volumizing mousse. Start on damp, prepped hair: apply heat protectant, a light setting mousse and comb into a deep side part. Use a Marcel iron or 1 curling iron to create deep S-shaped curls, clipping each curl into place to cool and set the shape. Once cool, remove clips and sculpt the waves using a soft boar-bristle brush and metal wave clips or duckbill clips to form smooth, defined ridges. Tools needed: Marcel or 1 curling iron, tail comb, duckbill/wave clips, boar-bristle brush, and a blow-dryer for initial drying. Recommended products: heat protectant, lightweight setting mousse or gel, lightweight shine serum, and a medium-to-strong hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires practice to create even ridges and smooth transitions. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a silk wrap, refresh with a light spray of water or thermal steam and re-sculpt with clips, avoid heavy oils that will weigh waves down, and touch up with low heat as needed.
Side-Swept Hollywood Waves — Long Glossy Curls for Thick or Medium Hair
This side-swept Hollywood wave is best for medium to thick long hair but can be adapted for straight or relaxed textures and heat-friendly natural hair with proper protection. Start with a deep side part, blow-dry smooth, then section hair and create large, uniform barrel curls (1.25–2) away from the face. Pin each curl to cool in an S-shaped pattern, then gently brush through with a paddle or boar-bristle brush to form glossy waves. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, 1.25–2 curling iron or wand, paddle/boar-bristle brush, tail comb, duckbill clips, bobby pins. Products: leave-in heat protectant, lightweight smoothing cream or serum, root-lifting mousse (optional), medium-flex hairspray for hold, shine mist. Difficulty: Moderate — requires sectioning and curling technique plus patience; expect 45–75 minutes in-salon time. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose silk wrap, refresh waves with a light mist and finger-comb, reheat individual waves sparingly to avoid heat damage, avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve volume, and use a weekly deep-conditioning treatment to maintain shine and elasticity.
Voluminous Side-Swept Blowout with Soft Vintage Waves
This glossy, side-swept blowout with soft vintage waves suits medium to thick hair and textured natural hair (2A–4A) that’s been blow-dried smooth or relaxed/chemically straightened. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a lightweight smoothing serum. Section hair and perform a round-brush blowout with a large (2–2.5 in) ceramic round brush and a high-heat blow dryer, directing tension and root lift toward the desired side part. Set ends and wave direction with large velcro or hot rollers, allow to cool fully, then gently brush or finger-comb to soften into cascading waves. Tools: blow dryer with concentrator, large round brush, velcro or thermal rollers (or 1.25–1.5 in curling iron), clips, tail comb. Products: heat protectant, lightweight styling cream or mousse for hold, shine serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and coordination with brush and dryer. Maintenance: refresh shape with light reheat or flat-iron bends, sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet, use dry shampoo between washes, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down volume.
Voluminous Shoulder-Length Blowout with Soft Vintage Waves
This polished, shoulder-length blowout with soft vintage waves suits medium to thick hair and can be adapted for fine or naturally curly textures with prep. Start on towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, then section. Use a large round brush (2–2.5 in) and a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle to smooth and create root lift, directing hair away from the face. For the wave pattern, set large sections on hot rollers or use a 1.25–1.5 in curling iron, rolling under for that classic flip; pin each curl and allow to cool completely (or use the cool-shot). Release and softly brush through with a boar-bristle or paddle brush to form smooth waves. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, hot rollers or large-barrel iron, clips, tail comb. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, smoothing cream/serum, light-hold hairspray and shine spray. Difficulty: moderate — requires sectioning and setting time. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or bonnet, refresh with a light mist of water + leave-in or rewrap small pieces with the iron, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and trim every 6–8 weeks to keep shape.
Side-Swept Layered Bob with Soft Barrel Curls and Volume
This polished side-swept bob suits straight to relaxed natural textures and medium to thick hair; fine hair can achieve the same look with a root-lifting mousse or light clip-in extensions. Create a deep side part, then blow-dry using a large round brush to build root lift and smooth the lengths. Use 1.25–1.5 barrel hot rollers or a curling iron to form large, uniform barrel curls, setting each section and pinning until cool. Release and gently brush through with a boar-bristle brush to form soft waves, sweep the longest layer across the forehead, and tame edges with a small amount of edge control or pomade. Tools: blow dryer, large round brush, hot rollers or curling iron, tail comb, duckbill clips, boar-bristle brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse at roots, smoothing cream or lightweight oil on ends, edge gel, and a medium‑hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: moderate — requires sectioning and controlled heat styling. Maintenance: sleep on a silk scarf or bonnet, refresh shape with steam or a light mist of water and leave-in, trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain the silhouette, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down the volume.
Voluminous S-Shaped Blowout with Side-Swept Bangs
Suitable for medium to thick straight or relaxed hair and for fine hair with texturizing products, this voluminous blowout with S-shaped waves and side-swept fringe creates salon-polished movement and shine. Start on towel-dried hair with a root-lifting mousse and a heat protectant. Section hair and blow-dry with a large round brush (2–2.5) and concentrator nozzle, lifting at the roots and rolling the ends under to form the bend. For longer hold, set into large hot rollers or use a 1.25–1.5 curling iron to create S-shaped waves, pinning each curl to cool before brushing out for soft continuity. Finish with a light smoothing serum at the mid-lengths and ends, and a flexible hold hairspray to maintain shape without stiffness. Tools: blow dryer, large round brush, clips, hot rollers or large-barrel curling iron, tail comb. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lift, smoothing cream or serum, flexible hairspray, dry shampoo for day-two styling. Difficulty: Moderate — requires sectioning and heat technique; allow 30–60 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a satin pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and low-heat touch-ups, deep-condition weekly, and trim every 8–12 weeks.
Side-Parted Sleek Blowout with Loose, Salon Waves
This polished side-part blowout with loose, cascading waves works best on medium to long hair and suits straight, relaxed, or heat-stretched natural textures. Start with clean, towel-dried hair and apply a heat protectant and a light smoothing cream. Create a deep side part with a tail comb, then rough-dry using a paddle brush to remove excess moisture. Follow with a round-brush blowout for volume at the roots and a smooth shine through the lengths. Use a 1–1.25 inch curling iron or a flat iron to form S-shaped, big barrel waves — curl away from the face on longer sections and brush gently to soften. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, 1–1.25 curling iron or flat iron. Products: heat protectant, lightweight smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray, and a shine mist. Difficulty: Intermediate (45–60 minutes). Maintenance: Sleep on a satin pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh waves with a quick warm pass of a flat iron or a spritz of water and styling cream, use dry shampoo between washes, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down the bounce.
Voluminous Side-Parted Hollywood Waves for Long Thick Hair
This polished, voluminous side-parted wave is ideal for long, thick hair — natural, relaxed, or with extensions. The look emphasizes a deep side part, lifted roots and large, soft S-waves that finish glossy and structured. Technique: start on clean, towel-dried hair with a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry using a large round brush and concentrator nozzle to build volume. Create a deep side part, section hair into 2–3 layers and wrap medium-to-large sections around a 1.5–2 curling iron or use large hot rollers. Pin each curl to cool, then release and gently brush or finger-comb into waves, smoothing the top with a wide paddle brush. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, 1.5–2 curling iron or hot rollers, duckbill clips, tail comb and a soft paddle brush. Products: heat protectant spray, volumizing mousse or foam, lightweight smoothing cream or serum, medium-hold flexible hairspray and a finishing shine mist. Difficulty: intermediate (45–60 minutes). Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin pillow or loosely wrap in a silk scarf, refresh with a mist of water and light re-shape or touch up ends, avoid daily high heat and deep-condition weekly to preserve shine and elasticity.
Vintage Finger Waves with Sculpted Side Roll — Glossy Red Medium-Length Style
This polished vintage finger-wave with a sculpted side roll works best on medium to thick hair and on straight-to-wavy textures; very coarse or tightly coiled hair can achieve the look after a smoothing blowout or light flat-iron stretch. Start with clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a light setting lotion or mousse, then blow-dry smooth using a round brush for tension. Create a deep side part, section and form S-shaped waves with a Marcel or 1 curling iron, pinning each wave with duckbill clips or finger-wave clips to cool fully. Once cool, gently brush through with a boar-bristle or soft paddle brush to soften and blend waves, then define the side roll and secure discreetly with pins. Tools: Marcel/1 iron, round brush, tail comb, clips, blow dryer. Products: heat protectant, setting lotion or mousse, lightweight pomade/shine serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — requires patience and precise sectioning; allow 60–90 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk scarf, re-pin or lightly mist and reshape with low heat, use sulfate-free color-safe shampoo and weekly gloss treatments to preserve the vibrant red.
Glossy Voluminous Side‑Swept Retro Waves
This polished, side‑swept voluminous wave works best on medium to thick hair and on wavy/relaxed textures; fine hair can achieve the look with root‑lifting products or light extensions. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse at the roots and mid-lengths. Blow‑dry using a concentrator nozzle and a large (2–3) round brush to create tension and smooth bend. Section the hair and set large hot rollers or use a 1.5 barrel curling iron, wrapping away from the face for consistent S‑waves; clip curls to cool for maximum hold. Once cooled, gently brush with a boar‑bristle brush to blend waves into soft, glossy volume. Finish with a light shine serum on the ends and a flexible‑hold hairspray to maintain movement. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, hot rollers or 1.5 curling iron, sectioning clips, boar‑bristle brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse, smoothing cream/serum, flexible hairspray, dry shampoo. Difficulty: intermediate (requires heat control and precise sectioning). Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo, re‑roll loose sections with foam rollers or low heat, and trim every 6–8 weeks.
Voluminous Layered Blowout with Deep Side Part
Suitable for medium to thick straight, relaxed, or wavy hair, this layered blowout with a deep side part creates soft, salon‑finish volume and sweeping face‑framing layers. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a lightweight heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or root lifter. Section hair and rough‑dry until 80% dry, then smooth and shape with a large (2–2.5) round brush and a high‑velocity blow dryer using the nozzle for concentrated airflow. For extra hold, set finished sections with large hot rollers or wrap each section and cool with the cool shot. Alternatively, use a 1.25–1.5 curling iron to create loose S‑shaped waves and brush through gently for a soft finish. Finish with a small amount of smoothing serum on ends and a flexible medium‑hold hairspray to keep movement without stiffness. Tools: round brush, blow dryer with nozzle, sectioning clips, large hot rollers or curling iron, flat iron for touch‑ups. Difficulty: intermediate — requires sectioning and tension control. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh roots with dry shampoo, use weekly deep conditioning, and trim every 8–12 weeks.
Glossy Side-Swept Hollywood Waves for Long, Thick Hair
This polished side-swept Hollywood wave is ideal for medium-to-thick long hair and works well on relaxed, straightened, blown-out natural textures or hair that holds heat-set curls. Start with clean, towel-dried hair and apply a lightweight mousse or root-lifting spray for hold, then use a heat protectant. Create a deep side part, smooth the roots with a blow-dryer and round brush, and form uniform S-waves with a large-barrel curling iron or hot rollers, wrapping sections away from the face. Clip each curl to cool for maximum set. Once cooled, release and gently brush through with a soft boar/paddle brush to blend waves, then pin the smaller side behind the ear using discreet bobby pins or combs for that sleek side profile. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray and a light shine serum on mid-lengths and ends. Difficulty: moderate — requires consistent sectioning, heat control, and brushing technique. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase or use a loose silk wrap, refresh shape with a quick heat touch-up on problem areas, use dry shampoo between washes, and schedule regular trims and weekly deep-conditioning to keep shine and bounce.
Long Layered Blowout with Deep Side Part — Sleek, Voluminous Finish
This polished long layered blowout with a deep side part gives sleek movement and soft, flipped ends — ideal for medium to thick hair densities and hair that holds heat styling (naturally straight, chemically relaxed, or heat-styled natural hair). Fine hair can wear this look but will benefit from volumizing products or lightweight extensions. Technique: start with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, apply a heat protectant and root-lift mousse, then rough-dry toward the roots. Section the hair and use a large round brush (1.5–2) and a concentrator nozzle to smooth and shape each section with tension-drying; finish by running a 1–1.25 flat iron through the lengths to seal and create the inward flip at the ends. Tools needed: professional blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, flat iron, sectioning clips, tail comb. Products required: heat protectant, smoothing cream/serum, lightweight root volumizer, flexible-hold hairspray, shine oil. Difficulty: intermediate — follows standard blowout skills. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or use a silk scarf, refresh roots with dry shampoo, touch up ends with a flat iron, trim every 6–8 weeks, and deep-condition weekly to preserve shine and manageability.
Voluminous Layered Blowout with Flipped Ends and Side Sweep
This polished blowout suits straight to wavy hair and relaxed textured hair that can hold volume; fine hair gains body with root-lifting products while medium-to-thick hair shows the best rounded shape. Start with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, apply a heat protectant and a light blow-dry cream or mousse at the roots. Rough-dry to 80% then section the hair horizontally. Using a large 2–2.5 round brush and a nozzle-equipped dryer, create tension and roll each section under to form the smooth, flipped ends—finish larger sections with Velcro rollers or a large-barrel curling iron for extra hold. Use a flat iron only to smooth face-framing pieces and refine the flip. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, sectioning clips, Velcro rollers or 1.5–2 curling iron, flat iron, tail comb. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, anti-frizz balm/blow-dry cream, light oil or shine serum, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — technique and timing matter. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick root blast, deep-condition weekly, and trim every 6–8 weeks to preserve the shape.
Voluminous Deep Side-Part Hollywood Waves for Long, Thick Hair
A glamorous deep side-parted Hollywood wave set that creates soft, sculpted rolls and long-lasting volume. Suitable for medium to long hair with medium-to-thick density and for straightened, relaxed, or naturally textured hair; fine hair can replicate the look with extensions or extra product. In the salon I start with a clean, conditioned base, apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then blow-dry with a medium-large round brush to smooth and build root lift. Section hair and form large barrel curls with a 1–1.5 curling iron, Marcel iron, or hot rollers, pinning each curl to cool for maximum memory. Once cooled, unclip and gently brush through to shape soft S-waves, sculpting the deep side sweep and securing lift at the crown with clips while finishing. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, curling iron or rollers, sectioning clips, tail comb and soft bristle brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lift, light smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray and a shine mist. Difficulty: intermediate (45–75 minutes). Maintenance: sleep on a silk bonnet or scarf, refresh with light mist and hot-tool touch-ups, use dry shampoo between washes, and deep-condition weekly with trims every 8–12 weeks to retain shape.
Glossy Side‑Swept Voluminous Curls with Subtle Caramel Balayage
Suitability: Best on medium to thick hair and medium‑long lengths; works well on naturally straightened or relaxed hair and on textured hair that can be smoothed and heat‑styled. Technique: Create a deep side part, blow‑dry with a round brush to build root lift, then curl hair away from the face in large sections to form soft, stacked barrel curls. Brush out gently to blend into flowing waves and shape the side‑swept fringe into a smooth swoop. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, 1.25–1.5” ceramic or Marcel curling iron (or large hot rollers), medium round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips, and a paddle/flexi brush for finishing. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, smoothing cream or light oil for frizz control, medium‑hold hairspray, and a shine serum. Difficulty level: Intermediate — requires sectioning, tension blow‑drying and consistent heat control for sleek, long‑lasting curls. Maintenance tips: sleep on silk/satin, refresh roots with dry shampoo, re‑set waves with a quick barrel pass or overnight flexi‑rod wrap, use color‑safe deep conditioning if hair is highlighted, and trim every 8–12 weeks to maintain shape.
Textured Short Wavy Bob with Side‑Swept Fringe
This modern textured short wavy bob with a side‑swept fringe suits straight to naturally wavy or loosely curled hair; it also adapts well for finer hair when layered for lift and thicker hair when thinned and shaped. Start on towel‑dried, detangled hair: apply a heat protectant and a light volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow‑dry with a round brush or diffuse on low heat to encourage body, using sectioning clips to work in manageable panels. Create soft S‑waves with a 3/4 curling wand or small flat iron, alternating directions for a lived‑in texture, then cool each curl with a quick blast of air to set shape. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush or diffuser, 3/4 curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, tail comb. Products required: heat protectant, root lifter or mousse, lightweight styling cream or texturizing spray, flexible hold hairspray, and a small shine serum. Difficulty: easy–moderate — approachable for home styling after one salon lesson. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, refresh waves with a light mist or touch‑up iron, use weekly deep conditioners, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape and shine.
Glossy Side-Swept Hollywood Waves for Medium–Long Natural & Textured Hair
This polished side-swept Hollywood wave suits medium to thick hair and works beautifully on natural, relaxed, or textured 2–4 hair types at shoulder length or longer. Start with a deep side part, apply heat protectant and a light mousse or setting lotion, then section the hair. Use a 1–1.5 inch curling iron or a flat iron to create uniform S-shaped curls; clip each curl into place to cool for a smooth, long-lasting wave. When cooled, release clips and use a boar-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb to gently mold the waves and create the signature sweeping fringe. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray, a lightweight shine serum on the lengths, and a soft-hold edge brush for the hairline. Tools: curling iron or flat iron, blow dryer with nozzle, clips, tail comb, boar-bristle brush. Products: heat protectant, light mousse or setting lotion, medium-hold hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires precise sectioning and brush-out technique. Maintenance: sleep on a silk bonnet or scarf, refresh with a water/leave-in mist and diffuser or quick touch-up curls, avoid daily heat, and deep-condition weekly.
Vintage Hollywood Waves — Deep Side Part with Glossy S‑Shaped Curls
This polished vintage Hollywood wave features a deep side part, soft S‑shaped curls and a high‑gloss finish ideal for formal events. Hair type suitability: works best on medium to thick, straightened or relaxed textures and on natural hair that has been pressed or blow‑dried smooth; fine hair can achieve the look with volume-building products and larger curl sizes. Styling technique: create a clean, deep side part, smooth hair with a flat iron, then form large S‑shaped sections with a large‑barrel curling iron or hot rollers. Pin each curl to cool, brush through gently with a boar‑bristle brush to shape waves, and sculpt the front wave with a comb or setting clips. Tools needed: large‑barrel curling iron or hot rollers, flat iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, boar‑bristle brush, setting clips, blow dryer. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight setting lotion or mousse, smoothing serum or light pomade for edges, medium‑to‑strong hold hairspray, and a shine spray. Difficulty level: moderate to advanced — requires section control and setting/cooling technique. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk scarf or pillowcase, refresh waves with low‑heat touch ups, avoid humidity, and reapply a light shine serum to ends as needed.
Long Glossy Side-Parted Hollywood Waves
Luxurious long side-parted Hollywood waves with deep root lift and soft, brushed-out curls. Best for medium to thick hair and for straight-to-wavy textures; fine hair can adapt with volumizing products or temporary extensions and very curly hair should be smoothed first. Styling technique: start on towel-dried hair, apply heat protectant and a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow-dry with a large round brush smoothing from roots to ends. Work in 1.5–2 sections, wrap hair around a large-barrel curling iron or set hot rollers, curl away from the face and pin each curl to cool. Release and gently brush or finger-comb through to form continuous waves. Finish with a few drops of shine serum at the ends and a light-hold hairspray. Tools and products: blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, 1.5–2 curling iron or hot rollers, clips/pins, heat protectant, volumizing mousse, smoothing serum, light-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for refreshes. Difficulty: Intermediate. Maintenance tips: sleep on silk, refresh with a water + leave-in mist or low-heat touch-ups, avoid daily washing, and trim every 8–12 weeks.
Voluminous Side-Swept Hollywood Waves for Long Natural Black Hair
This glamorous side-swept wave is ideal for long to mid-length hair with medium to thick density — works beautifully on relaxed, straightened, or blowout natural hair and can be adapted for heat-styled textured hair. Start with a deep side part and work on damp, detangled hair. Apply a heat protectant and a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots, then blow-dry with a round brush to build body. Section hair and create large, uniform S-shaped curls with a 1.25–1.5 inch curling iron or hot rollers, curling away from the face. Let curls cool fully, then gently brush or finger-comb to soften into smooth, glossy waves; pin the front section briefly while cooling for extra lift. Tools: blow dryer with round brush, curling iron or hot rollers, tail comb, clips, boar-bristle brush. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lifter, light-hold hairspray, shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires sectioning and timing for uniform waves. Maintenance: sleep on a silk/satin pillow or wrap with a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a light mist of setting spray, and touch up with the curling iron on day 2–3 to revive shape.
Deep Side-Swept Glam Waves — Voluminous S-Curve Hairstyle for Natural and Relaxed Hair
Suitable for medium to long hair with straight to wavy or relaxed textures; also works for natural 3A–3C hair when blown out. Technique: start with a deep side part. Blow-dry hair smooth using a round brush or do a silk-press with a flat iron to create a sleek base. Create large S-shaped waves using a 1¼–2 curling iron or hot rollers, directing all waves to one side. Use clips to set each curl until cool, then release and finger-comb into soft cascading waves. Smooth the top with a light brush to preserve the sleek sweep over the forehead. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, 1¼–2 curling iron or hot rollers, flat iron (optional), sectioning clips, tail comb. Products required: thermal protectant, smoothing cream or serum, medium-hold hairspray, lightweight shine oil, edge control for baby hairs. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires heat styling and proper setting for long-lasting shape. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet, refresh with a light water/mousse mist and diffuse, touch up loose pieces with the curling iron, avoid heavy products that weigh waves down, and deep-condition weekly to maintain shine.
Sleek Side-Parted Long Straight Hair with Blunt Ends
This sleek, side-parted long straight style with blunt ends suits naturally straight hair, chemically relaxed or well-stretched Type 2–3 textures and medium to fine thick strands. To achieve it in salon or at home: create a deep side part, blow-dry with a medium-paddle brush and concentrator nozzle for tension, then flat-iron small 1″ sections at a moderate heat (300–380°F / 150–195°C) for an even, smooth finish. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, paddle/round brush, tail comb, sectioning clips and a quality flat iron. Recommended products: a lightweight heat protectant spray, smoothing cream or balm for frizz control, a few drops of lightweight oil or serum for shine, and a light-hold hairspray to tame flyaways. Difficulty level: easy–intermediate — straightforward technique but requires attention to sectioning and heat control for a glossy result. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase or use a silk scarf, refresh with a spritz of water + leave-in cream and quick flat-iron touch-ups, deep-condition weekly, and trim every 8–12 weeks to maintain the blunt edge and remove split ends.
Vintage S-Wave Glam — Deep Side Part Voluminous Sculpted Curls
This polished S-wave style uses a deep side part and glossy, sculpted waves to create soft red‑carpet volume. Suitability: ideal for medium to thick hair and for straight or wavy textures after a blowout; textured or coily hair will need a smooth blow-dry or silk-press first, or can be set with heated rollers for the same result. Styling technique: section the hair and create S-shaped waves using large-barrel curling tools or hot rollers, pin each wave to cool so the set holds, then gently brush and sculpt the waves into an S pattern; finish by laying hair at the part and defining edges. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, large-barrel curling iron (1¼–2”), hot rollers, tail comb, pins/clips, and a soft bristle brush. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight setting lotion or mousse, medium-hold hairspray, shine serum or spray, and a small edge-control pomade. Difficulty: moderate — requires precise sectioning and pin-setting; allow 45–75 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk bonnet or pillowcase, refresh with a light mist and finger reshaping, avoid humidity, and re-set any flattened waves with a few hot rollers or a quick touch-up using clips.
Voluminous Deep Side-Part Soft Curls for Medium-Length Hair
This polished, deep side-part style with soft, voluminous curls suits medium to thick hair and works well on relaxed, heat-straightened, or naturally wavy textures (2A–3A). Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant and a light volumizing mousse at the roots. Blow-dry smooth with a round brush, creating lift at the crown and a defined side part. Using a 1–1.5 inch curling iron or hot rollers, curl 1–2 inch sections away from the face; for longer hold, pin each curl to cool before releasing. Brush through gently with a boar or mixed-bristle brush to soften into sweeping waves. Tools: blow dryer with nozzle, round brush, 1–1.5 curling iron or rollers, sectioning clips, tail comb. Products: heat protectant, root-lifting mousse or spray, lightweight smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray, optional shine spray. Difficulty: moderate — allow 30–60 minutes depending on density. Maintenance: sleep on a silk/satin pillow or wrap, refresh with a misting spray or dry shampoo at roots, and lightly reheat a few face-framing pieces to revive shape. Trim every 8–12 weeks to maintain movement and avoid weight pulling the curls down.
Voluminous Side‑Swept Hollywood Waves for Medium–Thick Hair
This polished, side‑swept Hollywood wave is ideal for medium to thick hair and for textured or chemically straightened hair; fine hair can achieve the look with extensions or clip‑ins for added density. Technique: start with a professional blowout using a round brush to create lift at the roots and smooth length, then create a deep side part. Curl 1–2 inch sections away from the face with a large‑barrel curling iron or wand, pin each curl to cool for maximum shape, then release and gently brush through to form soft, cascading waves. Tools needed: blow dryer with concentrator, large round brush (2–3”), 1–1.5” or 1.5–2” curling iron/wand, sectioning clips, tail comb and a vent brush or paddle for finishing. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root lift, smoothing balm or cream, flexible medium‑hold hairspray, and a shine serum. Difficulty: moderate — requires sectioning and timing to set curls properly. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin the waves, refresh with dry shampoo and light mist hairspray, re‑curl the face‑framing pieces as needed, and deep‑condition weekly to maintain shine and prevent split ends.
Voluminous Side‑Swept Blowout with Feathered Layers
This polished, high‑volume side‑swept blowout works best on medium to thick hair and on naturally curly, wavy, or relaxed/chemically straightened textures. Technique: work on freshly washed, towel‑dried hair treated with a heat protectant. Section hair and blow‑dry with a large round brush (1.5–3 in) using a concentrator nozzle to smooth and create lift at the roots; roll each section under as you dry. For extra shape, set the crown with large velcro rollers for 10–15 minutes, then gently brush out and finger‑style into a sweeping side part. Tools needed: professional blow dryer with nozzle, large ceramic round brush, velcro rollers or 1.25–1.5 in curling iron, fine tail comb, and clips. Products required: thermal protectant, lightweight smoothing cream or serum, root‑lifter or volumizing mousse, medium‑hold hairspray, and shine serum. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires sectioning and brush technique but achievable with practice. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase or pineapple the top; refresh lift with a quick root blow‑dry or dry shampoo; trim layers every 8–12 weeks and deep‑condition weekly to maintain shine and manageability.
Glam Deep Side-Part Voluminous Retro Waves
This polished, vintage-inspired wave suits medium to thick hair and straight-to-wavy textures; natural curl patterns can be blown out first or smoothed for the same look. Technique: start with a professional blowout using a round brush to create smooth volume, set a defined deep side part, then form large barrel curls (wrap hair away from the face on the prominent side) and pin each curl to cool for long-lasting shape. Once cooled, gently brush through with a boar/nylon bristle brush to soften into cascading waves and sculpt the front wave with your fingers. Tools needed: blow dryer, 1.5–2” round brush, large-barrel curling iron or 2” hot rollers, sectioning clips, tail comb and boar-bristle brush. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight smoothing cream or blow-dry lotion, volumizing mousse or root-lift (optional), light shine serum or oil, and a flexible-medium hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — salon finish takes 45–60 minutes and some practice to perfect finger waves. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk/satin pillow or loosely wrap in a silk scarf, refresh with a light mist and reheat small sections as needed, and avoid heavy oils that weigh down the wave.
Long Layered Blowout with Side-Swept Fringe and Soft Curled Ends
Salon-ready long layered blowout with side-swept bangs and soft, voluminous curled ends that combine sleek roots with movement. Best for straight to wavy hair and medium-to-thick textures; fine hair can wear this look with added volumizing products and a root-lifting technique, while very curly hair should be relaxed or blow-dried smooth first. The technique: precision long-layer cut with face-framing layers, then a round-brush blowout focusing on root lift and inward turn at the ends; finish by creating loose barrel curls with a 1–1.25 curling iron or soft flat-iron bends, then lightly brush through for natural flow. Tools: professional blow dryer with nozzle, large round brush, sectioning clips, curling iron or flat iron, and cool-shot. Products: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or spray, smoothing serum or cream to tame frizz, flexible-hold hairspray, and shine spray. Difficulty: moderate — doable at home with practice but best executed by a stylist for perfectly balanced layers. Maintenance: trim every 8–12 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning, sulfate-free shampoo, dry-shampoo between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shine and shape.
Sleek Long Straight Hair with Blunt Ends and High-Gloss Finish
This sleek, long straight style with blunt ends delivers a polished, high-gloss finish ideal for professional or evening looks. Suitability: best on straight to wavy textures and medium to thick densities; fine hair can achieve the look with volumizing base products, while curly or coily hair requires a thorough blowout or professional straightening. Styling technique: cleanse with a smoothing shampoo, deep-condition, detangle, then blow-dry in sections using tension from a paddle or round brush and a concentrator nozzle; flat-iron 1–1.25-inch sections with smooth, single passes and finish with a cool pass to lock shine. Tools needed: professional dryer with nozzle, paddle/round brush, 1–1.25-inch ceramic/titanium flat iron, sectioning clips and a fine-tooth comb. Products required: sulfate-free smoothing shampoo, rich conditioner, leave-in heat protectant, lightweight anti-frizz serum or oil, and a flexible-hold finishing spray. Difficulty: moderate — requires technique and 30–60 minutes depending on length and density. Maintenance tips: trim every 8–12 weeks, sleep on satin, limit daily high heat, refresh with heat protectant before touch-ups, and clarify monthly.
Voluminous Curly Shoulder-Length Cut with Soft Side Part
Designed for naturally curly to wavy textures (type 2B–3C and even looser 4A coils), this shoulder-length layered cut creates balanced volume and defined ringlets with a soft side part. The shape is achieved through graduated layers and long face-framing pieces to remove bulk and encourage springy movement. In-salon technique: cut dry or dry-finished to see natural curl pattern, then refine layers to shape the silhouette. At home, work a small amount of leave-in conditioner through damp hair, apply curl cream or lightweight mousse from mid-lengths to ends, scrunch, and diffuse on low heat with medium airflow to enhance curl definition. Use a Denman or wide-tooth comb only in the shower and finger-style to separate once dry; for touch-ups, wrap a few pieces around a ¾-inch wand to control frizz. Tools: diffuser, sectioning clips, Denman/wide-tooth comb, ¾-inch curling wand (optional), tail comb for parting. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, hydrating conditioner, leave-in, curl cream/mousse, light gel, oil serum, heat protectant. Difficulty: moderate—precision layering requires a stylist; daily styling is straightforward. Maintenance: pineapple at night, satin pillowcase/bonnet, weekly deep-condition, trims every 8–10 weeks, and refresh with water/leave-in mist as needed.
Voluminous Side‑Part Barrel Curls for Medium-Length Hair
This polished, deep side‑part style features defined barrel curls and a soft, sweeping fringe — ideal for medium to thick hair and wavy to curly textures. It also translates well to relaxed or heat‑styled straight hair when volume is desired. Technique: create a deep side part, apply heat protectant and a light setting lotion, then curl 1–1.25
A silk press is a beautiful, versatile way to enjoy straightened, shiny hair while preserving your natural texture between chemical services. My pro advice: always start with a deep condition and a clarifying wash when needed, use a light but effective heat protectant, and section hair for consistent, low-pass flat ironing. Keep iron temps moderate (below 400°F for most fine to medium hair; lower for fragile or color-treated strands), and finish with a nourishing oil on mid-lengths and ends. Limit full silk presses to every 3–8 weeks depending on your hair’s elasticity and health, and invest in satin pillowcases and a silk bonnet to extend longevity. If you’re unsure about the right products or temp settings for your hair type, book a consult — proper technique and products make the difference between a healthy, long-lasting silk press and unnecessary damage. Use the 32 images here as inspiration, and adapt the looks to your face shape, length, and lifestyle.