When it comes to hair, heat and styling come hand-in-hand. But this comes at a cost: heat-damaged hair. We recently had a reel on Instagram that went viral, with 13 million viewers and counting. The video starkly illustrates the effects of heat on coloured hair and shows the difference a heat protectant can make when styling hair.

This visual has sparked a broader conversation on the harsh realities of heat styling and the effects of heat on hair condition and colour. It also brought to light many misconceptions regarding our daily beauty routines and the care for damaged hair. To set the record once and for all, let’s dive into the effects of heat on hair and how we can better care and protect our hair from heat and heat styling. 

Heat-damaged hair: The impact of heat on hair

With the rise in popularity of heat styling tools, damaged hair from excessive heat has become increasingly common. 

Excessive use of heat styling tools like hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons can significantly damage hair. This damage occurs because high temperatures alter the keratin proteins in hair, essential for shape and strength, and deplete moisture, leaving hair dry  and brittle. Over time, this leads to irreversible changes in hair texture and appearance.

The damaged hair typically starts at the cuticle — the outer protective layer. Once the cuticle is weakened or destroyed, it can no longer protect the inner layers of the hair, leading to further deterioration and weakening of the hair shaft.

Key factors contributing to heat damage include:

• Overuse of heat styling tools
• Lack of heat protection or heat protectant products
• Chemical treatments
• Environmental factors like sunlight

Incorporating heat tools in our beauty routines is almost second nature, but the repercussions are clearly underestimated. Heat damage not only strips away the natural lustre and colour but also affects hair's elasticity, leading to easy breakage and permanent change in texture.

The signs of heat damage are unmistakable: 

• Dry, brittle strands
• Split ends
• Dullness
• Tangles and frizz
• Weakened hair
• Shaft breakage
• Rough texture
• Uneven colour fade due to heat

While damaged hair cannot heal itself, adopting hair care practices that prioritise the minimisation of heat exposure and the fortification of hair strength can significantly improve its condition and appearance over time.

How to style your heat-damaged hair

The myth that hotter is better for styling is dangerously misleading! High temperatures do more harm than good - think frazzled, faded and structurally damaged hair. 

According to a study in the Journal of Cosmetology & Trichology, 185 degrees Celicius is the “sweet spot” for heat styling where you get 50% less colour fade and lesser amount of breakage, without causing permanent damage. Here are some styling tips for the damaged hair:

Use lower heat settings: Limit heat styling and opt for tools that don't exceed 185 degrees Celsius. Tools like GHD straighteners offer effective styling without excessive heat that leads to more damage.

Invest in quality tools: High-quality equipment, such as GHD straighteners, maintain consistent temperatures and have features like ceramic plates for even heating, which helps minimise damage. Their product line, which include GHD straighteners, dryers, and curling tongs, are perfect for those with heat-damaged hair who still require heat styling. The investment in GHD straighteners can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your hair over time. We stock GHD tools that are perfect for at home styling. 

Explore heat-free styles: Embrace heat-free alternatives like braiding for waves, using rollers for curls or using volumising products. These methods avoid thermal stress and provide a stylish look without the damage.

Finally, there’s one cardinal rule: Always, always use heat protectant.

The role of heat protectant

Heat protectants do more than defend hair from styling tool heat - they're key to a full hair care routine, especially for repairing or preventing damage, especially on coloured hair.

Heat protectants create a protective barrier that evenly distributes heat, reduces moisture loss and keeps hair hydrated. Ingredients like silicones and natural oils coat the hair to prevent thermal damage, reduce frizz and enhance shine. 

Additionally, many heat protectants are enriched with nutrients like proteins and vitamins to nourish, repair and strengthen hair, making it more resistant to future styling damage. Regular use leaves the heat-damaged hair more resilient to heat styling.

Our favourite heat protectants include Kevin Murphy's heat protector foam or the I-N good hair guardian thermal primer. For those with thick, copious hair, Kevin Murphy’s blow dry wash and rinse is a game-changer, being a wash line that doubles as a heat protector. 

Here’s how you should apply your heat protectant:

• Apply on damp hair: For maximum effectiveness, most heat protectants should be applied to damp hair, as this allows the product to more easily distribute and penetrate the hair shaft.
• Don't forget the ends: Pay special attention to the ends of your hair, which are the oldest and often the most damaged part.
• Comb through: Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product evenly from root to tip for thorough protection.
• Layering with other products: Heat protectants can be used alongside other styling products, but they should be the first layer applied to ensure direct contact with the hair.

Top tips to protect your damaged hair from the heat

To further care for your heat-damaged hair and to preserve the colour of your hair for longer, follow these pro tips:

• Much like your skin, you need to protect your hair from the sun and humidity by wearing hats and using hair-specific sunscreens.
• Develop a washing regime with lukewarm or cool water and finish off with a cold rinse to maintain hair health and colour vibrancy.
• Use hair products enriched with peptides and amino acids for repair.
• Regularly trim hair to eliminate split ends and prevent further damage.
• Restrict the use of heat styling tools and explore alternative no-heat hairstyles.
• Maintain a safe distance between your hair and the blow dryer to reduce heat exposure.

Conclusion

Heat and styling comes at a certain price. For many, that price can be frizzy and faded heat-damaged hair. 

But it’s not too late to nurture your damaged hair back to health and vibrancy, by incorporating a balance of protective styling practices, high-quality tools like GHD straighteners, and using heat protectant. At Love Hair, we specialise in offering comprehensive, heat-sensitive care and colour services that prioritise the health of your hair. By understanding the consequences of heat styling, we strive to educate our clientele on maintaining the perfect balance between fashion and hair preservation.

If you're passionate about hair colour and yearn for a salon that takes heat effects seriously, Love Hair is your ideal destination. Book a free consultation and let us guide you towards achieving and maintaining vibrant and resilient hair, no matter your style.