If you have wavy, curly hair, you can get sleek, pin-straight tresses if you crank up the dial of your straightening iron so that it generates maximum heat. However, intense heat, when used on an every-day basis, can lead to damaged, fried-looking hair--and ultimately hair loss, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Limit heat straightening to special occasions and use your hot tool wisely to keep your hair healthy and intact.
Types
The medical term for hair loss is "alopecia," of which there are many different types, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pattern baldness, which occurs in both men and women, is a hereditary, permanent type of hair loss, while other types of temporary hair loss can be caused by intense periods of physical emotional stress, medical disorders and use of certain medications. However, hair loss can have a more innocuous cause: heat styling. This type of hair loss, which can be caused by flat irons and similar styling tools, such as wide-barreled curling irons, is only temporary, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Unfortunately, once irreparable damage is done to your hair, the only way to restore it to its former glory is to let it grow out and take measures to keep regrowth healthy.
Hot Tools
When you run the tongs of a straightening iron or similar heated styling tool over your hair, you achieve only temporary results. According to Chicago-based dermatologist Dr. Paradi Mirmirani, the heat beaks down the hydrogen bonds deep inside of the hair cuticle, effectively altering the inner structure of the hair. Over time, the hair's protective cuticle becomes damaged, resulting in crispy ends, flyaways and ultimately, hair breakage.
Dangers
According to the AAD, the straightening tools available to consumers, such as ceramic flat irons, can be used at extremely hot temperatures--as hot as 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposing your hair to temperatures between 347 and 418 degrees Fahrenheit for only five minutes is enough to cause damage to most types of hair, states the AAD. Wet ironing causes even more extensive damage; using a straightening iron on damp hair causes the hair cuticle to bubble and buckle, according to BeautyBrains.com, which also states that if you looked at the hair under a microscope, it would appear to be peppered with tiny "blisters."
Use
Mirmirani suggests keeping heat straightening to a minimum--no more than two or three times a week. Keep the temperature on your flat iron or heated styling tool at or below 347 degrees Fahrenheit, or set to "low/medium." If you dye or bleach your hair or use other types of chemical treatments, use an even lower heat setting. Use styling products that provide heat protection for your hair. BeautyBrains suggests using a styling product that contains a lightweight conditioner that penetrates the hair, such as cetrimonium chloride.
Other Contributors
Chemical treatments can make your hair more vulnerable to heat damage. But so can frequent blow-dryer use--the hot blast from this styling tool boils the water in your hair, making it brittle, explains the AAD. Too much shampooing, using too many styling products and over-brushing/combing can also leave wear and tear on your hair. Wearing tight hairstyles, such as braids, cornrows, ponytails and buns, puts stress on your hair follicles at the hairline, resulting in a type of hair loss called traction alopecia.
Cautions
If you're not sure why your hair is thinning and suspect that heat damage may be only one factor, see a dermatologist, advises the AAD. After taking a medical history, your doctor will inspect your hair and scalp to examine the pattern of hair loss and look for any signs of a contributing illness. Once the cause of your hair loss is identified, take measures to prevent and treat it.
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