Though you may not realize it high temperatures can be remarkably dangerous for your hair health. Whether it be through blow drying, flat iron straightening or hot curling, any heat that exceeds the boiling point of water can cause severe damage to your hair
WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE?
One of the biggest consequences of high temperatures on your hair is the loss of moisture. Water molecules provide essential support to the structure and properties of your hair. Evaporation of water molecules can alter your protein structure, which can result in your hair losing bounce and being more prone to breakage. Additionally, the loss of water molecules can change your curl pattern and cause frizz. This type of damage is exceptionally common with frequent blow drying on hair.
The strands of your hair are complex and they obtain the majority of their properties from keratin protein structures in the cuticle and cortex. The softening of the keratin and conformational changes in the protein of your hair can happen through heat degradation. Protein damage can potentially affect the strength, texture, curl and shine of your hair. Oxidation of pigment particles are another risk of high temperatures.
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?
Heat protectants are products that can reduce thermal trauma to your hair by offer insulation from high temperatures. These products can offer a reduction in moisture loss as well as maximize and seal in moisture, as water molecules are essential to your hair.
It’s important to understand that although heat protectants can offer a reduction in damage to your hair, they can not completely prevent it. Meaning, if you frequently use heat styling on your hair frequent damage will occur, forcing you to cut off the affected areas. If you want to maintain or enhance the length of your hair, then it is inadvisable to use heat often.
Have you had a bad experience with excessive heat styling? Let us know in the comment section below.
