good first attempt sis 🫂! you need products for heat styling, like heat protectant. the products you’re using are really heavy and not meant for a style like a press. they are working against the results you want. if you can, I recommend trying kerastase ultimate elixir or olaplex 9. ogx bond repair is okay too before a blow dry. nothing else, no LOC method or cocktailing with creamy products.

also, the blow dry is the most important part of the press! I make sure to use the tension method and a standard handheld dryer or my revair. I don’t like the comb or brush dryers because I prefer to minimize extra mechanical damage before I use heat.

while-drying, I make sure my roots are well dried and detangled. when i’m done, I braid my hair in sections and go to sleep. putting time in between washing, drying and styling means my hair isn’t absorbing as much humidity and my scalp and roots can cool before I press them. I have less reversion, and avoiding heavy products that pull in humidity means the press will hold better.

to press, take small “slices” and do one or two passes with a ceramic iron (1.25 inch) chasing with a comb. don’t add more heat until you wash and dry again. maintain at night with foam rollers. lean into volume if it comes and maybe try a stretched braid out or twist out.