Here’s how to spot if your hair is heat damaged and how to prevent it

We’ve all had bad hair days before. Those days where your hair goes every direction except where you want it to go. Ultimately you give up the battle, throw it up in a ponytail and call it a day. Unfortunately, sometimes this can be a sign of more than just an off day and can indicate permanent damage. Overtime heat damage can cause hair to lie flat and limp as crucial moisture has been released.

Too much heat can damage the keratin proteins that give hair its strength and crack the cuticle of the hair. This leaves hair limp, brittle and dry. High or excessive heat can permanently break the bonds within hair strands that give hair its strength and shine. 

Okay, I think you get the picture here. Now here’s what you really want to know - how to prevent heat damage in the future.

Rinse your hair with cool water
Although this isn’t the most pleasant way to end your shower, this will help seal the hair cuticle. Washing with hot or warm water separates the overlapping cells of the cuticle, allowing the shampoo to penetrate the hair's shaft deeper. Once your products have been applied, it’s best to turn down the temperature to lock in those ingredients and moisture inside the hair strand. When the cuticle layer is closed, the cells lay more smoothly, which helps give hair a lustrous appearance. 

Use a microfiber towel on your hair after washing
This handy product helps speed up the drying process, which means less time spent under the blow dryer. One of the benefits of microfiber towels is that they can help to limit frizz, as the smoother microfiber material creates less friction on your strands. In comparison, the material of cotton terry towels is not as gentle and can cause breakage over time.

Opt for heatless hair styling tools
Instead of reaching for your curling iron, try switching to heatless hair styling tools. Not only will this option help you avoid the negative effects of heat damage, when combined with styling products your curls can last for up to a few days, saving you time getting ready each morning. 

Make your hairstyles last longer by sleeping on a silk pillowcase
Styles that last longer mean less fuss in the morning, less frequent shampoos, and a happier head of hair. Silk pillowcases are more gentle which helps to keep your hair softer and more moistured. As well, the anti-static properties of silk can help keep your hair tangle-free.