While overnight heatless curl methods are at an all-time high, sometimes nothing can beat the results of a fresh blow-out or the masterful finish of your favorite curling wand. While frequent use of blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can lead to heat damage — leaving hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage — and fade your hair color faster, there are ways to protect your hair and minimize your risk of damage when using heat to style. Beat the heat damage and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant using these at-home tips.
- Always Start with a Heat Protectant
Before reaching for your heat styling tools, always start by applying a heat protectant spray to your hair. These products create a protective barrier that helps to shield your hair from the damaging effects of heat. Spritz the heat protectant evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, where the hair is most vulnerable to damage. Allow the product to dry for a few seconds before proceeding with heat styling.
- Adjust the Temperature of Your Heat Tools
As a general rule, lower heat settings are suitable for fine or damaged hair, while higher heat settings can be used on thicker or coarser hair. Start with the lowest heat setting and gradually increase the temperature as needed, being mindful not to exceed temperatures that could cause damage to your hair.
If your hair is straight, your heat temperature range should stay between 250°F and 375°F, depending on your strand's circumference (go lower for finer hair and higher for coarse textures). If you have fine hair, stay closer to 250°F and 300°F. If you have coarse hair, you can go up to 375°F.
If you have wavy hair, your heat temperature range should stay between 300°F and 375°F. Again, 350°F and 375°F is only best for coarse hair. If your hair is curly, your heat temperature range should stay between 325°F and 410°F. If your hair is coiled, your heat temperature range should stay between 375°F and 425°F.
If your hair is already damaged or processed, your heat temperature range should stay between 250°F to 300°F.
- Limit Heat Exposure
Minimize the amount of time your hair is exposed to heat by working quickly and efficiently with your styling tools. Divide your hair into sections and focus on one section at a time, using smooth, fluid motions to style your hair. Avoid repeatedly passing the heat tool over the same section of hair, as this can lead to overheating and damage. Once a section is styled, move on to the next to reduce overall heat exposure.
- Use the Right Hair Care
Even when you are not actively styling your hair with heat, the way you care for your hair on wash day is key to replenishing your hair with hydration and nourishment in between your heat styles. Look for formulas containing ingredients like Sunflower Seed Oil, which can help your scalp retain moisture, soften hair, add shine, condition and prevent breakage.
- Finish with Cool Air
After heat styling your hair, finish with a blast of cool air from your blow dryer to help set your style and seal the hair cuticle. Cool air helps to lock in moisture and reduce frizz, leaving your hair looking smooth and shiny. Simply switch your blow dryer to the cool setting and run it over your styled hair for a few seconds to reap the benefits of this simple yet effective technique.
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