It’s been commonly said in the natural hair world that heat on hair causes everything bad. And for the most part, we’ve been told to avoid using heat-styling tools and equipment. But then, the truth is that heat styling can make a lot of difference in the outlook of our hairstyle, keeping it defined, beautiful, and professional.
Whether straightening, curling, or blow-drying, the allure of effortlessly styled hair is undeniable. Although there are natural ways of doing some of these things, such as threading, we cannot deny that using heat makes the work easier and faster and gives it a more polished look.
However, while these tools and techniques can provide instant gratification, they also come with a cost – the potential for damage to your precious strands. Yes, that’s right.
In this article, we will look into heat styling and the damage it can cause to hair, as well as provide essential tips to protect your hair even with the use of heat.
Understanding Heat Damage
Heat styling tools, such as flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers, apply heat to the hair shaft to temporarily alter its structure. While this can result in sleek, styled hair, it can also lead to damage over time. When subjected to high temperatures, the hair’s cuticle – its outer protective layer – can weaken, causing it to fray and become prone to breakage. Additionally, excessive heat can deplete the hair’s natural moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and more susceptible to damage.
Some Damages Caused By Heat
Dryness
Heat from styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can strip the hair of its natural moisture and oils. This leads to dryness, making the hair feel rough and brittle. When the hair lacks moisture, it becomes more prone to breakage and split ends.
Loss of Elasticity
When heat styling tools are used very frequently and at very high temperatures, they can damage the hair’s protein structure. This damage weakens the hair’s elasticity, making it more rigid and prone to breakage. Curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers are common culprits in causing this type of damage. If you must use them, use them at an average temperature and try not to use them too frequently.
Breakage and Split Ends
Heat damage can weaken the hair shaft, making it more susceptible to breakage. In addition to breakage, high temperatures from styling tools can cause the hair cuticle to become rough and jagged, leading to split ends. If you are familiar with hair care, you should know by now that breakage and split ends are the number one enemies of hair growth. If you desire long and healthy hair, you have to learn the right ways to use these tools without damaging your hair.
Altered Curl Pattern
When certain tools like flat irons or blow dryers are used to straighten or manipulate curls, they can permanently loosen or change the hair’s natural curl pattern. .
Scalp Damage
Direct heat applied to the scalp, such as from blow dryers or hot styling tools, can cause scalp burns or irritation. This was the major reason why I stopped using heat on my hair. Prolonged exposure to heat can also lead to dry scalp conditions like dandruff or scalp eczema. It’s important to maintain a safe distance between the styling tool and the scalp and to use heat-protectant products to minimize scalp damage.
Color Fading
Using heat styling tools frequently can contribute to colour fading, especially for individuals with dyed or chemically processed hair. The high temperature of the tools can open the hair cuticle, allowing the color molecules to escape more easily.
Overprocessing
Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can overprocess the hair, especially if used at high temperatures or applied for too long. Overprocessing weakens the hair’s structure, making it more prone to damage and breakage.
Texture Changes
Heat styling tools can alter the hair’s natural texture, making it feel rough or coarse.
Tips for Minimizing Heat Damage
If you love heat styling tools, there’s still good news for you. Read further to find out how to keep your hair safe and healthy while you use these tools.
Use Heat Protectant Products
Before subjecting your hair to heat styling, always apply a heat protectant spray or serum. This heat protectant creates a barrier between your hair and the heat. When purchasing a heat protectant, look for products containing ingredients like silicone, dimethicone, or avocado oil, which can help seal the hair cuticle and protect it from damage.
Avocado oil has a very high smoke point of roughly 520 degrees. Most styling tools go up to about 450 degrees, so avocado oil as a heat protectant can withstand higher temperatures and protect hair from damage.
Adjust Heat Settings
Most heat damage comes from using styling tools at very high temperatures. Most styling tools have adjustable temperature settings, so whenever possible, opt for lower heat settings to minimize damage to your hair—200 to 300 degrees offers sufficient heat safe for most hair types. Fine, thinning hair will benefit from an even lower setting.
Limit Frequency
To minimize the cumulative effects of heat styling, try to limit the frequency with which you use heat tools. Instead of straightening or curling your hair daily, consider embracing your natural texture on some days or trying heatless styling methods.
Invest in Quality Tools
Bad or low-quality tools can easily damage hair. When buying tools, go for high-quality tools from reputable brands that are designed to distribute heat evenly and minimize damage to the hair.
Prep and Protect
Before heat styling, it’s essential to prepare your hair properly. Start by washing and conditioning with hydrating products to help replenish moisture and nourish the hair. Additionally, consider using a pre-styling treatment or leave-in conditioner to provide extra protection and hydration.
Pick the Right Tool for the Job
Hair styling tools come in different shapes and sizes, and each is designed for a specific purpose. It is very important to know the right tool to achieve the result you desire. Not only will the correct styling tool offer ease in styling, but it will also help ensure you don’t unintentionally damage your hair.
Try Out Heat-Free Hairstyles
Also, explore other hairstyles, like braids and updos, that do not require heat. If you know the right techniques, you can achieve styles like curls, waves, or even stretching out your hair without heat.
Respond to Issues Promptly
When using heat styling tools, it’s important to listen to how your hair responds. Whenever you notice anything undesirable, such as split ends, frizz, or dryness, you should address it quickly to prevent further damage.
Keep up with a good hair routine
As you use heat styling tools, make sure to stay consistent with your hair care routine, which involves regular shampooing, deep conditioning, moisturizing, trimming, etc. This helps ensure that your hair stays healthy and beautiful.
In conclusion, while heat styling can be a convenient way to achieve sleek, styled hair, it’s essential to approach it with caution to minimize damage and maintain the health of your hair. By following the precautions above, you can have healthy and thriving hair, even with the use of heat styling tools.
