Using heat on the hair is a common styling procedure for many of us. When you want to add waviness to your hair with a curling iron or blow-dry your hair so you do not have to sleep with damp hair, heat applications can come in handy. While it is convenient and easy to apply heat to your hair, doing so too often and using high heat can cause excessive dryness, which may lead to problems like split ends, hair fall, brittleness, and dullness.
Fortunately, you do not have to give up on using heat to style your hair altogether. Instead, by including some protective measures in your routine, you can continue to style your tresses and protect them from damage.
Give Your Hair Enough Moisture
Having moisture in your hair is the antidote to the dehydration caused by heat applications. Whether it is heat from standing directly under the sun for too long or heat from a flat iron or blow-dryer, without enough moisture in your hair, you may have to deal with the consequences of dry hair – increased hair brittleness and hair fall.
To counterbalance the dehydration, take active steps to replenish moisture in your hair by using a shampoo and conditioner with hydrating properties. You can also wear a hair mask to further nourish your hair. If you have severely dry hair, you can apply a hair mask a few times a week to make sure the moisture is locked in.
Do Not Turn Up the Heat
Yes, we understand that it is tempting to turn up the heat to increase the efficiency of your hairstyling or blow-drying sessions, but high heat tends to do a lot of harm to your hair. To protect your hair from damage, adjust the heat setting such that it is on the lowest level and you’ll still be able to get your hair job done. This should apply to your curling iron, flat iron, or blow-dryer.
In addition, when you are using a curling iron, try not to rest the heating iron on the same part of your hair for too long. Doing so can severely compromise the quality of your hair. If your hair is not getting styled effectively, you can take a break before going back to it. It is recommended that you leave the curling iron on one spot for no more than 10 seconds.
Avoid Heat on Wet Hair
With the exception of blow-drying your hair, you should not be using any heat applications directly on your wet hair. Do not ever use your curling iron or flat iron directly on your hair unless it is completely dry. If you use these devices on wet hair, you will hear a sizzling noise, which actually indicates that you are causing great harm to your hair! For your hair health and safety, always make sure your hair is completely dry before starting on any styling procedures.
Apply Hair Oil
Your hair may appear dull after an extensive styling session. This is when hair oil products come in handy. Coconut oil, avocado oil, and essential oils are all great options when it comes to keeping your tresses hydrated and nourished. Besides replenishing moisture, hair oil also gives your hair a glossier look that increases its vibrancy.