Ever wonder why your curls get frizzy after a night with the flat iron? It’s not magic – it’s heat damage. The good news is you can stop it before it starts. Below are practical steps you can add to your routine right now.
When you use a curling wand, straightener, or even a hot dryer, the temperature can break the protein bonds in your hair. The result is dryness, split ends, and a dull look. Your skin isn’t immune either; prolonged exposure to hot styling tools or a hot salon chair can irritate and dehydrate.
Protecting against heat is simply about creating a barrier. That barrier keeps moisture in, reduces breakage, and lets you style without the regret.
1. Spray before you style. A lightweight heat‑protectant spray is the fastest way to coat each strand. Look for products with silicones or dimethicone – they slide over the hair and deflect heat.
2. Lower the temperature. Most modern tools have adjustable settings. If you can get the style you want at 350°F (or 180°C), use that instead of blasting 450°F.
3. Keep hair slightly damp. Mist your hair with water or a leave‑in conditioner before you apply heat. The extra moisture acts like a cushion.
4. Don’t over‑do it. Give your hair a break at least two days a week. Use braids, buns, or air‑dry when you can.
5. Invest in quality tools. Ceramic or tourmaline plates distribute heat evenly, which means less hot spots and less damage.
Heat isn’t just a hair problem. If you sit under a hot hooded dryer or use a hot towel, your skin can get stripped of its natural oils.
Apply a light, oil‑free moisturizer before you start a heat session. This creates a thin barrier that stops the heat from leeching moisture out of your skin.
Use a cool‑shot button on your dryer if it has one – the burst of cool air helps set the style without extra heat.
Don’t forget sunscreen, even indoors. UV‑filters in some heat‑protectant sprays double as a shield against the blue‑light that can also age skin.
Follow these habits and you’ll notice less breakage, more shine, and skin that feels calm after a styling session. Heat protection isn’t a fancy extra – it’s a basic step for keeping your look fresh and your hair healthy.
