21+ Short Silk Press Hairstyles: Popular Ideas for Short Natural Hair

The silk press is a popular smoothing treatment for natural hair textures that minimizes frizz and softens curls and coils, leaving hair with a silky, straight appearance. While silk presses are often associated with longer lengths, the treatment can also work wonders on short natural hair styles. For women with hair that hits at or below the chin, a short silk press opens up a world of looks to complement any fashion or occasion. Here are some top short silk press hairstyles to try:

Straight Bobs

The classic bob cut never goes out of style and looks chic with a silk press. Aim for a length that hits just below the chin or grazes the top of the shoulders. Ask your stylist to cut hair in a forward U-shape around the face for flattering framing.

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Go for a straight across cut in the back. With hair silk pressed straight and smoothed, the precise angles of the bob accentuate facial features. Wear it down with a center part or swept to the side.

Textured Layers

Adding dimension and movement to a silk pressed bob makes it feel fresh and young. Have your stylist incorporate a few face-framing layers around the hairline and crown for wispy bangs or wisps that break up the straight texture.

Textured pieces allow hair to maintain silkiness while adding natural body and bounce. The layers soften a straight silk press and complement all face shapes.

Asymmetrical Cuts

For an edgy look, try an asymmetrical bob cut at different lengths on each side. One side can hit just at the chin line while the other grazes the jaw.

With a silk press, the straight styles sharply accentuate the asymmetry. Sweep the longer side behind the ear to show off the shape. The bold silhouette makes a statement without compromising on silkiness or length.

Pixie Cuts

A short pixie cut silk pressed super straight exudes androgynous chic. Have hair cut with a heightened crown, angled lines, and short, wispy bangs.

The precision of the cut combined with pin straight texture brings out high cheekbones and flawless features. Opt for a high-sheen pomade or cream to lock in sleekness. Wear with minimal embellishment for an edgy look that makes the most of facial structure.

Blunt Bangs

Straight across or angled bangs add an instant style update to any short cut. With a silk press, blunt bangs maintain pin-straight form to frame the face in a flattering way.

Opt for a length that hits right at eyebrow level. Go all one length or add wispier pieces around the hairline. Playing with different bang styles, from side-swept to full-on across the forehead, gives endless look potential. Bangs pair well with bobs, pixies, and tapered cuts.

Smooth Undercuts

Incorporate an edgy undercut into a short hairstyle for an androgynous vibe. The undercut involves shaving close on the sides and back below a strip of longer hair on top.

With a silk press treatment, the top layer maintains pin-straight texture. Let top hair fall forward to drape over the undercut for an avant-garde contrast of lengths and textures. Add subtle contouring around the hairline to emphasize the shape. Undercuts pair well with bobs, pixies, tapers and angular haircuts.

Whimsical Styling

Play up the silkiness of a short pressed look with feminine touches. Curl side-swept bangs with flexi-rods for soft waves. Sweep the silhouette up into a sleek pompadour or top knot. Or experiment with braids, twists, and half-up styles before pressing for endless options. Curling tongs or a velcro roller set create spiral curls, beach waves or finger waves over night that smooth out silk straight come morning. Get creative for special events—floral embellishments or accessories add whimsy.

Low or High Ponytails

Show off the softness of a silk pressed short cut in an easy ponytail style. For a low look, gather hair softly at nape level with a velvet hair tie or scrunchie.

Leave shorter front pieces loose in a cropped, tousled style around the hairline. Or go for a high pony or wrapped bun with coils of hair accentuating the crown and nape. Minimal hair accessories and pins keep looks sophisticated for work or play. Straight hair in breezy ponytails lets facial features shine.

The silk press treatment gives short natural hair unparalleled softness and shine for myriad stylish looks. From classic bobs to edgy undercuts, experimenting with flattering cuts and creative touches let silk pressed shorter lengths take center stage in any ensemble or occasion. A short silk press opens up a world of easy, chic hairstyles to suit any taste or lifestyle.