Blow drying. Flat ironing. Curling iron. The common thread among all three styling tools is that they produce heat that is needed to create many different hairstyles, but repeated use of these very tools puts your hair at high risk for breakage and moisture loss.
But the question is, will we ever stop torturing our hair with these very tools? Not on your life baby! So, how then do we protect our hair from the 410-degree heat of that flat iron and still come away with every strand still intact and with hair that feels softer than ever? The answer is to add a “protective” step to “your” hair care routine.
Check out these 6 Tips…
1. Deep Condition First
Deep conditioning helps to strengthen the hair and should be done before any application of heat.
Deep conditioning gives your hair the strength to withstand heat styling.
Apply the deep conditioner and let it sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes. For maximum results, apply a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer.
2. Try using a heat protectant
Heat protectants add an additional layer of protection to your hair. For better protection, apply the heat protectant prior to blow drying and straightening.
Some oils (like grapeseed oil) can be used as heat protectants; however, I recommend using quality products created for the purpose of protecting your hair from heat damage.
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3. Watch your Heat Settings
Your hair should be straightened using the lowest (most effective) heat setting. Be sure that your flat iron has a temperature setting.
Any temperature over 320-325 degrees can alter your curl pattern. Some women have even had difficulty getting their