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.
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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 hair to “bounce back” to its natural curl pattern after straightening. We wouldn’t want all of your hard work to go down the drain.
4. Wrap it Up
After your straightening process is complete, make sure you tie your hair up at night with a silk or satin scarf. Silk and satin do not absorb the moisture in your hair.
Avoid cotton pillows and scarves as they will suck your hair dry of all its moisture and cause breakage and damage.
5. Cut/Trim Irreversible Damage
Before you pull out the scissors, it’s important to wait until after your initial assessment, in addition to your reassessment a few weeks later.
If after repeated treatments, it looks like the damage is irreversible, you should cut or trim the damaged hair to prevent breakages and split ends.
You can either cut out all of the heat damage or trim a little at a time. In extreme cases, this may require a transition or a second big chop.
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6. Clarify Your Hair
To straighten your hair, you often load your hair with lots of products like blow-dry creams and straightening serums. These products, usually laden with silicone, can be difficult to get out with sulfate-free shampoo alone. They may even make your hair look dull and lifeless.
To start with a clean state, clarify your hair with your clarifying shampoo of choice or use a clarifying alternative like bentonite clay or apple cider vinegar.
