Expert Tips for Avoiding Heat Damaged Hair
We all love our styling tools! From flat irons to hairdryers, they help us created magnificent and sleek styles in record time.
Trouble is, if you don’t protect your hair, heat will cause damage over time. That’s because excess heat makes the outer layer of the hair break down. When this happens, it causes the hair to become dry and rough, and even lose color.
All is not lost though. You can still enjoy your favorite tools and avoid heat damaged hair.
Read on to learn our best expert advice!
Protect Hair From Heat With the Right Products
Start your new hair care routine by using the right products. Invest in good quality shampoos and conditioners. Choose moisturizing shampoos to return the moisture to your hair that you’ll lose through applying heat.
Detangling sprays are great to help you detangle hair without it breaking. You can apply this in the shower or just after.
You can also make your own leave-in conditioner. Mix 3 tablespoons of your favorite conditioner with a cup of distilled water. Add this to a spray bottle, shake well, then spray onto wet hair.
Before you style your hair, use a heat styling spray. This creates an extra layer between the hair and heat. It won’t completely stop the heat from getting through but it will slow it down.
Air Dry When You Can
It’s advisable to air dry your hair from time to time. Once a week is great if you can manage it. Yes, it takes longer, but if you have nowhere to go in a hurry, it gives hair time to recover.
You can always use tools on your air-dried hair. That way, you get the benefit of the heat without applying it twice.
If air drying isn’t an option, dry your hair with a towel before blow-drying.
Wrap your hair in a towel and leave it to absorb water. Rubbing your hair with a towel can damage the cuticle. This leaves it weaker and more likely to suffer heat damage.
Get as much of the water out as you can with the towel. This way, you’ll need much less heat to dry it. It’ll also take less time, too!
Make sure you only use a blow dryer on damp or wet hair. Never use flat irons or curling irons on wet hair. The heat turns the water in your hair into steam, which damages the hair.
Have Regular Hair Cuts
This tip leads to healthier hair overall because it removes split ends on a regular basis. These split ends happen when hair breaks, and the split runs up the shaft.
This weakens the hair, leaving it more susceptible to heat damage. Regular trims will keep these split ends at bay.
Your stylist can also keep an eye on the health of your hair. They’ll let you know if they spot early signs of heat damage.
Pamper Your Hair
Hair masks are a great option in between hair cuts to revitalize your hair. Try using them once a week to soothe your hair and avoid heat damage.
Pick a mask that seals moisture in, because this will also protect your hair when you’re styling using heat.
Apply the mask when you would normally use your conditioner. Leave it to sink it while you do other things. Rinse it off, and you’re done.
Use the Right Tools
You can also avoid heat damaged hair by using the right tools properly. Try not to let the hair stay in contact with the tool for more than 10 seconds at a time.
Don’t use the highest heat settings on a flat iron. A good rule of thumb is that fine or thinner hair needs a lower heat setting.
Thicker or coarser hair needs a higher setting. Avoid anything above 400°F as it’ll fry your hair. If you can, try to only use one pass with the tool. That stops over-exposure to heat.
Make sure your flat irons have ceramic plates. These distribute heat evenly, so they cut down on damage. They’re smoother too, so they don’t create frizz.
Get a good dryer with a professional nozzle. You’ll need less time to dry your hair, which means less heat causing damage.
Ceramic brushes absorb heat, pushing it back into the hair. Boar bristle hair brushes don’t do this, meaning they don’t dry out the hair.
Don’t Color Your Hair Unless You Have To
Hair dyes and other chemical products can make your hair look great. Trouble is, they also weaken your hair. That means any damage caused by heat is multiplied.
You can help to ease this problem by only coloring your hair when you have to. Or use moisturizing products to help replace the moisture removed by chemical products.
Semi-permanent colorants or ammonia-free dyes might be an option as they contain fewer chemicals. Giving your hair a break—from heat or chemicals—gives it a chance to recover.
Check Out Heat-Free Options
You can also get styling tools that avoid the use of heat altogether. Foam rollers let you create beautiful curls—the curl sets as the hair dries. Putting wet hair into braids and letting it dry creates beach-ready waves.
Exploring updos gives you access to hairstyles that don’t require heat. Twisted knot buns look great if you have long hair and you can add cute accessories to match your outfit.
Shorter hair looks great in choppy, tousled styles. Use clips and barrettes to hold sections back from your face.
That’s How to Avoid Heat Damaged Hair
These are our best hair care tips to avoid heat damaged hair. Try to find a balance of proper care, moderation when using hot tools and regular haircuts. This will help your hair stave off damage and look its best.
Check out heat-free styles as a great alternative. You may even prefer how they look!
Noticed your hair looks tired and not sure if it’s from heat damage or hair thinning? Ask your stylist or contact us with any questions. We’d be happy to help.