If you use a flat iron or another hair straightening machine, learn how heat affects your hair and how you can minimize damage.
Heat Effects on Hair
Hair consists mainly of proteins and moisture. Straightening or removing moisture from hair strands increases the likelihood of damaging them. Hair constantly coming in contact with heat becomes frizzy, split-ended, and lifeless. Heat exposure, in some cases, can cause split ends and lifelessness within just a short period.
If you do not adequately protect your hair when you straighten it, it can eventually break off and thin.
Heat Styling Affects the Hair Structure
When you heat hair, it breaks some of the temporary hydrogen bonds of the molecules in the hair, giving it a new shape, usually straight. However, constant and frequent heat exposure might permanently alter your hair texture; thus, it becomes finer and more fragile over time.
Heat Damage Indicators
- Dry and brittle texture – Hair is ashy, coarse, and lacks lustre.
- Increased breakage – Hair tends to snap off easily while brushing or styling.
- Split ends – The hair ends become fragmented and break off.
- Hair loses its natural sheen – It has an appearance of dullness.
- Difficulty in curl holding – Hair does not return to its original shape even after washes.
- Frizz and flyaways – Hair comes out frizzy even after straightening it.
How to Lessen the Damage of Daily Hair Straightening
1. Use a Heat Protectant Spray
It acts as a shield for the hair against heat. Its main benefits are moisture protection, prevention of heat penetration, and direct cuticle damage. Apply the heat protectant to dry or damp hair and style away with any hot styling tool.
2. Opt for the Lowest Heat Setting
Straighteners usually have adjustable temperature settings. Though using the highest heat setting would make you straighten faster, it can damage your hair. According to your hair type, try to keep the heat temperature in the range of 250°F-350°F (120°C-180°C).
3. Do Not Pass the Iron Over One Section More Than Once
Passing the flat iron over the same hair section increases heat exposure and weakens hair strands. Instead, straighten each section slowly and steadily, reducing heat contact with identical strands.
4. Use a Top-of-the-Line Straightener
Invest in quality flat irons like MAC hair irons with adjustable temperature settings. Some are ceramic, while others have tourmaline plates; they distribute heat evenly and reduce the chances of hot spots.
5. Deep Conditioning
Heat styling dries out your hair. Regular deep conditioning restores lost hydration. Applying a hydrating mask or deep conditioner once a week ensures your hair remains soft, smooth, and resilient to damage.
6. Regular Split End Trimming
Daily straightening makes split ends appear faster. Trim your hair every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent excessive splitting.
7. Never Straighten Wet Hair
It is highly unsafe to straighten wet or moist hair; this could result in severe damage. The water inside the hair shaft boils, leading to breakage. Please do not use it on damp hair without a wet-to-dry straightener!
8. Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Sleeping on cotton pillowcases induces friction and leads to frizz and breakage. Instead, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to help maintain moisture and keep your hair smooth overnight.
Recommended Alternatives
- Blow-Dry with Cool Air – Blow-dry hair with a cool setting and finish with a round brush to straighten.
- Use Leave-In Straightening Products – Some serums and creams help keep hair straight longer.
- Keratin Treatment – A professional treatment that keeps hair straight for weeks.
- Wrap Your Hair at Night – Use a silk scarf or hair rollers to maintain straightness.
When to Give Your Hair a Break
If your hair starts to dry up more than usual, develops split ends, or loses its shine, it’s time to give it a break from heat styling. Try alternative hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or buns, and allow your hair to air dry whenever possible.