Hair, like any living thing, can be damaged by various factors. While hair is mostly made up of protein, 10-15% of its structure is made from water. The most common cause of damage is dryness which can lead to brittle and dull hair, and eventually split ends.
Hot-air styling, colouring, and other chemical treatments can sap moisture from the hair and cause irreparable damage. But this doesn’t mean that the only way to have healthy hair is let your hair air-dry every time you wash it and give up on styling completely.
Modern hairdressing tools and products are designed to minimise damage and can help keep your locks looking sleek, shiny, and healthy. Here are some of the best ways to protect your hair from damage during styling:
- Hair can be damaged by high temperatures, so it’s important to apply special heat protection products before drying with a hairdryer. There are many different gels, creams, oils, mousses, and other products designed for this purpose. All heat-protectants work in the same way: they coat each strand of hair with an invisible protective layer to prevent damage from high heat. Check out the selection at https://makeup.uk/categorys/247635/ to find a product that suits your hair-care routine.
- Don’t dry your hair immediately after washing it. This can reduce the natural protective layer of the hair strands and sap moisture, leaving it vulnerable to damage from the sun and other environmental factors. Instead, let your hair air-dry for a few minutes before using a hairdryer, or towel dry it gently.
- Keep heat styling to a minimum. Avoid washing and drying or styling your hair daily. Instead, limit your use of hair dryers and heat stylers to once or twice a week and let your hair dry naturally in-between.
- Keep hairdryers and heated stylers on a low heat setting. Most modern hair styling appliances can achieve great results when used with room temperature or warm air – it just takes a little longer.
Use the diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. A diffuser attachment spreads the air flow out over a wider area, which prevents it from hitting the hair strands too harshly and causing damage. - Keep your hairdryer at least 20cm away from your hair when styling. If you hold the hair dryer too close to your head, the air will be too hot and can cause damage to the hair shaft.
- Direct the airflow from the top of your head to the bottom of the strands. This will ensure the hair cuticle layer is closed, preventing moisture loss and damage, and retaining the natural smoothness of the hair.
- Choose a high power hairdryer (at least 1800W) with several modes for airflow and temperature. An ionisation feature will also help to reduce frizz and static.
- Invest in quality hair straightening tools. Choose a model with a ceramic or tourmaline coating, which will help to prevent the hair from being overheated. Ionic technology also works to reduce frizz and ensure a silky-smooth result.
- Never use a curling wand or straightening irons on wet hair – the water will make the hair strands expand and could cause them to break. wait until your hair is completely dry before styling or blow dry first.
