Did you know that too much heat can damage your hair?
From split ends to endless frizz, heat can ruin healthy locks and turn them into strands of straw. You might even find your hair breaking, leaving you with short, uneven layers that definitely aren't a look!
Luckily, there are ways to steer clear of damage without permanently giving up the heat.
Take a look at our guide to avoiding heat damaged hair and how to heal troubled tresses.
Always Use a Heat Protectant Product
If you want to avoid heat damaged natural hair, always use a heat protectant. These products work by creating a barrier between your hair and the tools you're using, making the heat on your hair far less intense. But don't worry, they won't change how well your tools work!
Heat protectants also help prevent dryness and split ends by locking in moisture. This will keep your hair nourished and healthy.
You can find heat protectants that also protect against frizz, add shine, and condition your hair. If you're worried about weighing your hair down with product, choose a spray instead of a cream. This will be much more lightweight so you can keep the volume but lose the damage.
Keep to Cooler Temperatures
One of the best ways to avoid excessive heat damage is simply by turning down the heat! You don't always need your tools on the hottest setting for them to work, so why not turn them down?
If you have thinner hair, always stick below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Thin, fine hair is more prone to heat damage so you'll need to be more careful when using hot tools. Thicker hair can handle a little more, so you can set your tool between 200 and 300 degrees.
If you're blow-drying your hair, turn it to a cooler setting. It may take longer to dry, but it'll be a lot kinder to your hair.
Don't Use Heat Every Day
If you want to avoid having to find out how to fix heat damaged hair, don't use heat every day. This is just too much for your hair to take!
The more frequently you use heat on your hair, the more likely it is to become damaged. So, instead of taking out the curlers every day, why not opt for a heatless curl style? Or, on days when you'd usually pull out your straighteners, try an updo that's heat-free instead.
Taking a couple of days off from heat every week can do wonders for your hair, so give it a go!
Skip the Blow Dry
A hairdryer might speed up how long your locks take to dry, but it'll be damaging them at the same time. As long as you plan ahead, there really is no need for a blow-dry.
Instead, use a microfiber towel like this one from Turbie Twist. Microfiber is great for soaking up moisture while being gentle on your hair. It also reduces frizz, which is a big bonus!
Pat your hair dry with the towel, or use a Turbie Twist to dry your hair without the hassle. Just pop it up into the towel and get on with your day while your hair dries without damage.
Nourish Your Locks
After using heat, you need to make sure you're replenishing the moisture it's lost. In the shower, use a lightweight, moisturizing shampoo that matches your hair type. Make sure it's free of nasty products like SLS, parabens, sulfates, and silicones!
You should also use a nourishing conditioner every time you wash your hair and leave it on for a couple of minutes. Once a week, use a hydrating hair mask to give your locks a healthy boost. This should leave your hair shiny, frizz-free, and stop any brittle strands or split ends.
If you think your hair needs an extra moisture hit, use a post-wash leave-in conditioner or hair oil. Heat damaged curly hair may need a nourishing curl cream to moisturize your locks and keep your curls defined.
Tips for Looking After Heat Damaged Hair
If you're looking for how to repair heat damaged hair fast, the first thing you'll need is a good hair cut. Book in at your salon to get rid of those split ends! This will stop them from becoming more intense and causing breakage further up the length of your hair.
You should also use a protein treatment, which you can either do at home or in a salon. Protein is necessary for strong, healthy hair but heat can cause it to break down. By using a treatment, you can rebuild damaged strands and give it a hit of much-needed protein.
You also need to be careful with heat damaged hair when it's wet as it'll be more fragile. Try to avoid brushing your locks when wet but if you have to use a wide-tooth comb. Pat your hair dry rather than rubbing it vigorously, and don't use hair ties until it's completely dry.
Start Your Heatless Hair Journey
Heat damaged hair is very difficult to look after and can be permanent. Try to avoid it by taking care of your strands and using less heat. Add a heat protectant to your routine, use a weekly hair mask to add moisture back into your locks, and switch up blow-drying for a Turbie Twist!
If you want more hair care tips, be sure to get in touch with our team. We're experts when it comes to looking after hair and we're always happy to share our knowledge with our customers!