There are many products and styling techniques that can damage hair, according to stylists at Salon Web. The most common culprits are blow dryers, curling irons and hot rollers. In addition to the chemicals put on hair to perm, color and relax it, hair also can get heat damage from the UV light of the sun or from tanning beds. Poor diet also contributes to damaged hair. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to repair heat-damaged hair.
Step 1
Dry hair using a thermal protector that you spray on before blow-drying. Products that contain thermal protectors utilize polymers to absorb the heat and distribute it over the hair shafts. A light silicone film is left on the hair to further protect it from the heat you apply from blow dryers and curling irons.
Step 2
Moisturize the hair with humectants. Most humectants contain protein and botanicals that can attract moisture to the hair and hold it in. Apply a leave-in conditioner to further hold moisture in and allow it to absorb into the cuticle, where the hair shaft also can be damaged from too much heat.
Step 3
Leave your hair slightly damp whenever you can. The longer your hair stays wet, the more moisture the hair shafts can absorb. Heat causes dryness that needs plenty of moisture to repair.
Step 4
Use deep-conditioning treatments after shampooing. To get the most from the conditioner, massage the product into your scalp and wrap your head with a hot towel. Leave the conditioner in for at least 10 minutes, then rinse.
Step 5
Try a hot oil treatment that you can leave on overnight. Wear a shower cap to bed to avoid staining your pillow. Wash with a mild shampoo in the morning and allow hair to air dry.
Tips and Warnings
- Use the lowest setting on your hair dryer to avoid additional heat damage. Wear a hat when you're outside in the sun to prevent UV damage. Use a bathing cap if you use tanning beds. Use conditioner that has SPF protection in it to further protect hair from UV heat damage.
- Don't use a brush on wet hair. Dry hair has a tendency to crack and break off. Instead comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb and gently work out tangles. The less pulling you can do on your hair, the better chance it has of being repaired and looking good.
Things You'll Need
- Thermal protectors
- Moisturizer with humectants
- Hot oil treatments
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