A TikTok Star Shares Her Journey With A Silk Press

Holifil

31 Mar, 2025

A TikTok user proudly displayed her thick, healthy afro before heading to the salon for a dream hairstyle.
She was eager to try a R900 silk press but later realized it might undo months of nurturing her natural hair.
Online commentators suggested alternative methods to protect her hair while still enjoying the sleek look.
Briefly News consulted with professional hairstylist Lazaros Sumbane for expert advice on maintaining afro hair.

Her excitement quickly turned to disappointment when her newly styled hair got soaked just moments after leaving the salon. The rain completely ruined her look, leaving her frustrated about the time and money spent.

A South African woman captured hearts with her bold decision to try a silk press for the first time. Image: @evara.for.eu Source: TikTok

Initially, the silk press seemed like a magical transformation. But as the effects wore off, she noticed damage and struggled to restore her hair to its former glory.

Hair Drama: When a Silk Press Goes Wrong

No matter your hair type, excessive heat and chemicals can wreak havoc. Many individuals have embraced their natural hair journeys, finding joy in nourishing and growing their curls. However, one TikTok user decided she wanted something different. After months of caring for her afro, she grew tired of the upkeep and sought a style that would require less maintenance.

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She visited a salon hoping to refresh her hair by trimming the ends and starting fresh. Her 4c hair demanded constant attention, and she was ready for a change. She opted for a silk press, a process where heat is applied to straighten curls temporarily. At a cost of R900, she expected nothing less than perfection.

The results were impressive, but the high heat used during the process left her hair feeling dry and brittle. As she reflected on her decision, she admitted, "I kind of regretted it, to be honest, but it is what it is." Despite her mixed feelings, she shared her experience online, hoping others could learn from her journey.

"I went to On Trend Hairstylists Salon in Westdene Bloemfontein."

Check out the full video below to see her transformation:

South Africans React to the R900 Silk Press

We reached out to Lazaros Sumbane, a seasoned hairstylist, for insights into caring for afro hair. He emphasized patience and understanding the unique challenges of managing this hair type.

“Taking care of afro hair isn’t easy. First, you need to recognize the difficulties ahead. Second, patience is key to properly managing your hair.”

To overcome common afro hair hurdles, Lazaros recommends:

Choose gentle, sulfate-free products to prevent breakage.
Moisturize regularly to keep hair hydrated and soft.
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle without causing damage.
Avoid excessive manipulation and heat tools, which can weaken strands.
Wash and deep condition frequently to maintain health and shine.

Social media users chimed in with their thoughts and advice:

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@Y🎀 couldn’t believe the price tag:

"R900? That's absolutely outrageous!"

@Haley 🇿🇦 loved the transformation but offered practical advice:

"You looked absolutely stunning! But after a silk press, it’s crucial to learn how to wrap your hair properly. Your stylist should’ve shown you that."

@Kirsten Vanrensburg clarified the difference between treatments:

"I’m over my curls, but I’ve been doing my own silk presses at home. A silk press is chemical-free—it involves two passes at the roots and one pass through the length. What you experienced sounds more like a keratin treatment. Luckily, it takes longer than six months for your hair to fully revert."

@user6796972270508 shared a simple solution:

"Just wash your hair with Sunlight liquid soap and use regular shampoo and conditioner. This will alter your curl pattern and undo the silk press."

@. recounted her own struggle:

"Yoh, I got a silk press in April, and my hair hasn’t recovered yet. My shaft is now straight—I went from 4c to 3c!"

@Letsatsi🌻 praised the outcome despite its limitations:

"This is hands down the best silk press I’ve seen. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. In general, South African hairstylists still have room to improve their silk press techniques."

@Taby found inspiration in the story:

"This confirmed my decision to relax my hair once and for all. I was stuck between choosing Botox or a relaxer, but now I know what to do."

A Woman Celebrates Her Natural Hair

Briefly News also highlighted a heartwarming TikTok video where a young woman expressed her love for a budget-friendly haircare product. For just R29.99, she could enjoy a 60g tub of nourishing hair food. Many viewers in the comments praised the product, sharing how other items from the same brand worked wonders for their hair.

Caring for afro hair doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right products and techniques, anyone can achieve healthy, beautiful locks.