Halloween isn't until next month, But if you’re still at a loss for a costume, don’t wig out — er, actually, that’s exactly what we want you to do! Because basic wigs are all it takes to build out an Insta-worthy costume on the fly.
Once you have the rainbow-colored hairpiece in your hold (chances are, you own one from Halloweens past, but even if not, you can grab the real deal from any costume shop for as cheap as $10), it’s all about pairing it with easy-to-find pieces that will round out your look.
DIY Costume Wig Ideas
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your closet or athrift store, or order from Amazon Prime to get just in time for the big day. With just a little pop culture brainstorming, you won’t believe all the ways you can wow in these wigs from head to toe.
Blue Wigs
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First up, my personal favorite, the bold blue wig. Here are our versions of Cookie Monster, Katy Perry, Sailor Mercury and Sexy Marge Simpson.
1. Cookie Monster Costume
An all-time classic and the best possible outfit for the gal who wants to have an excuse to pretty much wear a snuggie out for the evening.
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2. Katy Perry Costume
A beauty that has inspired SO many Halloween costumes over the past several years. We chose to veer away from the infamous cupcake bra version and tap into a more sophisticated look that’s still obviously the one and only KP.
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3. Sailor Mercury Costume
If you’ve never seen the TV show Sailor Moon before but love this look, here’s the 411: you’ll pretty much be dressed up as a badass anime cartoon who’s in a girl gang of other ladies similarly named after planets who take over the world and also happen to be really hot!
What You Need:
- Sailor costume
- Boots
- Teal ribbon
- Gold head piece
- Blue gem
- Hot glue
This little lady is easy to recreate with a simple basic classic costume you can find anywhere and by simply adding a few embellishments. For the headband, I used a gold necklace that has a solid structure (you could even use a gold ribbon if you wanted to) that has a blue gem hot glued to it. The ribbon is just an added piece to tie around your neck.
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4. Sexy Marge Simpson Costume
The sexy Marge! You know the episodes where she decides to let her hair down? The tall beehive hair is obvious but this is SO much more fun, not to mention easier to manage all night.
What You Need:
- 1 yard of green spandex fabric
- Sewing machine
- Red beaded necklace
- Heels
The dress, seriously the easiest thing to make EVER. Simply get a yard or two of the lime green stretch spandex fabric, measure around your body, sew inside out and voila, you are her! The beaded necklace you can make in a pinch if you can't find one — we scored and found this one at Goodwill!
Now, moving onto our yellow wig costumes. We tapped into a couple more Pop Stars: Miss Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga, an Angry Bird and a crazy Pop Art Comic Book Gal.
Yellow Wig
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5. Lady Gaga Costume
This crazy lady is definitely among the leaders in sporting brightly colored hair as a fashion statement. For this costume, we went with an actual Gaga dress and topped it off with a pair of shoes that are NO JOKE!
What You Need:
The shoes! This is not a necessity, but with the dress being so inexpensive, we decided it may be worth the splurge to commit to the investment in the shoes. The dress comes with eyewear, but these glasses truly take this costume to a more glam look that seems less out of the bag.
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6. Nicki Minaj Costume
We went with yellow-haired Nicki, but in all honesty you could literally wear any of these wigs for this chick — she wears 'em all! The key is exuding her sex appeal in combination with her sometimes crazy eyeball face topped off with not taking yourself too seriously. But this jam packs more punch if you go for being funny rather than sexy.
What You Need:
- Tight leopard print dress or leotard
- Black eyeliner
- Heels
- Gold bling
Definitely go with a dress size slightly smaller than what you would ordinarily wear. Then, feel free to stuff your bra with a little tissue paper to get those signature Nicki curves. Throw on a few gold chains and heels, and have a friend draw on her arm tattoo with eyeliner. I have to give it up to Miss Minaj, trying to copy her crazy eye look is REALLY hard.
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7. Angry Bird Costume
We've seen this costume before, but this look is still too dang cute to pass up. Especially when the list of what you need to make it happen is this simple!
What You Need:
- Yellow outfit
- Red, white, yellow and black felt
- Black Sharpie
- Hot glue
- Headband
- Flash tape
You could go with any shade of yellow really, I happened to have this little getup in my closet (just for the record, the shirt and skirt are from H&M and the sweater is from Target). Draw out the face onto the proper colored felt and cut it out. Glue the head piece to the headband. Everything else can be taped to the wig.
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8. Pop Art Comic Gal Costume
There are SO many versions of this look out there in the cyber world to choose from. Here is our take, where the outfit is pretty simple and it really comes down to the makeup.
What You Need:
- Comic leggings
- Graphic t-shirt
- Ben Nye Color Creme Pods in a blue, white, yellow and purple
- Electric Pallete by Urban Decay
- Black gel liner
- Fine-pointed synthetic makeup brush
Pop on the leggings and the top and then all that's left to tackle is the makeup. And once you have the right makeup on hand, it's not all that hard to achieve this head-turning look. The dots are all about precision — use a pencil eraser or tip of a makeup brush to apply the cream dots consistently all over your face.
Now for our orange wig costumes. We went with Leeloo Dallas (the hottie from The Fifth Element), a pumpkin, Fraggle Rock and the Mad Hatter.
Orange Wig
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9. Leeloo Dallas Costume
Channeling this sci-fi film icon is a really fun way to tap into a more sexy look while maintaining a quirkiness that keeps it fun. Truth: this teeny tiny outfit has indeed been my Halloween costume in the past — join the ranks this year!
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10. Pumpkin Costume
Okay, this may be really, really basic, but it is a Halloween staple. Plus, it’s the one time of year you can wear all orange all the time. #goGIANTS
What You Need:
- Orange top
- Orange bottom
- Black felt
- Hot glue
- Green foam
- Orange fabric
This look is all about orange everything! Orange leggings, an orange pumpkin t-shirt and that orange wig. Turn yourself into a pumpkin by pairing a green cone with an orange doily, and you're good to go.
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11. Red Fraggle Costume
One of the leading faces from the kooky '80s TV series can surely help bring back the nostalgia this Halloween. It's sure to put a BIG muppet-style smile on your face in this getup.
What You Need:
- Red turtleneck
- Nude leggings
- Orange yarn
- Bobby pins
- Tail
Score a turtleneck from your local thrift store like we did. For the headpiece, grab a skein of orange yarn, cut it in half, tie each side off and attach to either side of your head with bobby pins. Grab any tail (this is from a lion costume kit) and add orange yarn to it too.
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12. Mad Hatter Costume
We're going with the Johnny Depp version, obviously!
What You Need:
- Top hat with ribbon added
- Jacket
- Cream colored blouse
- Spools of thread
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Pants
As you can see, I purposely left out super descriptive details from each garment. The thing is, as long as you get the gist of the color scheme down and the general silhouette, this costume is so easy to replicate. Every clothing item is from my closet. I made the thread holster by stringing thread spools onto yarn and draping it over my shoulder. The makeup is a an understated version inspired from the original, but really easy to recreate. And yes, those are fake eyelashes as eyebrows!
Last we have our costume picks using a pink wig. These were our selects: Strawberry Shortcake, a unicorn, Jem and Frenchie from Grease.
Pink Wigs
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13. Strawberry Shortcake Costume
Another '80s classic that can be played down with a pair of white sneakers or sexified by wearing a pair of t-strap pumps.
What You Need:
- Strawberry Shortcake costume
- Your choice of shoes
- Gifts
- Black or brown eyeliner
If there is an option to wear flats, I say TAKE IT! How cute are these gifts to carry around as a fun accent piece? This costume definitely errs on the quick and easy side of the spectrum, so the hand-wrapped gifts make it feel a little more DIY! For your makeup just add some freckles using either black or brown eyeliner.
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14. Unicorn Costume
Real talk: I just wanted an excuse to dress up like a unicorn. The pink wig is just a bonus.
What You Need:
- White top
- White bottom
- White shoes
- Unicorn accessories
- Wand
This costume is so comfortable and super cute! You can also add glitter or do your makeup really crazy if you want to take it to the next level.
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15. Jem Costume
Clearly, we are as obsessed with our '80s cartoon characters as we are with wig costumes. For bright pink tresses, Jem is an absolute must!
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16. Frenchie From 'Grease' Costume
“Beauty school drop out, go back to high school” — the tune never gets old. Typically the go-to Grease costume is the lovely Sandy, but let’s think outside the box and use this opportunity to channel the sweetest pink lady and her accidental pink hair. If only she knew how trendsetting she was back in the day!
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We're officially one week into Scorpio season — are you feeling it? Is your intuition heightened? Are you super sensitive and a bit more introverted? It’s a good time to slow down, feel your feelings, and tap into the inner wisdom of your soul. Scorpio is often misinterpreted, perhaps because this season coincides with Halloween, the decreasing daylight in the northern hemisphere, or simply Scorpio’s intensity and power. A key word for Scorpio is transformation, which is never easy.
Think of the caterpillar’s metamorphosis — its time in the cramped and dark cocoon. That primordial, gooey existence is anything but comfortable. Transformation requires time, a willingness to experience discomfort, and patience before emerging as a beautiful butterfly.
Scorpio is one of the healing signs in the zodiac, and while the Sun is in Scorpio, we can make great strides toward healing ourselves and helping others. There’s nothing superficial about Scorpio — it demands depth, wanting to uncover layers and expose what’s hiding. That’s why it’s a great time to focus on your inner world and subconscious mind. All forms of therapy are beneficial during Scorpio season, but psychotherapy is especially powerful if that's an option for you.
Eager to know what this transformational energy has to offer? Read on for your weekly horoscope to understand how this can impact your sun and rising sign!
Astrological Overview For Your Weekly Horoscope
The New Moon in Scorpio occurs on November 1 at 9 degrees of Scorpio. You'll want to check your birth chart to see where 9 degrees of Scorpio falls — this is the area of your life where you can experience transformation and growth. New Moons are powerful times to plant seeds for future growth, to dream and plan for the coming month. Take time to reflect on what truly matters during this period of darkness and inward focus.
Mars, the planet of action and determination, has been opposite Pluto, the planet of transformation, for months. Both Mars and Pluto co-rule Scorpio, creating an intense and volatile energy. This opposition becomes exact again on November 3 and 4. Use this energy to propel yourself in a new direction and honor your true self. Strength and focus can harness this intensity for personal breakthroughs, but be cautious in making impulsive decisions during this time — on the global stage, tensions may rise, and there could be heightened aggression.
Adding to this turbulent energy, Mercury, the planet of communication and learning, leaves Scorpio and enters Sagittarius on November 2. As Mercury exits Scorpio, it forms a beneficial trine to Mars and a sextile to Pluto. This is a powerful opportunity for words to contribute to healing, so take care in how you communicate. Be mindful of the power your words hold, especially as Sagittarius can be blunt and outspoken. While Mercury is in Sagittarius until January 9, focus on expanding your consciousness, learning new skills, and broadening your horizons.
Key Dates For Your Weekly Horoscope
- November 1 — New Moon in Scorpio
- November 2 — Mercury enters Sagittarius
- November 3-4 — Mars and Pluto opposition becomes exact
Read Your Horoscope Based on Your Sun and Rising Signs
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Aries (March 21 – April 20)
You’re being asked to dig deep into your subconscious this week. Keep your eyes and ears open for messages from dreams or moments of creativity. Meditation or solitude may reveal powerful realizations. If you feel the need to make a major life change, be sure your decisions come from the heart. You’re on the cusp of a creative breakthrough, but make sure your actions are driven by authenticity.
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Taurus (April 22 – May 21)
Relationships are in focus for you. This is a great week for couples therapy or deep, transformative conversations with your partner. Be willing to make changes that benefit your relationships, home, and career. Your sensitivity may be heightened, so incorporate self-care and self-love into any changes you make. Don’t shy away from this potential for growth — there’s tremendous opportunity for profound shifts.
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Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
Good fortune and harmony are possible, but luck won’t just fall into your lap — you need to be proactive. This could show up in your relationships with others or in your relationship with yourself. Kindness, equality, and fairness are key to success. Be cautious around people exhibiting aggressive behavior. You’ll receive back what you give out, so practice kindness and ensure you’re approaching things with fairness and balance.
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Cancer (June 22 – July 22)
You prefer to avoid conflict, but this week you’ll have the chance to step out of your comfort zone. You don’t have to be confrontational, but a bit of assertiveness will help you move toward your goals. The seeds you plant during this New Moon will grow stronger if you add passion and creativity. Follow your intuition, especially when making important decisions. Your dreams need a touch of energy and action.
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Leo (July 23 – August 22)
The Mars-Pluto opposition has likely stirred up some drama in your life. Have you mustered the courage to start something new? If not, this week offers an opportunity to fully step into your authentic self and begin a new chapter. Don’t hold back, but be prepared for uncharted territory. Your relationships, particularly with yourself, may need a refresh. Self-love and self-care are essential as you embark on these transformations. You might even consider sprucing up your home or making a move.
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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Career growth is in focus this week, but you’ll need to find a balance between your home life and work life. You may feel the urge to do more in both areas, but it’s crucial to stay grounded. Pay attention to details and avoid overindulgence. A balance between home and work will lead to the best results — be sure to tend to both areas without letting one consume the other.
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Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Your finances and values are the focus this week. Now is the perfect time to ensure your financial life is in order. Meet with a financial planner or make sure your will is up to date. This planning will give you peace of mind and reduce future stress. Once Mercury moves into Sagittarius on November 2, you’ll feel freer to have fun and pursue adventure, knowing that your financial security is taken care of.
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Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Your power and determination will only grow as the week progresses. Use this time to tap into your inner authority and work toward concrete goals. There’s likely to be movement in your career, but it won’t happen overnight. Patience and sustained effort are required. Cultivate joy and focus on long-term goals — there’s no rush, but steady progress will lead to great results.
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Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Mercury entering your sign on November 2 invites expansion and learning. If you’ve been waiting to start a new project, learn a new skill, or expand your understanding of the universe, now is the time. Subjects like spirituality and philosophy will be easier to grasp during this time. Be mindful, though — your blunt communication style could come off as caustic, so take a breath before you speak.
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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Mental well-being should be a priority. Use this time to focus on learning and honing your skills. Your approach to life and work is inspiring to others. If you’ve been dealing with self-doubt, discard any negative self-talk and practice self-compassion. You have a natural ability to teach others, so don’t hesitate to share your knowledge with those who might be facing something similar to your experiences.
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Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)
This week focuses on your community and your relationship with like-minded people. Group learning and activities will be more impactful than solo efforts. Mercury in Sagittarius from November 2 will encourage you to learn through travel and adventure. Something exciting and transformative is on the horizon — seize the opportunity for growth through connection with others.
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Pisces (February 20 – March 21)
It’s time to focus on your physical health. The energy of this week will make it easier to start a health regimen and stick to it. While you may become more serious about your health, don’t push yourself too hard. Take small, steady steps to make lasting changes. As the week progresses, you’ll feel more confident and enthusiastic about these positive changes to your well-being.
Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!
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Rothy’s, the cool-girl brand beloved for their ultra-comfy ballet flats and Mary Janes, just launched their first-ever heels! While some lifted shoes might pinch and squish your toes in a less-than-ideal way, The High Point from Rothy’s prioritizes comfort without ever sacrificing style. The new shoe is shoppable in 6 “easy to style” colorways, making them the perfect wear-to-work or don-at-the-dinner party heel. The High Point boasts many more specs and selling points worth noting – read more about the new silhouette below and click to shop ‘em in your favorite color!
Rothy's
The High Point in Black
The High Point boasts a 1.25-inch block heel for a mild boost in height – not too much, but not too little. The pointed toe mirrors that of Rothy's best-selling ballet flats, the Point II ($155), which adds a slight touch of chic to any outfit.
Rothy's
The High Point in Autumn Red
The High Point heels have Rothy's signature blue back tab and tortoiseshell soles to give your footwear game some serious street cred, especially among the fashion girlies.
Rothy's
The High Point in Navy Herringbone
They also feature Rothy's signature In Love Insole, which provides "heel-to-toe cushioning and all-day wearability." Per the brand, you'll get the effect of 'cushion-like comfort" when you slip them on!
Rothy's
The High Point in Sandstone
Like all Rothy's knit shoes, The High Point heels are machine washable, which can come in particularly handy for lighter colorways like this one that are prone to showing more dirt and grime. Just toss them in the wash with cold water and let them air dry for a successful clean!
Rothy's
The High Point in Sparrow Herringbone
Sustainability matters to Rothy's, which is why all of their products are made with 100% recycled and renewable materials. They've transformed over 179 million single-use plastic bottles to create their signature thread, which is used to knit their comfy shoes, handbags, and accessories.
Rothy's
The High Point in Tulip
The High Point currently goes for $169 and is shoppable in women's sizes 5-13. They are said to fit true to size, though if you have wider feet, Rothy's suggests sizing up by half a size.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
I turn to Instagram for mainly two things: hilariously adorable pet videos to share with my daughter before bedtime — a nightly ritual we started a year back — and a steady stream of home decor inspiration. Having studied interior design and spent years writing about stunning spaces, my love for beautiful interiors runs deep. The home decor bloggers I follow offer a mix of styles and experiences, from cozy vintage vibes to refined and sophisticated homes and rooms. Whether you’re looking to refresh your space for the season or simply find joy in nesting at home, there’s a little something from everyone here to inspire you. Happy decorating!
PrettyOnFridays
Writer Deema Tabbara Lopez's Friday newsletter, Merci Ktir, offers a glimpse into all the pretty things bringing her joy each week. Her home is so cozy, filled with vintage charm and lovely DIYs and how-tos (and stunning paint colors!). You'll want to dive into her feed for all the inspiration this fall.
ThisHouse5000
Home decor enthusiast Elena Lohse and her handyman husband have been renovating their 1935 home in Toronto’s west end, the Junction, for the past 4+ years. Her style is clean, fresh, and never boring. I love her DIY videos, and her blog follows their travels too through a unique design lens.
Kismet House
For a masters in warm, cozy traditional spaces, follow Erin and Matthew of Kismet House who share tips and tricks for creating homes that feel unique and full of character.
Michael P.H. Clifford
a1000xBetter
Designer Kirsten Blazek creates rooms that are authentic, stylish, and so comfortable. She really thinks about spaces you want to live in. I'm still swooning over this kitchen of hers that we featured. Her first book A1000xBetter: A Rebel By Designshowcases her eclectic interiors and love of vintage treasures along with her design inspirations and tips.
𝗦𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗮̂𝗰𝗲
Principal designer Ithabeleng Mothabeng has such a talent for creating stunning interiors. She blends a timeless elegance with modern touches and the result is always gorgeous and sophisticated.
Sam Arneson Home
Sam Arneson, an LA-based realtor, brings a thoughtful approach to design with a focus on sustainability and slow living. Her soulful feed is full of inspiration, from mid-century modern gems to cozy woodsy cabins.
OEZLEM OEZSOY
This Hamburg, Germany-based photographer and home decor enthusiast is known for her sophisticated eye for vintage and mid-century decor, creating beautifully curated neutral spaces.
The Organic Bubble Vase, Théophile Candle Holder, and Cadoret Bowl
Christiane Lemieux
NYC-based Christiane Lemieux is an author, designer, entrepreneur and the founder of LEMIEUX ET CIE, a luxury home furnishings brand. If you're looking for elevated interiors with a smidge of fantasy and the unexpected, her feed is the place to be. She was also the co-host and a judge on Ellen’s Design Challenge on HGTV and is a regular guest on MSNBC.
Some other favorites to look out for:
- @amberinteriors
- @beckiowens
- @carleypage
- @danishhomedecor
- @grillodesigns
- @houseofhoney
- @lucyalicehome
- @nestingwithgrace
- @patriciarodi
- @rapsodiaw
- @saraish
- @sansnovazuhause
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
From Kamala Harris-inspired bobs to silky Lindsay Lohan-esque tresses, the season of the silk press (or straighter hairstyles) is officially here! It's been fun watching watching TikTok videos of women going to the salon to get their hair straightened, but it made me ask myself if people truly know how to maintain this style at home. It's one thing to watch a licensed hairstylist work their magic, but the upkeep may not be as straightforward for some people!
Luckily, celebrity hairstylists, Takisha Sturdivant-Drew and Natalie Lamorena, are here to answer all my burning questions. Sturdivant-Drew has over 20 years of experience working in the film and commercial industry, styling clients such as Kerry Washington, Lucy Liu, and Ashley Graham. She also worked on TV series like Suits and the Oscar-nominated film Ray. Lamorena owns Polished Pub Hair & Nail Bar— not to mention she invented the viral "Headicure" service for clients who love the idea of getting a manicure while receiving the best blowout of their lives. And with all that experience, the two of them have plenty to say about silk presses.
TL;DR
- You should rely on professionals for the majority of your silk presses, but you can maintain them at home with "the right tools and products."
- Different hair types require different temperatures and products — be sure to research and check with your hair dresser to make sure your treating your hair the right way.
- Don't get a silk press if you've recently straightened your hair.
- Heat protectant is key for any silk press or hair straightening.
- Naturally curly or textured hair should limit silk presses to once or twice a month; other hair types should keep it to no more than once a week.
- Be sure to wrap your hair correctly and use a bonnet to maintain your style.
How do you know when to straighten your hair at home or go to the salon?
Desperate times call for desperate measures when you're due for a hair appointment and can't book one. I'm sure all of us have turned into an armchair hairstylist by giving ourselves a trim, quick haircut, or dye job. You've probably even watched a few tutorials about how to give yourself a homemade silk press or blowout. I know I've recently purchased a few things to help me maintain my hair at home, but should we be straightening our hair at home?
Lamorena says, "While it’s possible to straighten hair at home, I’d recommend going to a professional for the best results. Stylists know how to work with different hair types, adjust heat settings accordingly, and use high-quality products that protect your hair." If we decide to forego a stylist's expertise, she says we can "accidentally cause damage with uneven heat or over-processing."
Sturdivant-Drew agrees that it's best to see a stylist "for the first few silk presses," but it's not impossible to safely straighten your own hair. "If you have the right tools and products, along with research, you can achieve this hairstyle at home," she says.
How should different hair types approach a silk press?
Just like everyone doesn't have the same skin complexion or undertones, hair types can differ too. This means someone with a fine hair isn't always going to have the same routine as someone with thicker strands — which is why all silk presses aren't the same. "There's definitely no one-size-fits-all approach. The technique used depends on the client’s hair type and texture," Lamorena confirms. This isn't to scare you, however!
Sturdivant-Drew says, "The process of getting a silk press is pretty standard — prepping the hair with shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant, followed by straightening with a blow dryer and flat iron, and finishing with a lightweight oil or serum."
She and Lamorena do agree that some hair textures require a little more than others though. Lamorena says you could only need "a simple blowout and flat iron" while someone may need "more intensive treatments like keratin or a Brazilian blowout for longer-lasting results." If your hair is very curly or textured — and you're ultimately not seeing the results you want — she says chemically straightening your hair is another option. However, Sturdivant-Drew reminds me, "Stylists usually adjust heat settings based on their client's hair health and texture."
Either way, we always recommend you check with your stylist before making any permanent or lasting decisions!
What should you avoid doing before getting a silk press?
Getting a silk press doesn't always involve chemicals, but there are still things you need to avoid before your appointment. Unlike the steps you may follow at home, Lamorena wants you to "avoid loading your hair with a bunch of heavy products " because this can "make the straightening process less effective and lead to more heat being used" than you need. Also, she doesn't want you to wash your hair because "natural oils protect your hair from the heat."
It probably goes without saying, but you also shouldn't book a silk press appointment if you've already straightened your hair. "...that can make it harder for the stylist to work with and could increase the risk of damage," says Lamorena. Besides that, Sturdivant-Drew advises against "using color or relaxers should be avoided before getting a silk press" because "this could lead to a lot of breakage."
What increases a risk of heat damage with this style?
As gorgeous as silk presses are, it's possible to use "too much heat," according to Lamorena. She says, "People tend to crank up the heat on their flat irons and blow dryers, but that can seriously damage the hair cuticle, especially if your hair is fine or already fragile." Something I've learned over time is that a licensed and experienced hair stylist has better knowledge of what's really going on with our hair. They're able to have a clearer view of your scalp, roots, split ends, and more.
The other thing that contribute to damage is not protecting your hair. Lamorena implores that heat protectant products are "are crucial for minimizing damage." Even if you use the right products, you could be straightening your hair way too often. It's normal to want to have straighter hairstyles for a little while, but you should keep in mind that you don't want to overdo it.
"Not prepping or using a heat protectant on your hair will cause a lot of damage. Silk presses require a lot of heat, so it's best to use good heat protectant," adds Sturdivant-Drew. She personally prefers to use Smooth Moisture's Thermal Hair Strengthener because "their system is built for silk presses specifically." She loves that it truly upholds against heat and "adds a nice shine to the hair" once you apply it.
When would it be recommended that a client avoid getting a silk press?
Here comes the not so fun part. As much as you don't want to hear this, your hair may not be able to handle getting a silk press right now. "If your hair is already damaged, it's best to hold off on straightening. Hair that's brittle, dry, or over-processed can be further damaged by heat styling," says Lamorena. What you can do in the meantime is help strengthen your hair by giving yourself "deep conditioning treatments," according to Lamorena.
This is completely up to you and your stylish, but Lamorena suggests staying away from having your hair straightened "during really humid months...if you're prone to frizz" because "the style may not last as long."
Is there a limit to how often clients should receive a silk press?
I'm not an expert, but even I know too much of something can become a bad thing. In the case of using excess heat, I can imagine the implications of that over time. Lamorena says, "There's definitely a limit. You don't want to be straightening your hair too often," and shares her rule of thumb for textures:
- Naturally Curly or Textured Hair — Limit silk presses to once or twice a month to avoid weakening the hair or losing your curl pattern.
- Other Hair Types — Keep it to no more than once a week.
All hair types are capable of experiencing "long-term damage," but giving "your hair a break between sessions helps maintain its health," Lamorena says.
Sturdivant-Drew stresses, "Taking a break between silk presses is important in allowing your hair to recover and maintain the health of your hair. I recommend limiting your silk presses to every 6-8 weeks."
How can clients maintain this style at home during the fall?
Even though cooler temperatures means you won't have to fight against possible frizz, you still have to take care of your silk press. "Maintaining a straight style during the fall can be tricky with cooler weather, wind, and dryness in the air, but it’s doable," says Lamorena. She suggests that you use:
- Use a flat iron with adjustable heat settings to avoid unnecessary damage. Tools like the Dyson Corrale or GHD Platinum+ are solid options
- A wide-tooth comb is great for detangling without pulling or breaking the hair
"Keeping up with a regular routine and using the right tools and products can really help your style last, even through the challenges that fall weather brings," she says.
No matter what your hair type is, Sturdivant-Drew suggests "wrapping your hair correctly and using a bonnet" as they're "key to maintaining" a silk press. Similar to what Lamorena said earlier, Sturdivant-Drew believes "humidity is your worst enemy...so try to avoid humid environments as best as possible!"
Shop Other Expert Silk Press Recommendations
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Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer
"Always apply a heat protectant before using any hot tools. Some favorites include Oribe Royal Blowout and Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer," she says.
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Moroccanoil Treatment
"For taming frizz, try an anti-frizz serum like Moroccanoil Treatment," suggests Lamorena. or John Frieda Frizz Ease.
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John Frieda Frizz Ease
Another option you can use to beat the frizz is John Frieda's Frizz Ease. It's another one of Lamorena's recommendations that will "help seal in moisture and keep your style sleek even in windy fall weather."
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Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime
Lamorena says, "A good leave-in conditioner is key to keeping hair smooth and hydrated; Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime works wonders."
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Living Proof Perfect Hair Day
"To extend your style without washing, use dry shampoo. This is a great option to absorb oil without having to restyle with heat," she says.
Our Silk Press Recommendations
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Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Serum
This anti-frizz serum will not only keep humidity from messing up your silk press, but it'll help improve your hair's elasticity over time and will even add an extra boost of shine to it.
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Wavytalk Professional Hair Dryer with Diffuser
If you decide to straighten your hair at home, you need a good blow dryer that'll work with your texture. Wavytalk has an inexpensive option that comes with a comb attachment, diffuser, and nozzle to help you dry your hair no matter what style you're wearing. It also has the right amount of heat settings that'll lessen the chance you cause any damage.
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CHI 44 Iron Guard Heat Protectant
Not only do I personally love this heat protectant, so does our Affiliate Writer Meredith Holser! It's been our go-to product whenever we straighten our hair because it truly does a great job of protecting our hair from heat and has a slightly fragrant smell we can't get enough of. In my experience, a little goes a long way so you'll get plenty of uses out of it.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.