By Tara Denaut
1. Use a Heat Protectant Spray or Serum
• Why: Heat protectants create a barrier between your hair and hot tools, preventing moisture loss and reducing the risk of heat damage.
• How to Apply: Apply a generous amount to damp or dry hair before styling. Make sure to evenly distribute it from roots to tips, and comb through to avoid any product buildup.
• Tip: Choose a heat protectant suited for your hair type (e.g., fine hair may need a lightweight spray, while thick hair might benefit from a cream or serum).
2. Opt for Lower Heat Settings
• Why: High temperatures can cause irreversible damage to the hair cuticle, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends.
• How to Use: Always try to use the lowest heat setting that still gets the job done. For fine hair, stay below 300°F (150°C), while thicker hair might need up to 400°F (200°C).
• Tip: Use tools with adjustable temperature controls for better control over heat.
3. Limit Heat Styling Frequency
• Why: Constant use of heat can weaken your hair over time, leading to long-term damage.
• How to Minimize: Try to limit the use of blow dryers, flat irons, or curling irons to a few times a week. Opt for heat-free styles (like braids or air-drying) when possible.
• Tip: On non-heat days, incorporate hair treatments like oils or masks to nourish your hair.
4. Choose Ceramic or Tourmaline Tools
• Why: High-quality styling tools like ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium heat tools distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of hot spots that can scorch your hair.
• How to Choose: Look for tools with ceramic plates or barrels for a gentler, more even heat distribution.
• Tip: Invest in tools from reputable brands, as cheaper models might not have proper temperature controls.
5. Always Dry Your Hair Before Using Heat
• Why: Wet or damp hair is more fragile and prone to breakage when exposed to high heat.
• How to Dry: Allow your hair to air-dry partially or use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting to gently dry your hair before applying a flat iron or curling iron.
• Tip: If you’re in a rush, use a microfiber towel to gently blot out excess water—this will reduce the amount of time needed to blow dry.
6. Use a Heat-Resistant Comb or Brush
• Why: Regular brushes can be damaged by the heat and may cause more damage when you style.
• How to Use: Invest in a heat-resistant brush or comb that can handle the high temperatures without melting or warping.
• Tip: Use wide-toothed combs on wet hair and avoid brushing it while it’s hot to reduce breakage.
7. Avoid Styling the Same Section Repeatedly
• Why: Repeatedly running heat tools over the same section of hair can cause damage and dryness.
• How to Style: Always style a section of hair once and move on. If you need to go over the section again, allow it to cool before re-styling.
• Tip: If you’re curling your hair, leave the curl in place for a few seconds before moving on to prevent over-heating.
8. Hydrate with Leave-In Conditioners or Oils
• Why: Heat styling can strip hair of moisture, leaving it dry and brittle. Leave-in conditioners and oils help maintain hydration and shine.
• How to Use: Apply a leave-in conditioner or lightweight oil (like argan or jojoba oil) after heat styling to lock in moisture.
• Tip: Use products that are formulated for heat-styled hair to ensure they provide the right amount of protection.
9. Consider a Heatless Styling Method
• Why: If you want to reduce or eliminate heat styling altogether, there are plenty of creative heatless methods (like braiding damp hair for waves or using flexi rods for curls).
• How to Style: Try using overnight styles or tools like no-heat curlers or twists to achieve styled looks without using hot tools.
• Tip: Experiment with different heatless techniques to find what works best for your hair.
10. Regular Trims
• Why: Even with proper protection, heat styling can lead to split ends over time. Regular trims help keep your hair looking healthy.
• How Often: Aim to trim your hair every 6–8 weeks to prevent split ends from traveling up the strand.
• Tip: If you notice your hair looking limp or dry after heat styling, it might be time for a trim.
Some products I recommend that can be found at Coast:
-IGK Good behavior (All hair types, heat protection up to 450 degrees)
-Brooklyn bombshell (For fine hair, up to 450 degrees)
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