The Dyson AirWrap is a popular hair styling tool today, and no points for guessing why — the multi-styler tool promises easy, efficient and convenient styling while ensuring minimised heat damage to the hair. Heat damage has quickly escalated to becoming one of the topmost hair concerns today, and as a result, the hair care market is perpetually offering solutions — products and tools — that are positioned as ultimate saviours to reverse heat damaged hair. Except, heat damage doesn’t simply occur on the surface level of the strands. The damage penetrates the hair shaft, compromising the health and strength of your bonds as well. We reached out to a hair expert to decipher the best ways to retrieve your hair’s health and to also learn how to protect it from heat damage. Get ready to make some notes.
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What causes heat damage?
Heat damage in hair is primarily caused by excessive exposure to high temperatures, often from styling tools such as hair straighteners, curling irons and hair dryers, says Sonia Presswala, Creative Stylist at Looks Salon. “Excessive heat, especially when hair is exposed to temperatures above 350°F (177°C), can weaken the protein structure of the hair shaft,” she says. And, if you skimp over a heat protectant during this menacing exposure to heat, the damage simply multiplies as “such a product acts as a barrier between your hair shaft and the heat.” However, the heat emitted from hair styling tools isn’t the only culprit — direct and unguarded exposure to the sun can also deteriorate the health of your hair. Presswala further mentions that your hair type also has a role to play. “Fine and chemically-treated hair is often more susceptible to heat damage compared to thicker, healthier hair,” she informs.
Can you reverse heat damage?
Yes and no. To think that you can completely undo the heat damage is a bit of a long shot, opines Presswala. “There aren’t too many ways to reverse heat damage in hair because the damage occurs at a structural level. Heat damage weakens the protein structure of the hair shaft, causing it to become brittle and more susceptible to breakage. Once the proteins in your hair are damaged, they cannot be repaired or regenerated to a large extent.” However, she does agree that you can subscribe to habits and rituals that increase manageability and promote the health of your hair. Scroll on to know more.
How to help heat damaged hair?
1. Regular trim runs:
Trimming your hair helps get rid of split ends, and rough and extremely dehydrated ends. “Regular trims can remove the most severely damaged parts of your hair, helping to prevent further splitting and breakage,” says Presswala.
2. Condition, condition, condition:
Use deep conditioning treatments or hair masks to provide moisture and improve the overall health of your hair, advises Presswala. “Look for products with ingredients like keratin, panthenol, and protein to help strengthen and repair the hair to some extent,” she adds. Swapping your hair conditioner with a hair mask in case of severe damage or dryness can prove to be highly beneficial.
3. Cut down the exposure to heat:
This is the most obvious tip to prevent any further damage. “When you do need to use heat styling tools, always use a heat protectant spray or serum to minimise damage,” says Presswala.
4. High protein treatments:
The hair expert vouches for the benefits of a protein
treatment for your hair. Overtime it can result in fortified bonds and nourished hair shafts. “Protein-based hair treatments can help strengthen and repair the damaged protein structure of the hair,” informs Presswala. “Look for products that contain ingredients like keratin or amino acids for at-home maintenance.”
5. Oil your hair:
The old-age ritual has stood the test of time for a reason. “Natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil can help nourish and moisturise the hair. Apply these oils to your hair, leave them on for a few hours or overnight, and then wash them out,” recommends Presswala.
6. Build a wholesome hair care routine:
Presswala also suggests focusing on the hair care regime you follow on a daily, weekly and monthly basis at home, besides all the external help that you seek in salons. “Use a sulphate-free, gentle shampoo designed for damaged or dry hair. Shampoo your hair with lukewarm water, as hot water can strip natural oils and worsen dryness. Use a protein treatment every 4-6 weeks to strengthen your hair. After washing and conditioning, apply a leave-in conditioner to add moisture and protect your hair. If you need to use heat styling tools, use them at the lowest effective temperature and limit their use. Use wide-toothed combs or brushes with soft bristles to avoid excessive pulling and breakage when detangling.”
