How Frequently Should We Use Curling Irons or Blow-Dryers?

Contributor

By Angela Tague
eHow Contributing Writer

Curling irons and blow-dryers have become a staple in our morning routines. Creating daily hairstyles may require the use of these small appliances, but using them too frequently might damage your hair. Less is best when it comes to using curling irons and blow-dryers. Always use cool settings and protective hair serum for the least amount of damage when using a blow-dryer or curling iron.

Types

Blow-dryers come with a variety of heat settings. If you must blow-dry your hair, use the cool setting to reduce the amount of damage it may cause. The hot or warm settings dry out your hair's natural moisture, causing it to get frizzy, brittle and to break.
When using a curling iron, be sure to apply it to dry hair treated with a thermal protecting spray. This will reduce the amount of heat damage to your hair.

Features

Blow-dryers with cool air settings are not as damaging as hot or warm heat dryers. Select a blow-dryer that uses ionic or antistatic technology. Towel dry or partially air-dry hair to remove as much moisture as possible, before using any type of blow-dryer.
Choose a ceramic barrel curling iron when working with dry or damaged hair. It will distribute heat more evenly, and help retain the hair's natural moisture.

Considerations

Don't pull or tug on hair while using a blow-dryer. This will cause further damage and even hair loss over time.
Be extremely careful when using a curling iron. It is possible to burn yourself on the scalp or forehead when using a curling iron. Place a comb between the iron and your skin when curling close to your head. Choose a curling iron with a safety, heat-resistant grip on the end of the barrel, so you can steady the iron while curling.
Never try to curl wet hair. The heat of the iron can burn the moist strands of hair.

Benefits

Using curling irons and blow-dryers makes it much simpler to style hair. The tools are quick and convenient, when compared with natural hair drying and old-fashioned hair rollers.

Effects

Using blow-dryers and curling irons will leave you with your desired hairstyle, but at a cost. Over time, hair styled with heated appliances will get dry, have split ends, get brittle and break. Try not to use a blow-dryer or curling iron a few times a week, to allow your hair time to regenerate moisture and become healthier.