Written By Christina Norris
It’s way past the start of fall, y’all! The world outside is cozy with its assortment of leaf colors, and the sweaters are definitely on.
With the holidays fast approaching and the temperatures dropping, many of us are drawn to adding a little heat to our hairstyles. Whether you're going for a beautiful, fluffy blowout with a hair dryer or using an iron to create sleek, lovely curls or waves, the options are endless.
These heated styles look gorgeous, but if we aren't careful, getting them frequently over time could lead to heat damage. But don’t you worry, friend! You have the power to prevent and manage this, and we’re here to help you understand exactly what’s happening so you can keep your strands thriving.
How Does Heat Impact Your Hair?
Think of heat as a gentle thief for your hair’s health. When heat is applied, your hair’s natural oils are stripped away, and the water molecules present in your strands evaporate. The protein structure changes, and over time, this can actually cause the cuticles to crack, making your hair more susceptible to damage.
Tips on Preventing Heat Damage
We want you to feel confident when you choose a heated style! Here’s how you can protect your crown:
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Deep Conditioning is Your Best Friend: Before you apply any heat for styling, always be sure to undergo a deep conditioning treatment. Ecoslay’s Banana Cream and SilverSlay’s Lemongrass and Rosemary Deep Conditioner are wonderful treatments to nourish your hair before heat exposure.
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Choose Your Tools Wisely: Investing in high-quality tools is crucial, especially when it comes to heat! A good tool will offer temperature regulation, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot and accidentally burn your hair.
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Cool Down, Curlfriend! Did you know some amazing hairstylists use cooler air settings on tools after a heat-based style to help their clients cool down?
You can bring this wisdom home by keeping your space cooler or simply having some cool materials ready once you’ve finished styling. Your hair dryer may even have a dedicated cool setting you can use to seal the cuticle.
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Practice Moderation: Remember that heat is best used in moderation. Embrace your curls, and then rock a heated style when you’re truly ready to switch up your look!
How To Nurture Damaged Hair
If your hair feels dry, brittle, appears tangled, or looks dull, it is absolutely not hopeless for you! There are several nurturing steps you can take to help repair your hair from past heat damage:
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Try a Protein-Rich Treatment: Why not try out a good hair treatment? Our beloved Matcha Boost is a protein-rich treatment specifically designed to nourish damaged coils and curls deeply.
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Air Dry with Grace: After you rinse damaged hair, it is gentler and better to either let it dry naturally or use a hair dryer from a longer, safer distance.
Affirming Your Hair Health Journey
Remember, you are knowledgeable and capable of making choices that benefit your hair. We’re always here to support you on your healthy hair journey!
Choosing to embrace a heated style is a wonderful way to switch up your look, and now you are fully equipped with the knowledge to do so mindfully and confidently.
By prioritizing deep conditioning, choosing high-quality tools, and remembering the occasional use of a protein-rich treatment, you are making choices that benefit both your beautiful coils and curls and our precious planet. Trust in your ability to nurture your hair, embrace the seasonal changes, and shine brightly!
