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In the pursuit of flawless hair, many of us often turn to heat-styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers. These magical devices can transform our locks from frizzy to fabulous in a matter of minutes. However, heat styling isn’t always kind to our precious strands, cuz it can cause heat damage situation. But fear not – protecting your hair from heat damage doesn’t mean sacrificing your styling routine. With the right techniques and products, you can enjoy beautifully styled locks without compromising your health and vitality.
I. What is Heat Damage?
Heat damage is a common concern for anyone who regularly reaches for their trusty styling tools. When these tools are used at high temperatures or for prolonged periods, the hair cuticles can become damaged or even lift off, leaving the inner layers exposed and vulnerable.
When hair is subjected to high temperatures, the protein structure within the hair can be altered, causing it to lose its elasticity and strength. This can result in hair that is more prone to breakage and split ends. Additionally, the moisture content of the hair can be depleted, leading to dry and brittle strands. Repeated exposure to high heat can permanently alter the structure of the hair, causing it to lose its natural curl pattern or become permanently straightened.
II. What Are The Signs of Heat-Damaged Hair?
Heat-damaged hair refers to hair excessively exposed to high temperatures, typically from styling tools such as hair straighteners, curling irons, or blow dryers. Heat-damaged hair may appear dull, rough, and lackluster. It may also be difficult to style and manage, as the damaged hair is more prone to frizz and tangles. Read on to learn more about the signs of heat-damaged hair.
1. Dryness and Dullness
The cuticles of your hair are what make it shiny. When the cuticles are damaged, your hair loses its shine. After washing your hair, it should be brighter than when it was dirty. If it’s dull, that’s one of the first signs you have heat-damaged hair. Dryness also contributes to dull hair. Damaged hair doesn’t properly maintain moisture, leaving your tresses dehydrated and prone to breakage.
2. Split Ends
Heat-damaged hair loses elasticity because applying heat regularly affects the hair’s ability to retain moisture. When hair becomes dehydrated, it becomes stiffer and more difficult to work with, often resulting in split ends. This usually happens at the ends, but splits can also happen higher up the strand. There are a few types of splits. A basic split is where the hair divides in two, a multiple split is where the hair resembles tree branches, and a cuticle split is where part of the cuticle is lost but the cortex remains.
3. Breakage
Split ends weaken your hair’s structure, increasing the chances that your hair will break off. Exposing your hair to frequent high heat also increases your risk of breakage because it loses its elasticity. If you’ve ever noticed short pieces of hair that stick up, they’re likely pieces of hair that have broken off. Your hair can break when it’s wet or dry. If it’s gotten tangled, your hair may break as you work through the knots.
4. Rough or Changed Texture
To determine if the texture has changed, run your fingers through your hair. Heat-damaged curly hair may lose its spring and not bounce back the way it did when your hair is healthy. Damaged straight hair can go from feeling smooth and silky to feeling rough and coarse. You may even describe heat-damaged hair as feeling frayed or singed at the tips.
III. How To Protect Hair From Heat Damage?
If any of those attributes describe your hair, you’re probably wondering if the situation can be reversed. While heat damage cannot be physically reversed, there are certainly ways to visibly reverse the effects and prevent further damage. Let’s examine how you can prevent heat damage and improve your hair if it’s already happened.
Protect Hair From Heat Damage #1 - Apply A Heat Protectant
Applying a heat protectant before exposing your hair to heat is the simplest way to prevent heat damage. Heat and UV protectants are some of the best ways to help prevent damage and help protect already damaged hair. Heat protectants both hydrate and protect the hair strands. The ingredients protect it by creating a barrier that acts like a heat shield. We recommend you try a heat protectant like Rahua’s Heat Protectant Shield, which has hydrating avocado, castor seed, almond oils, and shea butter, and serves as a shield for temperatures up to 425°F.
#2 - Use a Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
Even before styling your hair, you can begin preventing heat damage by properly moisturizing during your wash routine. Heat protection can start right in the shower. We recommend using a shampoo tailored to your natural hair type and conditioners formulated to hydrate and repair damaged hair. Cuz hair loses a lot of moisture from heat damage, therefore, the right conditioner can help lock in and seal the shaft, preventing further damage and restoring the barrier. You also can add back lost hydration and seal it in with masks and leave-in conditioners. There are many different hair masks with different ingredients that can help you improve the condition of your hair.
Protect Hair From Heat Damage #3 - Wash Less Frequently
The more frequently you wash your hair, the less time your scalp has to replenish its natural oils. Washing your hair less often will help heal by allowing your natural oils to create a moisture barrier. While allowing your scalp enough time to replenish its oils is important, you also want to avoid washing too rarely: This can cause product build-up and excess oil and dirt.
#4 - Avoid Harsh Chemicals
It’s so much easier said than done, but avoiding bleach and permanent dye will make your hair less susceptible to heat damage. Permanent hair color and bleach can play a significant role in damaging your hair, especially when combined with daily heat styling. The chemicals in harsh dyes and bleach will strip your hair of moisture and can lead to it becoming brittle.
Protect Hair From Heat Damage #5 - Try a Heat Damage Reverser
If you already have heat damage on your hair, fear not: Help is available. Heat damage reversers exist, and they can improve the condition and appearance of your hair, even if they can’t reverse time. We recommend Spoiled Child’s M26 Damage Reverser, it quenches the hair instantly, leaving it silky and strong… It is a great option for transforming damaged hair into feeling healthy again.
CHECK THIS OUT: How Long Does It Take to Repair Damaged Hair?
IV. Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored everything you need to know about safeguarding your hair from the perils of heat styling. From choosing the right products to implementing protective measures, we’ve equipped you with the knowledge and strategies to keep your mane looking its best. So, whether you’re a seasoned stylist or a newcomer to the world of heat tools, we hope this guide will help you on this journey to healthier, bouncier hair.
