Using heat on your hair is a great way to get it to take the shape you want. Unfortunately, blow-drying, flat ironing, and curling can all wreak havoc on your hair, unless you take some steps to do it right. By heat styling your hair correctly and taking some additional steps to keep your hair healthy, you can achieve the style you want with minimal damage to your hair
Select the right size iron for your hair to help minimize damage. In general, a 1 inch (2.5 cm) iron is the most versatile choice for hair of medium length and thickness.[2]
If your hair is short, choose a smaller iron.
If your hair is very thick or long, opt for a larger iron. This will also speed up the time it takes you to straighten your hair.
To achieve ringlet curls, use a smaller curling iron. To achieve loose waves, use a larger curling iron.
Apply a heat protection product prior to using heat tools. Purchase a heat protectant that contains both humectants (like panthenol and propylene glycol) and silicones (like amodimethicone and dimethicone). Together these ingredients can lock in moisture and insulate your hair from heat. Work this product through your hair before heat styling.[3]
If you have fine/thin hair, choose a heat protectant spray.
If you have thick/coarse hair, select a heat protectant oil, cream, or lotion.
Dry your hair on low until it is no longer damp. Set your blow dryer to its lowest setting. Make sure your hair is completely dry before straightening or curling it.[4]
If your hair is thick, you will need to divide it into sections. Start with 4 sections. If the sections are thick, further divide your hair.
Heat your hair in small sections. To minimize damage, you want to curl/straighten your hair a little bit at a time. Using small sections allows you to maintain heat contact for shorter intervals. As a general guideline, you should never leave a heat tool against your hair for longer than 3-5 seconds.[6]
Take breaks from heat styling at least once a week. One of the best ways to protect your hair from heat damage is to take days off from your blow dryer and curling/straightening irons. Let your hair air-dry and recover at least 1 day a week.[8]
Applying heat to your hair everyday will cause damage. After you've used heat 1-2 times during a single week, find alternatives for the rest of the week to minimize damage, such as using rollers.
Deep condition your hair once a week. Heat styling pulls moisture out of your hair. This dryness is what leads to heat damage. Minimize the negative effects of heat styling by using a deep conditioner once a week.[9]
Apply a traditional deep conditioner after you shampoo. Wait anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes (following package instructions), and rinse with cool water. Some products may be left on overnight.
Opt for a leave-in conditioner if you are prone to split ends or breakage. Read package instructions; some products should be applied to wet hair and others to
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