If you love the idea of a silk press but prefer a little more volume and texture, the fluffy press might be your new go-to. It’s similar to a silk press, but instead of aiming for a bone-straight finish, you get a soft, voluminous look with movement and body. I personally love this method because I enjoy a bit of kink and whimsy in my hair rather than a completely sleek style.
What is a Fluffy Press?
A fluffy press is essentially a silk press with a bit more volume and less heat. It’s similar to a blowout, but using direct heat from a flat iron allows for a smoother finish that lasts longer.
I stumbled upon this method by accident when I was attempting a silk press at home and couldn’t quite get my hair bone straight. Instead, I ended up with a look I actually preferred—softer, bouncier, and less prone to quick reversion than a regular blowout. If you’re like me and love a little volume, the fluffy press is perfect for you.
The Non-Toxic Approach
Recently, I’ve become more conscious about the ingredients in my beauty products, particularly those with endocrine disruptors. Anti-frizz products are one group of hair products (along side relaxers and root stimulators) that are known to contain disruptive ingredients. And while studies don’t conclusively prove their harmful effects on humans, some research suggests they aren’t great for rats, and honestly, I’d rather err on the side of caution. If you’re someone who prefers to minimize exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, there are non-toxic alternatives you can use to achieve a beautiful fluffy press.
I rely on the Yuka app to vet my hair products, and after a bit of researching on and off the app, I’ve found products that whose ingredients generally tame compared to the ingredients in the more widely used products for straightening. And they still get the job done. Again, you’re not going to get bone-straight frizz free hair. But you’ll get close.
Here are the products I use:
- Native’s Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner. I deep conditioned with 15 minutes of heat using a heat cap.
- I actually meant to use the Bondi Boost Bond-Builder Hair Mask in place of the conditioner but forgot—I’ll try that next time! Deep conditioning and treatments like this help strengthen hair before applying heat.
- You also want to include a leave-in. Shea Moisture’s Coconut Oil Leave-In Treatment has an “Excellent” rating on Yuka. I didn’t have it handy for the photo below.
- For heat protection, I used the Bondi Boost Heat Protectant Spray. A lot of people use CHI Silk Infusion or Color Wow Dream Coat because they work well, but they contain ingredients that you may want to avoid.
Tools I used:
- Blow dryer brush set. I have this Wavytalk one at home in the US and this Revlon one at home in France. I prefer the one I have in the US (couldn’t get it here). The brush in the Revlon is too big and clunky.
- I went with a Tymo instead of a flat iron because it just seemed easier and I like that it won’t burn your scalp.
My Non-Toxic Fluffy Press Process
You can watch this TikTok of my process 🫣☺️!
- Wash and Condition with Heat
- Start by thoroughly washing your hair with a gentle shampoo.
- Follow up with a deep conditioner and use heat for about 15 minutes. This step is a game-changer—it softens the hair and enhances bounce when heat is applied later.
- Blow-Dry Prep
- Before blow-drying, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner. (I learned the hard way that applying it afterward can cause reversion!)
- Use a non-toxic heat protectant to shield your hair from damage.
- Blow-Dry Thoroughly
- Take your time to blow out your hair as smoothly as possible.
- Flat Iron for a Soft Press
- Using the Tymo flat iron (because it’s easy to use and not too intense), I lightly straighten my hair. The goal isn’t bone-straight perfection but a soft, natural-looking press.
- Add Texture and Volume
- To add a bit body to my hair, I do two cornrows overnight and unravel them the next day.
- You can also get a bit more kink in your hair by letting your hair absorb some humidity—either by skipping a shower cap briefly or simply allowing your hair to slowly revert over time.
The Results
This method gives me the look I actually want–a balance between sleekness and volume, lasting for about a month with minimal maintenance. It’s also really easy to braid up my hair at night, like it takes about five minutes. Plus, I have peace of mind knowing I’m using products that reduce my exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy straighter hair while keeping it fun, voluminous, and safe from questionable ingredients, my non-toxic fluffy press might just be your new favorite option!
