Heat damage caused by sun exposure, blow drying and heated styling appliances can damage your hair, leaving it dry, brittle and prone to breakage. Taking a few steps to protect your hair helps to keep it healthy and makes it easier to manage. Follow these simple steps to protect your hair from heat damage.

Dry Before Styling

Using curling irons or straighteners on wet hair can cause irreparable damage to the hair follicles. Ideally, allow your hair to dry naturally before styling with straighteners or curling irons. If you’re in a rush, use a blow dryer first, as blow dryers cause less damage when used on wet hair.

Apply Heat Protection Products

Heat protection products are specifically designed to prevent heat damage, while also helping to nourish your hair. Heat protection products, such as sprays, mists, creams and serums, also help to reduce frizz and can make your hair shiny and more manageable. Some products also act as styling aids to add curls or body to your hair.

Use the Lowest Heat Setting

When blow drying your hair, always use the lowest heat setting necessary to create the style you want. Using the cool setting will also help to reduce frizz and prevent split ends. For straighteners and curling irons, minimize the amount of time your hair is in contact with the appliance.

Keep Hair Hydrated

Hair masks and other keratin treatments, such as serums and oils, can help to rehydrate dry hair and repair damage. Choose hair masks with keratin or egg albumen, as these common haircare ingredients can help to strengthen hair. Some oils, including coconut, argan and olive oil are particularly useful for repairing damage caused by heat styling.

Take Regular Styling Breaks

Daily heat styling takes its toll on your hair, so it’s important to have at least one heat-free day a week to give your hair chance to recover. Ideally, avoid using any styling products and apply a leave-in conditioner or oil treatment that can be left on for the whole day.

Heat styling can cause permanent and irreversible damage to your hair, so it’s important to take precautions when blow drying or using other heated appliances, such as straighteners and curling irons. Drying your hair before styling, using heat protection products, using the lowest heat setting, keeping your hair hydrated and taking regular breaks from styling will all help to protect your hair.