• Hot tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can all contribute to heat damage. When heat is applied to hair, it strips some of the natural oils from the hair and causes the water to evaporate. This changes the hair structure and can leave the cuticle open. When the cuticle is raised, it can lead to tangled hair and split ends. So how can we protect our hair from heat damage?

Prepping the hair.

• Before blow drying, prep the hair with a blow dry cream or spray that has heat protection. Redken’s Quick Blowout spray has heat protection up to 450° and helps speed up blow dry time. Before using a hot tool like a flat iron or curling iron, prep the hair with a heat protectant like Redken’s Thermal Spray (previously known as Iron Shape). It has a low-hold spray that protects the hair up to 450°.

Check the temperature.

• Our ovens cook food at 350°. Why would we want to use higher heat on our hair than we use on our food? Low and slow is the way to go. Keeping the temperature low on your hot tools helps mitigate the risks of heat damage.

Weekly deep conditioning treatments.

• Damaged hair can look dry and dull. Although heat damage is irreversible, a weekly moisturizing conditioning treatment helps rehydrate the hair and help the appearance to look healthier. Pureology’s Superfood masks, Strength Cure and Hydrate, only need to sit on for five minutes - and they produce instant results.

Be honest with your hairstylist. Let them know what your normal routine is and products you use so they can recommend the best products and tools for your hair!