Natural hairstyles are becoming increasingly popular for women with active lifestyles that don't want to spend time styling their hair. Many of today's natural hairstyles require little more than washing and brushing to look fabulous, while others require just a bit more attention. While natural hairstyles may only require the use of a blow dryer to complete the look, frequently, a little extra styling with hot tools is tempting to create an entirely different look.
There is something enticing about creating a new look or style for yourself or a special occasion with hot tools. Heat styling can quickly transform a simple hairstyle into bouncy curls or sleek straight strands, and enable you to curl, wave, or crimp your hair into any number of styles. Given all the different ways we use heat to style and treat our hair, it's easy to see how hair is exposed to excessive heat.
How Does Heat Damage Hair?
You may have heard before that excessive heat can damage your hair, but you may not realize all of the ways that your hair is exposed to heat. Your hair is exposed to heat every time you wash it and simply use a blow dryer on a heat setting. Curling irons and straighteners, as well as the occasional heat treatment at the salon, all expose your hair to heat and can cause damage. No matter which of these tools you use, it is very easy to have hair that becomes damaged.
When you use hot tools on your hair, the heat removes moisture and damages the hair. A small amount of heat may not cause the immediate damage that high-temperature settings will, but over time can have a cumulative effect. High-temperature levels or prolonged exposure to heat can damage hair the same as any other material., burning through the surface of the hair strands and damaging the strands cellular structure.
Hair is actually quite durable and heat resistant, able to withstand temperatures as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit before it becomes damaged or burned. Healthy hair can usually handle moderate use of hot tools but will cause damage to hair strands if used consistently.
What Are The Signs Of Heat Damage?
If you use heat tools regularly, you may wonder if you are damaging your hair. While the smell of burning hair or a clump of hair stuck to your flat iron is unmistakable, sometimes the hair shaft is damaged with little visible effect. There are some other signs that heat damage is occurring.
In some cases, heat damage causes a reduction in curls or a loss of body and bounce. After you wash your hair, it may seem looser and straighter and doesn't return to its natural state quickly. You may notice that parts of your hair hang straight while other areas retain their natural state.
Hair is actually quite durable and heat resistant, able to withstand temperatures as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit before it becomes damaged or burned. Healthy hair can usually handle moderate use of hot tools, but will damage to hair strands may occur if used consistently.
Contact New Look Institute
Hair issues are caused by many environmental factors, including hair products and excessive heat damage from hot tools used in styling. If you are noticing changes in your hair, a consultation with a hair loss expert can help to determine the cause of the issue and create an individualized treatment plan before permanent damage or hair loss occurs. At New Look Institute, our skilled professionals are experts at diagnosing and treating all types of hair issues. Our staff will examine your hair and scalp as well as your look at your styling habits to diagnose your condition and offer a customized solution. To learn more about how excessive heat can damage your hair and available solutions, contact us today for a free consultation.
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