The Truth About Hot Tools and Your Hair

If you’re like most people, you probably use hot styling tools on your hair regularly. Whether it’s to curl, straighten, or just give your hair a little extra volume, we’ve all been there. But what you may not realize is that those hot tools can actually be damaging your hair.

If this is something you are worried about, we’ll be sharing some information on how hot tools can damage your hair, how you can protect your hair from heat damage, and how to repair heat damaged hair. So if you’re concerned about the health of your hair (and you should be), keep reading!

It’s important to be aware of the potential damage that hot tools can cause to your hair. While they can be great for creating sleek and stylish looks, they can also cause serious damage if used incorrectly. This includes things like over-using them, using them on wet hair, or using them on already damaged hair.

In the short term, heat damage can leave your hair looking dry, frizzy, and lifeless. It can also lead to split ends and breakage. In the long term, repeated heat damage can permanently change the structure of your hair, making it more difficult to style and more prone to damage.

The Damage

When you use hot styling tools on your hair, you are essentially subjecting it to high levels of heat. This can cause the proteins in your hair to break down, leading to dryness, frizziness, and split ends. In extreme cases, it can even cause your hair to become brittle and break off.

One of the main ways that hot tools damage your hair is by stripping it of its natural oils. This can leave your hair feeling dry and unmanageable. If you use hot tools on a regular basis, you may notice that your hair becomes progressively more damaged over time.

Using Hot Tools Safely

If you must use a higher heat setting, here are some tips for minimizing damage.

Protect Your Hair

One of the best ways to protect your hair from heat damage is to use heat-protective products. These products can help create a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing as much damage as possible. Look for products that contain ingredients like silicone or acrylic, which can help smooth the hair and protect it from heat. We recommend:

• Ciment Thermique
  Kerastase Paris Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer Strengthening leave-in treatment for weak, over-processed and damaged hair. 
• Chronologiste Thermique Régénérant
  Kerastase Paris Thermique Régénérant Blow Dry Primer Essential revitalizing blow-dry care for lengths and ends. 

Dry Your Hair

With the exception of a blow-dryer, avoid using hot tools on wet hair, as this can be even more damaging. If your hair is wet, allow it to air dry or use a cool or low-heat setting on your blow-dryer before you use any other hot tools on your locks.

Use Sparingly

If you do use hot tools, be sure to use them sparingly. Avoid using hot tools every day if possible. When you do use them, be sure to keep the heat at a moderate level. Some hot tools can go up to 450°! Many newer hot tools allow you to choose your temperature, so be sure to invest in tools that allow you to control the heat. 

Repair The Damage

If your hair has already been damaged by hot tools, there are some things you can do to repair the damage.

First, try using deep-conditioning treatments. These can help hydrate and nourish your hair, making it look and feel healthier. Try one of these excellent products:

• On A Cloud Baobab Oil Repair Masque  by R+CO
• De Luxe Reparative Masque by R+Co BLEU
• Chronologiste Masque Intense Regenerant by Kerastase Paris

You can also come into Elan Hair for a professional treatment.

Second, get regular trims. This may seem counterintuitive, but getting rid of damaged ends can actually help your hair look healthier overall. Regular trims will also help prevent further damage by getting rid of split ends.

Finally, be patient. Damaged hair can take time to heal, so don’t expect results overnight. If you’re consistent with deep conditioning and trims, you should start to see your hair looking healthier over time.

Hot tools are great for taming and styling your tresses, but can be damaging to your hair, both in the short and long term. Following these tips should help you prevent and repair damage to your hair. 

You should love your hair and you will with Elan Hair! Whether you are looking for salon services or products, you’ll find the very best with us. Contact us today at 615.269.0222 or book now online.