How to Avoid Heat Damage

Use thermal tools on your hair sparingly to minimize their damaging effects.

Thermal tools, such as straighteners and curling irons, are a convenient, versatile and effective way of styling hair. However, regular heat styling can strip hair of its natural protective oils over time, making it dry, frazzled and prone to breaking. Incorrect use of thermal styling tools --- for instance, using them on a too-high setting or on wet hair, or leaving them on the hair too long --- can result in immediate damage, such as scorching.

Things You'll Need

• Heat protection spray
• Deep conditioning treatment

Instructions

1. Use ceramic thermal tools. Heat is distributed more evenly across a ceramic surface, resulting in kinder and more effective styling. Avoid styling tools that directly expose the hair to metal, which can contain heat hot spots.

2. Dry hair completely before heat styling. Wet hair can stretch, making it more vulnerable to cuticle damage or breakage.

3. Apply a heat protection product. Heat styling products coat the hair and act as a protective barrier against heat damage. Look for products that contain silicone or proteins. After misting the product over the hair, comb through to distribute the protective coating evenly from roots to tips.

4. Use thermal tools on the coolest setting. Even better, unplug the device and allow it to cool slightly before use. Test the temperature of straighteners or curling irons before use by inserting a piece of tissue paper into the device for a few seconds; if the paper scorches or becomes discolored, the device is too hot.

5. Never leave curling irons or straighteners on the hair for longer than the recommended time for your specific device. Good results can be achieved in less than the recommended time so experiment until you find the minimum styling time for your needs.

6. Deep condition your hair once a week. Use a hair mask or leave-in product designed to nourish, protect and strengthen the hair cuticle. Hair that is in good condition is more resistant to heat damage from thermal styling tools.

7. Experiment with heat-free styling techniques. Create curls or waves with pin curls, rollers or braids, or use large rollers to straighten and smooth curly or frizzy hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow the instructions supplied with your heat styling tool.

References

• Hair Finder: Curling Iron Tips - Prevent Hair Damage
• Schwartzkopf: Heat Protection for Your Hair: Styling without Regret
• Folica: Repairing Heat Styling Damage