If you use heat to style your hair, you are probably already aware of heat damage. Of course, applying heat to your hair has cosmetic advantages because doing so makes the cuticle, the hair’s outermost layer, do the following things:
- Lie straight
- Loosen a natural curl
- Allow moisture to escape
- Retain a new shape
While heat can change the way you style your hair, it may also dry out the cuticle and alter the composition of your hair molecules. It may become so bad that you feel like chopping off all of your hair once it has been heatedly damage. But do not worry, because you can do a number of things to try and restore your hair’s luster and strength without having to cut it short, depending on the degree and type of damage.
How to Detect Heat-Damaged Hair
Heat-damage hair can easily be recognize by its telltale characteristics. Best Barber Shop Your hair may begin to exhibit over styling symptoms after too many blow-drying sessions: It is more difficult to handle, and styling it results in less form retention.
Your hair may show these symptoms of heat damage:
- Split ends or easily detachable ends
- Whitish nodules in the root of your hair
- Excessively dry hair
- Hair texture that is rough or stringy
- Having problems styling or combing your hair
- Easily tangle and twist hair
- Hair thinning
How to Repair Hair Damaged by Heat
Depending on the extent of the damage and the type of hair you have, there are different heat damage treatment options.
Curly Hair
Heat damage to curly hair causes frizz, knots, and an unpredictably texture finish. Focus on reintroducing moisture to your hair shaft to regain a natural curl. Your hair may be restored to its bouncy best with the aid of deep-conditioning treatments and hair masks that are rich in hydrating ingredients like sheaf butter and argon oil. To aid your hair follicles, pick conditioners that are moisturizing and contain avocado, aloe Vera, or coconut oil. Do not shampoo your hair every day because doing so depletes the natural oils in your hair. Shampoo should only be use on the base of your hair and the scalp. Shampoo your hair every couple of days, at least until it begins to hold its curly structure again.
Straight Hair
Straight hair that has been damage by heat may look dry and lifeless. Also, it might make it more difficult for the hair to lay flat and accentuate the look of split ends. Concentrate on replenishing the natural proteins in your hair to restore it to its glossiest condition. A homemade hair treatment might help your hair appear better for a night out, but it will not fix long-term heat damage. You can lessen the visibility of damage to your hair by applying leave-in protein remedies containing yoghurt, honey, and olive oil. Keratin-rich conditioning sprays can also heal damage connections in the hair shaft.
Hair That Has Been Chemically Treated
Heat damage can happen if you bleach your hair to color it or use a perm to change the shape of your hair. Salon treatments have the potential to burn your hair, especially if they are applied over an extended length of time. You may need to contact the hairdresser or salon where you got your hair treated in case it exhibits heat damage from exposure to chemicals. The first step to bringing back your hair’s shine can be a deep-conditioning treatment at the salon or a hair mask. Another alternative is to utilize hot oil treatments developed for home use. Try not to shampoo your locks every day, and steer clear of using any hot styling equipment while you allow the chemically damage hair to heal from heat damage. This is particularly crucial in the days following a hair bleaching or perm.
Ways to Avoid Heat Damage
The best way to treat heat-damaged hair is to prevent heat damage from happening in the first place. Although this is not always achievable, there are certain tried-and-true methods that can help you safeguard your hair.
- Take a cool shower and rinse your hair. This will aid in the sealing of the hair shaft after a shower.
- While using a blow dryer, keep it five inches or more away from the base of your hair at all times. According to a 2011 study, this key number can shield your hair follicles. It might even be superior to letting your hair air dry.
- Following a hair wash, dry your hair with a microfiber towel. By accelerating the drying process and protecting the hair cuticle, this practical product allows users to spend less time using blow dryers.
- In order to prevent damage to your hair when using heated styling tools, spritz it with a surface protectant. Your hair cuticle can be sealed and made more resilient to heat damage with the help of sprays containing silicone and keratin.
- Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will help your hairdo last longer. Less effort in the morning, fewer shampoos, and healthier hair are all benefits of styles that last longer. Using hot styling tools only once a week is the recommendation of experts.
The Bottom Line
Getting a haircut is the quickest approach to repairing heat damage done to your hair. Nonetheless, you might want to wait a while before making any major changes to your hair and try other options. With the aid of moisturizing treatments and changes to your hair styling regimen, it may be able to bring back the texture and shine of your hair to its natural state. The secret is to be patient.
