Tom Holland and Zendaya are the "it" couple right now, and they're both at the top of their game. Tom Holland took a recent break from acting and has been doing phenomenal charity work with his Brothers Trust foundation, while Zendaya's had hit after hit with Euphoria, Dune 2, and Challengers. And it looks like the couple, who met doing Spider-Man: Homecoming, could be doing another new Marvel movie. Here's everything we know about Spider-Man 4.
When is Spider-Man 4 coming out?
Matt Kennedy/Sony/Marvel
Spider-Man 4 (which remains untitled) will hit theaters on July 24, 2026. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsdirector Destin Daniel Cretton will take over from Jon Watts, who directed the first three movies.
One important thing to note about this release date is that it comes after Avengers: Doomsday, which a lot of fans are hoping will see Peter Parker come face-to-face with Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom. Will the Avengers (and MJ) finally remember Peter? Will he be able to help the Fantastic 4 defeat Doom? Will this movie start a whole new trilogy? Tune in next July to find out!!!
Is Tom Holland's Spider-Man 4 coming?
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Yes, we're getting a Spider-Man 4! Tom Holland finally confirmed the news during an October 22 appearance on The Tonight Show, and in true Tom fashion, already revealed a huge piece of news: the movie will start shooting next summer. "Everything’s good to go — we’re nearly there,” he said. “Super exciting. I can’t wait!”
Before the movie was confirmed, producer Amy Pascal told Variety (when asked if they're making a fourth film), “Of course, we are."
It might feel like a new movie conflicts with the fact Spider-Man: No Way Home set up an MCU without Tom Holland's Peter Parker, especially since Tom said he needed to take a break from acting after The Crowded Room "broke" him. ("I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was," he tells Extra.)
However, Tom's also been very vocal about how much Spider-Man means to him, and how much he loves the movies. He also told Variety at The Crowded Room premiere in 2023 that he was already “having meetings” about the next installment.
“The simple answer is that I’ll always want to do Spider-Man films,” Tom tells Deadline at the Sands Film Festival. “We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be. But until we’ve cracked it, we have a legacy to protect...The third movie was so special in so many ways that we need to make sure we do the right thing.”
What has Tom Holland said about returning as Peter Parker?
Jay Maidment/Sony Pictures/Marvel
Tom Holland recently revealed that he's actually already read a script for Spider-Man 4 — and that he loved it! “We have a creative and we have a pitch and a draft, which is excellent,” he tells the Rich Roll Podcast (via Variety). “It needs work, but the writers are doing a great job. I read it three weeks ago and it really lit a fire in me. Zendaya and I sat down and read it together and we, at times, were bouncing around the living room like this is a real movie worthy of the fans’ respect.”
“One of the things is that, with Marvel, your film is a small cog in a large machine,” he continues. “That machine has got to keep running. You have to make sure you can fit into that timeline at the right time to benefit the bigger picture. That’s one of the challenges we’re facing. The time in which we need to get that done is a tall order but definitely achievable with the people we have working on it now.”
Peter Parker is one character fans take very seriously, and I know that with Tom and Zendaya at the front, this movie is going to be just as special as Spider-Man: No Way Home!
Will Zendaya be in Spider-Man 4?
JoJo Whilden/Sony Pictures/Marvel
Considering Euphoria season 3 starts filming in January (and based on the season 2 filming schedule could wrap by the summer), it's totally safe to assume Zendaya will return for Spider-Man 4. And fans are hoping for even more characters they love! "Hopefully Kingpin, Scorpion, Daredevil and Black Cat," says one Reddit user.
Forbes has also recently reported Sydney Sweeney could be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4. Sydney was in Madame Web earlier this year, and after rumors she booked the role thinking she was joining the MCU, this newest Tom Holland film would give her the opportunity to do just that. We could see her as Gwen Stacy, or as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat. Considering we've already gotten an extensive plotline surrounding Peter and Gwen in Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's universe, I'm hoping we'd see her as Felicia!
Has Spider-Man 4 started filming?
Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel
Spider-Man 4 will start filming in "next summer" according to Tom Holland, which we're taking to mean the summer of 2025.
What will be the title of Spider-Man 4?
Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel
We don't have an official name for Spider-Man 4 yet, but fans are already coming up with new ideas. Some fan titles include The Spectacular Spider-Man,Spider-Man: Homeless, and Spider-Man: Home Again. I'd love for Spider-Man 4 to continue with the "home" theme, but switching things up with a brand new title would provide a fresh feel we haven't gotten before. I'm excited to see what Marvel goes with!
What are the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies in order?
Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel
Tom Holland has three Spider-Man movies, but he also shows up in some other MCU titles. If you want to watch all the movies Tom Holland plays Peter Parker, here's how you should watch them:
- Captain America: Civil War
- Spider-Man: Homecoming
- Avengers: Infinity War
- Avengers: Endgame
- Spider-Man: Far From Home
- Spider-Man: No Way Home
What do you want to see in Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man 4? Let us know in the comments!
This post has been updated.
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.
Brit + Co
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.
Brit + Co
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.
Brit + Co
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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Life has a way of testing couples at every stage of their lives — just ask John Mulaney and Olivia Munn. From meeting a wedding to becoming parents together, they've almost seen it all. But, nothing is scarier than watching your partner fight a breast cancer diagnosis and doing your best to support them.
However, their story isn't just comprised of hard moments — the couple just shared they welcomed their second child together via surrogate! Here's everything to know about their relationship, including their brand new bundle of joy!
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
2013 — Olivia Munn Remembers Meeting John Mulaney
Olivia Munn and John Mulaney's story began in 2013 when they met for the first time. "We were at a wedding and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, do you and your fiancé want to go have dinner or something and hang out," she told HuffPost Live. But, she thought she may have gone overboard because her email to the comedian never got a response. "I might've got the wrong email...That's what I tell myself."
December 2020 — Olivia Munn Offers Support As John Mulaney Checks Into Rehab
After that, John Mulaney married his then-fiancé, Anna Marie Tendler (via TODAY) while Olivia Munn dated Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers (via US Magazine). After Munn and Rodgers split, she then went on to date Álex Gonzàlez and Philadelphia Fusion president Tucker Rodgers.
Olivia Munn and John Mulaney didn't have any contact until the end of 2020 when the Mulaney experienced a relapse. It was clear Olivia hadn't forgotten about him because she reportedly tweeted, "Sending SO MUCH love and support to John Mulaney" before adding, "You got this," (via Vanity Fair).
Eric Charbonneau/Netflix
May 10, 2021 — John Mulaney Divorces From Anna Marie Tendler
John must've gained a lot of clarity during his time in rehab — he decided to divorce from Anna Marie Tendler once he came home. Though a spokesperson told Page Six, "John will not have any further comment as he continues to focus on his recovery and getting back to work," Anna chose to acknowledge how "heartbroken" she was.
Netflix
May 13, 2021 — John Mulaney And Olivia Munn Reportedly Start Dating
Olivia Munn and John Mulaney were rumored to be an item days after the latter's divorce news became public. A close source said to PEOPLE, "This is very new, they're taking it slowly." 👀
June 2021 — Olivia Munn And John Mulaney's First Public Outing
The new couple didn't issue a public statement about their relationship, but they were seen together at Rick's Drive In & Out after speculations about them were shared. A source who spotted the couple told PEOPLE, "They were having a great time during lunch, laughing and talking...enjoying each other's company."
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
September 2021 — John Speaks About Olivia's Pregnancy
When John Mulaney sat on the Late Night with Seth Myers couch, he talked about how life was going and shared some pretty big news with Seth Myers. "I went to rehab in September, I got out in October, I moved out of my home from my ex-wife … Then in the spring I went to Los Angeles and met and started to date a wonderful woman named Olivia," he said. Then he dropped the happy bombshell. "And we're having a baby together..." A source couldn't wait to reveal to PEOPLE how "extremely excited" they were to be having their first child together.
September 22, 2021 — Olivia Munn Talks Openly About Her Pregnancy
Olivia opened up about her pregnancy and even made a joke or two about how it was going at the time. "I've been getting a lot of rest and eating the right foods," she told PEOPLE. She also mentioned how her friends were responsible for her being "sane" during this time!
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
November 2021 — Olivia Munn Shares How She Feels About Public Scrutiny Of Her Relationship With John Mulaney
It seems we weren't the only ones interested in the details of Olivia and John's relationship because other people were making speculations about it. "It's definitely not foreign for me to have people speculate incorrectly about things and to have rumors run rampant in one way," she said to the Los Angeles Times. She went on to mention how people were clueless about "what any of his relationships were."
November 24, 2021 — John Mulaney And Olivia Munn Welcome Their First Baby
Not long after Olivia told everyone to mind their business, she and John welcomed their first son, Malcolm Hiệp Mulaney (via PEOPLE) on November 24, 2021. However, the couple didn't share him with the world until the following month. They shared separated Instagramphotos about their son's arrival — and the posts were nothing short of precious.
John wrote, "Meet Malcolm Hiệp Mulaney. He has his whole life ahead of him. He hasn't even tried seltzer yet. I'm very in love with him and his whole deal. Happy Holidays" on his caption while Olivia wrote, "My Golden Ox baby. Malcolm Hiệp Mulaney. Happy Holidays."
Netflix
February 2022 — John Mulaney Happily Talks About His Son While Hosting SNL
John took his time to gush about his family while hostingSNL a few months later. Stating that "Life is a lot better," he said his son was "pretty cool" and even joked about seeing the first few remnants of little Malcom's personality. While his son was on the warmer in the hospital, John could see "...he was annoyed." All he could think to himself was, "'That's my son.' A polite man in an uncomfortable situation..."
March 2022 — Olivia Munn Shares BTS Moments Of John Mulaney And Baby Malcolm
Olivia captured sweet BTS moments of John Mulaney and baby Malcolm on the set of SNL. She wrote, "Malcolm visited SNL Thursday afternoon. Here he is looking like your uncle being carried out of a wedding because he went too hard" as her funny caption.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Vogue
August 27, 2022 — John Mulaney Celebrates Turning 40
John Mulaney celebrated his 40th birthday on an empty stage surrounded by balloons, streamers, and baby Malcom. "There is truly no better way to turn 40," his caption reads. Unfortunately, some of the comments didn't focus on the sweet moment of a father holding his son, but they didn't get a response from John so we hope they were worth it!
October 11, 2022 — Malcolm Says His First Word
Most moms can relate to the fact their child's first word usually isn't mama. In true kiddo form, baby Malcolm's "first word was Daddy/Dada," according to this cute video clip Olivia Munn posted. In it, you can hear little one saying a couple of more words to the amusement of his parents.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
November 24, 2022 — Baby Malcom Turns One
The couple celebrated Baby Malcom's first birthday a little over a month after he spoke his first word and we wish someone would gift us a yummy chocolate cake based on how much fun it seems he had.
Olivia's Instagram caption reads, "Just got back from celebrating ONE YEAR of the most joyful baby being in this world and in our lives. My son, my joy. Happiest Birthday Malcolm Hiệp! I love you so so so much."
January 9, 2024 — Olivia And John Make It Red Carpet Official
The couple showed up on the red carpet together for the first time and they looked stunning! They attended the Governors Awards in L.A. and couldn't stop making heart eyes at each other.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
March 13, 2024 — Olivia Munn Shares A Shocking Diagnosis
Unfortunately, Olivia Munn revealed she'd been quietly navigating a breast cancer diagnosis on Instagram. She shared a carousel of photos that detailed her journey from discovery to treatment and was met with support of actresses like Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon.
"I'm so thankful to my friends and family for loving me through this. I'm so thankful to John for the nights he spent researching what every operation and medication meant and what side effects and recovery I could expect," she wrote.
July 10, 2024 — John Mulaney And Olivia Munn Tie The Knot
The couple took their relationship further by getting married earlier this summer. Their ceremony wasn't over-the-top nor did it involve a lot of people, according to PEOPLE. Olivia Munn's The Newsroom co-star, Sam Waterston was their officiant while Baby Malcolm and an onlooker witnessed the couple dedicate their lives to each other.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
September 14, 2024: John Mulaney and Olivia Munn's Second Baby Is Born
Shocking everyone, the couple announced the birth of their daughter Méi June Mulaney on Instagram. Welcomed via surrogate, Olivia revealed how she felt about this part of her and John's journey as parents. "I had so many profound emotions about not being able to carry my daughter. When I first met our gestational surrogate we spoke mother to mother. She showed me so much grace and understanding, I knew I had found a real-life angel," she wrote in her caption.
October 24, 2025: John Mulaney Praises Olivia Munn In Moving Speech
As evidenced by his passionate speech at InStyle's inaugural Imagemaker Award, John's no stranger to expressing his love for his wife. Olivia received the Woman of Impact award which seeks to celebrate a celebrity who's used their platform to shed light on something they genuinely care about (via PEOPLE). John used the time he presented the award to Olivia to talk about the breast cancer diagnosis that rocked their worlds.
"About a year [after learning of her diagnosis], Olivia shared her story," he began. "This was a cancer that was not detected from a BRCA gene test, it was not detected by a mammogram. It was detected because she took a heretofore not-that-known test called the lifetime breast cancer risk assessment test and they found that she had a 37 percent chance of breast cancer. And about a month later, she was having a double mastectomy. She shared her story to help anyone she could. According to the National Cancer Institute, in the week after Olivia shared the story of her breast cancer journey, there was a 4,000 percent increase in women visiting the breast cancer risk assessment. That was the first week. Olivia saving lives by speaking her truth is not surprising to me."
We love to see how John has been standing by her side throughout each stage of their relationship and wish them all the best!
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This post has been updated.
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
Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor inspiration!
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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.
Follow our Amazon storefront to see which hair products we'll always keep in our bathrooms.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.