No matter how hard we try, we just can’t seem to stay away from heat styling. From straightening to adding wave and body, hot tools are amazing for creating gorgeous hairstyles. But just how bad is heat styling for your hair? In short, damaged hair and excessive heat styling definitely do go hand-in-hand. If you aren’t protecting your hair from the rigors of a hot tool, then you could be drying it out or causing your hair color to fade.
Putting down your hot tools for good isn’t always an option and it doesn’t have to be. If you want to keep using your curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryer, you just have to take a few extra precautions. Here are a few tips everyone who styles their hair should know about.
- USE A HEAT PROTECTANT
Photo Credit: Sorelle Salon
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you should always be using a heat protectant when styling with a hot tool. Think of using a heat protectant like using sunscreen before you head out the door. These products help to protect your hair, keep it healthy, and lock in your hair color.
- SET THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
Photo Credit: Redken USA
After you spritzed your hair with a heat protectant, make sure you’re using the right temperature when styling your hair. Since thinner, finer hair is more susceptible to damage, it’s always better to use a lower temperature when styling your strands. Try to stay under 200 degrees Fahrenheit when curling or straightening your hair. If your hair is thicker, keep your hot tools set between 200 and 300 degrees.
- KNOW THE RULE: ONE AND DONE
Photo Credit: Sam Villa
When using a hot tool to style your hair, don’t keep running your tool repeatedly over the same section of hair. While it may seem like you’re reinforcing the style or direction of the hair, you could actually be causing damage. If your hot tool is on the correct temperature setting then once pass should be just enough.
- MONITOR YOUR FREQUENCY
Photo Credit: Redken USA
Try to assess how often you’re actually using hot tools on your hair. If you are using your irons too frequently, your hair may become brittle and damaged no matter how cautious you are. Try cutting back by creating heatless hairstyles on the days you aren’t reaching for your curling iron.
- FOLLOW UP WITH A HAIR MASK
Photo Credit: Redken USA
You always need to replenish your hair’s natural moisture after heat styling. Try using a hydrating hair mask once a week and asking for a protein treatment every time you head to the salon. These two treatments combined will help to strengthen your strands and keep your hair as healthy as possible.
- TRY HEATLESS HAIRSTYLES
Photo Credit: Sayomiku
On days that you aren’t using a curling iron or straightener to style your hair, turn to heatless hairstyles to tame your mane. Whether it’s a sleek fishtail braid or a messy updo, there are several gorgeous and easy-to-do hairstyles that don’t require the use of a hot tool. Just be sure to keep a few bobby pins and your favorite hairspray around for extra hold.
Wondering what else you should know about heat styling? Chat with your Beehive hair stylist to see what steps you should be taking to protect your hair, and learn more about repairing already damaged hair.
