Healthy Habits to Avoid Heat Damage to Hair

The smell of burnt hair isn't easily forgotten, and with the surplus of heated hair tools available to the public, more consumers are experiencing extensive heat damage to their hair. It takes very little heat exposure for hair to become harmed from drying, straightening, curling, and sun rays. Thankfully, with a few protective measures, consumers can still use heat to style their hair, and keep their locks shiny and strong.

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Properly caring for your hair starts the moment you step out of the shower. Never apply product to hair that is dripping wet. The product will run off your hair with the water. You should towel-dry the hair first, and then apply a moisture-sealing product.

 I like to use Rusk Deepshine Bio-Marine Therapy Phyto-Marine Lusterizer, because it softens the ends of my hair, making combing through it a lot easier. This product repairs the damage of heated tools, color treating, and sun rays. 

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After applying Rusk Deepshine, you’re safe to start drying your hair. Drying your hair excessively can lead to more damage. If you have thicker hair, separate it into sections to avoid over drying parts of your hair. Dry from roots to ends, and do not hold the dryer directly over your hair. Keep the dryer moving, and leave a little moisture in the hair. You can lock in extra shine if you switch the heat setting on the dryer to cool as you finish drying the hair.

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When you’re finished drying your hair, add a few spritzes of thermal protection spray to the hair before styling. For touchable, smooth hair, I use CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray. It keeps the hair moist when styling. You may see some steam coming off your hair after use, but this is from the product, not the oils in your hair.

If I want some hold while styling, I use Healthy Sexy Hair Soya Want Flat Hair Hot Iron Spray. This spray gives my hair a lot of volume and grip during the styling process. This product will give off some steam as well.

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The best way to keep hair healthy is to refrain from going over and over the same section of hair when styling. The more you go over the pieces, the more your hair will start to burn.

Your hair will also appreciate a few days off. If it isn't absolutely necessary to straighten or curl your hair, don’t do it. Natural hair is beautiful too, and the break from the heat will give your hair time to restore what’s been damaged.