Too Much Heat

by Nina, Editor LHHA

Styling your hair with heat too frequently can lead to damaged, dry hair especially if precautions are not taken such as using heat protectant or ensuring your hair is sufficiently moisturized.

High temperatures used too often can can destroy your hair at its deepest level, ruining the cuticle. Continuing to use heat on damaged hair is even worse. You're never allowing your hair to heal.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using heat to style your hair:

• Use a heat protectant.  Heat protectants contain special silicones that help form a barrier between your hair and the heat of the styling tool.


• Make sure to test how hot your appliance is before applying it to your hair.  You can test it on a piece of paper towel.  If the paper turns brown, then the iron is too hot.


• Your hair should be completely dry before applying a styling tool such as a curling iron or flat iron.


• Try to let your hair airdry a little before you proceed with blow drying it.


• Use the lowest level of heat that will give you the results you need.


• Try not to use too many styling tools in one sitting.  For example, if you are going to flat iron your hair, let it airdry first.  Or roller set it first.


• Don't keep any styling tool on your hair in one place for too long.  I've read things on the internet about holding the flat iron at your roots for several seconds.  I do not agree with this.  I think it's important to move at a steady pace down the length of your hair. If necessary, you can repeat the swipe.

Do you have any tips to add?