The 2 most regular and damaging things we do to our hair is bleaching and heat styling. Most of us are guilty of both!
Whether you are a curling iron or flat iron type of person, its essential to make sure you are using a heat protectant on your hair to maintain its health vitality and strength.
What Does Heat Do To Hair
Heat sucks the moisture levels out of the hair. This means that with your perfect curls, you're also going to be causing some long-term damage to your hair.
By applying a heat protection you will be adding moisture back to the hair and providing a protection barrier over the hair shaft, before heat is applied.
You know how zinc acts like a barrier between your sun and skin? The silicones in heat protectors do the same thing for your hair. They form a protective barrier over the cuticle of the hair strand, which protects it from the heat of your hair tools.
Pretty much, your heat protectant is like your hair's sunscreen!
How do I use my Heat Protection Spray?
We recommend applying your heat protectant when your hair is wet as it will absorb into the hair shaft and bonds before styling.
Most heat protectant comes in a spray form so hold the product arm length away from your hair and 3/4 spritz is plenty.
Then you must brush through the hair so it evenly distributes in the hair.
Hair must be completely dry before you start using heat to reshape it. As long as hair is wet its chemical structure is altered. When heat is applied to wet hair it can permanently damage the dandruff layer and the hair structure
Why Are Heat Protectant Products So Important
Different kinds of damages to the dandruff layer do not just add up.
Each damaging influence leaves the scalp more vulnerable and the impact of the next assault is therefore much greater.
Heat-styled hair is therefore much more sensitive to UV rays and should not be additionally damaged through the use of metal combs or metal barrettes
Other Ways to Prevent Heat Damage
Want to get your hair back into healthy shape, not just for the short-term?
Try these handy tips into your regular hair care routine. You'll notice a HUGE difference!
TIP #1: ALLOW HAIR TO PARTIALLY AIR DRY BEFORE BLOW-DRYING
TIP #2: LIMIT HOW OFTEN YOU USE HEAT TOOLS
TIP #3: ADJUST THE HEAT SETTING
TIP #4: DON’T GIVE ANY PARTICULAR PIECE OF HAIR TOO MUCH ATTENTION
TIP #5: USE A HAIR MASK & DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENT REGULARLY
TIP #6: TRIM DEAD ENDS
So there you have it, heat protection is CRITICAL to maintaining strong and healthy hair - especially if you love using heat to style and frame your hair.
Want a heat protector that works best for your hair type? Simply ask your Altered Images Hair & Beauty Stylist at your next appointment for the right heat protectant for your hair!