One of the quickest ways to cause visible damage and have lackluster, fragile hair is to subject it to excessive heat. This is most commonly in the form of heated styling tools or the sun’s intense rays. The good news is that this type of hair damage is completely avoidable. Let’s explore how excessive heat can damage your hair and what you can do to prevent it, along with tips on how to repair hair that is already damaged by heat.
What Does the Structure of Your Hair Look Like?
To better understand how heat affects each strand of your hair, it helps to first know a bit about its structure. Each strand of hair is made up of three distinct layers.
Cuticle
The cuticle is the outermost layer of the strand of hair and serves to protect the hair’s inner structure. It is best thought of as the first layer of defense and looks similar to overlapping shingles on a roof.
Cortex
The cortex is the middle layer of a hair strand. It contains the proteins and pigments that give your hair its strength and color.
Medulla
Also known as the marrow of the hair, the medulla is the innermost layer of the hair and contains keratinized cells. These cells make this layer less rigid than the outer two layers.
How Does Heat Damage Hair?
There are several ways that heat can damage hair. Let’s take a look at the most common culprits that are always lurking right around the corner.
Moisture Loss
Dry hair is brittle and prone to breakage and a lackluster appearance. Just as heat dries clothes by removing the water, it does the same to your hair by stripping each strand of its natural moisture. The more heat you apply to your hair, the more moisture that is removed from each strand.
Weakened Proteins
High temperatures break down keratin, which is the protein that gives hair its structure. The breakdown of your hair’s structure causes it to become fragile and prone to breakage.
Cuticle Damage
The first layer of protection is your hair’s cuticle. Excessive heat removes the protective cuticle, weakens the structure, and leaves the inner layers vulnerable to further damage.
Color Fading
If you choose to artificially color your hair, excessive heat will make it fade faster and diminish its shine and vibrancy.
What If My Hair Is Heat-Damaged?
Recognizing the signs of heat damage as soon as possible is crucial to preventing further damage and getting on the right track toward recovery. Here are the most common signs that you should be on the lookout for to determine if your hair is damaged by heat:
- Excessive split ends
- Frequent frizz and unsightly flyaways
- Dullness
- Increased hair breakage
- Dryness
- Brittleness
How to Prevent Heat Damage?
While heat damage can be a frustrating and emotional experience, it is entirely preventable. Let’s take a look at some strategies to protect your hair from falling victim to heat.
Avoid Heated-Styling Tools
When possible, avoid heated styling tools such as blow dryers and flat irons. This will prevent unnecessary removal of moisture and keep your hair strong and luxurious.
Use Heat Protectants
If you use heated styling tools, be sure to apply a high-quality heat protectant spray to your hair first. Heat protectants create an additional barrier between your hair and the heat and reduce exposure, as well as the negative impact heat has on your hair.
Use the Lowest Temperature Setting Possible
When using heated-styling tools, do so at the lowest temperature possible. This will minimize the damage to your hair.
Avoid Hot Showers
Over time, the heat from hot showers can remove moisture from your hair. Instead, opt for lukewarm or cooler showers to help protect your hair.
Shield Your Hair From The Sun
When outside in the intense summer sun, be sure to wear a hat or other head covering to protect your strands of hair from the hot UV rays. Or use a good UV protectant, such as Hair Milk Spray offered at Custom Design Hair.
Tips for Repairing Heat-Damaged Hair
If your hair is already damaged from excessive exposure to heat, there’s no need to worry! There are steps you can take to improve the health of your hair. Follow the tips below:
- Deep conditioning – Using deep conditioning treatments weekly will help to restore moisture to your hair.
- Protein treatments – Protein masks or treatments will help repair keratin bonds and strengthen your hair’s structure.
- Remove split ends – Regular trims will remove split ends and prevent the damage from traveling further up the strand of hair.
- Avoid heat – Allow your hair time to recover by avoiding heated styling tools.
What to Do When It Is More Than Damaged Hair?
Excessive exposure to heat will dry hair out and, over time, lead to brittleness, breakage, and a lackluster appearance. Understanding how heat can damage hair and following the tips to prevent damage before it occurs is the key to protecting your hair.
What if you have tried everything and suspect there is something more at play than heat damage? It is time to seek professional care from the most trusted hair restoration center in Northwest Arkansas. Our team of certified hairstylists will conduct a thorough hair and scalp analysis to determine the root cause of your hair loss and walk you through viable hair loss solutions.
Custom Design Hair is dedicated to helping men, women, and children enjoy a full head of hair, no matter the cause of hair loss. We offer a full line of hair loss solutions to fit every lifestyle and budget. Contact us today to book your consultation!
