How to protect your hair from heat?

If you want a stunning runway-worthy blow-out or mermaid-like cascading curls, hot tools are unquestionably required. Heat, on the other hand, can produce dryness, dullness, split ends, and even breakage if not used properly. Before you abandon your hot tools entirely, consider the advice provided below. We’re going to show you how to protect your hair from the heat and keep it looking great. The sooner you identify heat damage to your hair, the greater your chances of restoring it. The following are early indicators of heat-damaged hair:

• Frizzy and dull hair
• Split ends on unhealthy hair
• Softness loss and easy breakage
• Hair volume reduction

Hair hydration

Dehydration is the most common side effect of severe heat styling. Heat, whether from the sun’s UV rays, the water you use to wash your hair, or your favorite flat iron, can dry out your strands, resulting in brittle, dull-looking hair. To counteract the drying effects of heat, nourish your hair with moisture. Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner in the shower, and once a week, apply a deep-conditioning hair mask.

Keep your strands safe

Using unprotected hair with blow dryers, curling wands, and flat irons? That is not an option. Before utilising any hot tool, spritz or spread a heat protectant into your hair. Many of these products aid in the formation of a protective coating surrounding the hair fibre, which can aid in the prevention of moisture loss and the prevention of dehydration. Furthermore, several of these products can assist to increase volume while still leaving your hair lustrous and soft to the touch.

Take a styling break for your hair

Do you use heat on a daily basis? Consider taking a break to embrace the natural texture of your hair. Instead of using a blow-dryer when it’s raining or extremely humid outside, work a leave-in conditioner through your damp strands and let your hair air dry or style it in a braid or bun.

Maintain a low heat

When you do reach for the hot tools, utilise them on the lowest setting that still allows you to achieve your goal. Blow dryers can be used on the lowest heat level and the speed can be adjusted for faster drying, while flat irons and curling irons can typically be used on a medium setting to get the job done. Furthermore, never leave a flat iron in any one location for too long—if a portion doesn’t look right, wait a moment and go back in once it’s cooled down. When using curling irons, make sure your hair is not left in the clamp or wrapped around the barrel for 5 to 10 seconds.

Never use hot styling tools on wet hair

Your hair should never sizzle like frying pan food. If you hear a sound during style, it signifies your hair isn’t dry and you’re potentially injuring it. Never use hot tools on your locks unless they are completely dry!

Increase lustre

Consider using a nourishing and shine-inducing hair oil after styling. Just a few drops can assist to replenish moisture, smooth your strands, and leave your hair looking shiny and healthy!

At night, wrap your hair

Wrapping your hair at night is an important step in keeping your hair healthy, whether it is natural or heat-styled. If you frequently forget to wrap your hair at night, invest on silk pillowcases.

Regular salon visits

A competent stylist is the best way to keep track of any remaining hair damage and get suitable recommendations. Make sure you’re going to the salon (or having virtual consultations) every three months.

Apply a heat protectant

This step must not be overlooked. If you have curly or natural hair and want to use heat in any way, first use a heat protectant on your natural hair. Most heat protectants will shield your hair from heat up to 450 degrees. Use this procedure after detangling before proceeding to style.

Don’t go overboard

At the end of the day, while we all enjoy heat styling, it’s important to remember that, like all good things, moderation is key. Allow your hair to air-dry whenever you have the opportunity, especially if you already have heat-damaged hair.

Although air-drying takes longer, it will save your hair from major damage in the long term. To expedite the procedure, first dry it with a microfiber cloth to absorb excess water. But keep in mind that gentleness is essential if you want to avoid more tangles, split ends, and breakage.

Heat protection tips for hair

These tips will assist you maintain straight hair and other hairstyles while protecting your natural hair from heat damage.

Wash and deep condition your hair thoroughly- Before allowing those heated machines to perform their magic on your hair, you must first thoroughly wash and deep condition it using a light and organic shampoo.

Allow your hair to air-dry for a few minutes – Allow your hair to dry naturally, depending on your hair type. Damp hair reacts very negatively to heat. Always try to air dry your hair before using any heat equipment.

Apply heat protectants designed for natural hair- Coat your hair evenly with a heat protectant. This helps to retain moisture and prevent your hair from heat damage. Heat protectants are available in serum, spray, and cream formulations.

Blow dry your hair first- Blow drying your hair first will straighten it slightly. It will also assist avoid knotting and tangling of your hair ends, which will lead to hair breaking.

Reapply a heat protectant before heat styling- Reapplying a heat protectant after blow drying and before heat styling your hair is the best approach to ensure that the machine’s heat does not damage it.

unmistakable indicators of heat-damaged hair:

• Dull colour continuous exposure to intense heat (such as from hair straighteners) quickly dulls the pigment in your hair, especially if it has been bleached or coloured.
• Rough, dry texture cuticle damage causes your hair to be less smooth and lustrous, giving it a dry, brittle appearance.
• Bubble hair – when exposed to high temperatures, little “bubbles” form along the hair shaft.
• Damaged hair snaps quickly, resulting in shorter hairs that escape when your hair is pulled up (these are known as flyaways)
• Unable to hold hair colour Cuticle damage can make hair strands more porous, making colour retention problematic if you dye your hair.

Bonus Tips

• To avoid split ends, have your hair cut on a regular basis.
• Make use of a decent heat protection serum.
• Hair straighteners and curling tongs should never be used on wet hair.
• Wear a hat or scarves in the sun to protect your hair.
• When blow-drying your hair, hold it 15 cm away from your hair and move it repeatedly – one study suggests this technique may cause less harm than air drying.
• Avoid using a hair dryer for at least a few weeks after a hair transplant.