How to avoid "heat damage"?

Maeva Sita @ Jan 26, 2021

You've enjoyed your straightened hair and you can't wait to get your curls back ! You've washed and cared for your hair as usual, but instead of finding slick curls, you notice that your hair's texture has changed and split ends have appeared... These are the first symptoms of "heat damage” ! Can this real hair scourge be avoided? How to cure it ? Colorful black tells you more about this phenomenon that we would like to avoid.

What is “heat damage”?

Literally translated as “heat damage” , it is the set of hair alterations caused by the use of accessories at high temperatures. Fragile, human hair burns at the same temperature as paper (230°C). Heat damage damages the hair's surface , cuticle and complex cell membrane and can cause:

Volume loss
Dry and split ends
Capillary dryness
Hair that tangles more
Texture change
Excessive frizz
Broken
Rough and dull hair

"Help ! My hair shows one or more signs of “heat damage”! Should I cut everything?”. No, cutting everything is not the only solution!

Before you grab your scissors , try a few targeted remedies to help your hair recover from its pain.

How to treat “heat damage”?

Think of your hair as being in intensive care . Arm yourself with patience and apply our advice:

To help your hair regain its health, it is essential to take a break from the heat. Straighteners , curlers and hair dryers stay in the closet for a few weeks or months depending on the extent of the damage!
Reduce the frequency of shampooing. Even mild shampoos are poorly tolerated by damaged hair. If you used to do two shampoos a week, switch to just one and favor mild, sulfate-free formulas.
Use and abuse moisturizers . Heat damage causes severe dehydration of textured hair . Focus on treatments that will allow the hair follicles to retain moisture for a long time.
Restore the strength of your hair with a protein treatment . Protein-based masks will help fill in hair cuticle lesions for an immediate restructuring effect. These treatments are essential to hope to regain your natural texture.

If despite all your efforts, your hair does not regain its original vitality, the cut will remain the only option to get rid of these damaged lengths.

To avoid reliving this painful experience, we have some tips.

How to avoid “heat damage”?

You may need to use a hair dryer, or you may want to use a flat iron occasionally . There are solutions to preserve your hair from “heat damage” .

Start by starting from a healthy base. Fragile, brittle hair should avoid heated appliances .

For straightening or brushing, start with a clarifying shampoo followed by a moisturizing mask . A protective treatment against heat is essential for straightening on textured hair .

The gesture is just as important! Straighten your hair in small sections and in one pass . Do not exceed a temperature of 200°C to avoid any irreversible damage.

Once your hair has been straightened , remember to take care of it on a daily basis by applying nourishing treatments or oils and avoid touch-ups with a straightening iron.

Finally, we recommend that you sleep on a satin pillowcase or with a satin bonnet , this material is softer than cotton.

If you really can't do without your hair dryer, consider using it on low heat , while keeping it away from your hair.

We hope these tips will help you save your hair from heat damage and that you can enjoy your natural or straightened hair to the fullest! Find us on Colorfulblack.com and in store from Tuesday to Saturday at 7 rue Poissonnière in Paris.