8 Ways To Prevent Heat Damaged Hair

For anyone with hair goals and visions of what their hair should like, the worst thing that can happen is noticing any kind of damage. This is because all these goals are set back, frustrating the process and stunting any kind of progress and even growth.

There are so many ways hair can be damaged but one of the worst ways is experiencing heat damage.

So what exactly is heat damage?

Heat damage occurs when excessive heat is used on hair making it lose its elasticity seeming almost straightened and stretched. Although heat damage is prevalent in all hair types, it is especially rampant in curly/coil-y hair because of how fragile it is.

The use of too much heat damages the keratin (protein cells) that give hair its strength by removing moisture from the inside of the hair strand and cracking the cuticle of the hair damaging the bonds and causing curly hair to wilt.

Characteristics of heat damaged hair.

• It is extremely dry, dull and brittle.
• Split ends.
• Frizz, tangles, knots and excessive shedding/breakage.
• Loss of curls. Almost appears straight as if it’s relaxed.
• Discoloured hair in case your hair was bleached or dyed.

How to prevent heat damage.

The truth is, once heat is used, damage is imminent but learning how to minimise these effects is what really matters. Although there are unconventional methods like the use of silicones to prevent heat damage, there are better ways to avoid said damage altogether.

1. Have a good wash day routine.

A good base for your hair to thrive involves having a good wash day routine. Use a high-quality natural shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and moisturise your hair. After washing, condition and deep condition your hair as a way to add more moisture to your hair. Do not skip deep conditioning because it helps keep natural oils, moisture and nutrients in hair, that way it’s not too exposed to direct heat.

2. Use less heat to none at all.

Since heat is the villain of this story, you can opt out of it entirely by letting your hair air dry whenever possible. Should this be too taxing for you, then there is a way you can use heat efficiently. Ensure that your heat tool is about 15-20 centimetres from your hair with the nozzle of your blow dryer facing down.

You can use a higher heat setting at first then turn it down to a lower heat setting as you wind up.

3. Make good use of a heat protectant.

A heat protectant is supposed to protect your hair as you use heat. However, it is not a magic solution to all your troubles. For it to work as it should, heat should also be kept at bay. For example, you can use heat at very high heat and expect it to work just as well.

4. Protein treatments work!

A protein treatment is a treatment that infuses a boost of protein into your hair. It works to strengthen and repair the keratin.  Protein-based deep hair treatments replenish the nutrients and moisture that curly hair loses on a constant basis. This helps to reconnect the protein chains inside the hair to strengthen each strand. Fortify, our protein treatment can be added to your moisturising conditioner every 4-8 weeks depending on your hair porosity.

5. Trim your hair.

Trimming your hair actually encourages hair growth. It may sound counter-intuitive, but the appearance of broken and split-ends not only damages the look and feel of your hair, but it also contributes to the appearance of shorter hair and thinner ends. Freshly cut ends also help to de-tangle your hair.

6. Wrap your hair at night.

Wearing a hair wrap not only allows you to control the shape of your hair during the night but also prevents the atmosphere from affecting it and helps your hairstyles last longer. Dry air will not cause it to become brittle overnight and moisture in the air will not cause its volume to expand.

7. Avoid leave-outs (weaves)

For many women, wearing a weave or extensions is a great way to switch up their hairstyle, adding length, volume, and even color. However, while these hairstyles offer a range of possibilities, wearing them can damage your natural hair and even cause hair loss if proper precautions and care are not taken.

In most cases, the reason human hair extensions lose their sheen and get frizzy, is due to a loss of moisture, as well as improper hair maintenance. Adding heat styling tools to damp hair to the mix aggravates the situation, and leads your hair to breakage and split ends.

8. Wear a hat or scarf on sunny days

Ultraviolet rays can damage your hair the same way they can damage your skin. If you have dry hair, limit your hair’s exposure to these rays. Cover your hair with a hat or scarf during your daily activities, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.