How To Fix Heat Damaged Hair In 9 Steps

Introduction

Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers can give you the perfect look, but frequent use can lead to heat damaged hair. Signs of heat damaged hair include dryness, split ends, and breakage. If you're dealing with heat damaged hair, don't worry - there are steps you can take to repair and restore your locks. In this article, we'll discuss how to fix heat damaged hair in 9 simple steps.

Assess the Damage

The first step in fixing heat damaged hair is to assess the extent of the damage. Take a close look at your hair and examine the ends for split ends and breakage. You may also notice that your hair feels dry and looks dull. If the damage is minor, you may be able to repair it with home treatments. However, if the damage is severe, you may need to seek professional help.

One way to assess the damage is to gently pull on a strand of hair. If it stretches and then returns to its original length, it's likely healthy. If it breaks off or doesn't stretch, it's likely damaged. Keep in mind that heat damaged hair is often more prone to breakage, so be gentle when handling it.

Use a Deep Conditioning Treatment

Deep conditioning treatments can help to repair heat damaged hair by restoring moisture and improving the overall health of your locks. Look for a deep conditioning treatment that's specifically designed for damaged hair, and use it at least once a week. Apply the treatment to clean, damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, and then leave it on for the recommended amount of time before rinsing it out.

You can also boost the effectiveness of your deep conditioning treatment by using a shower cap or wrapping your hair in a warm towel while the treatment is on. This helps to create a warm, humid environment that allows the treatment to penetrate the hair more effectively.

Avoid Heat Styling Tools

One of the most important steps in fixing heat damaged hair is to give your locks a break from heat styling tools. Avoid using flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers, and instead opt for heat-free styling methods. For example, you can create waves by braiding your hair or use hair rollers to add volume and texture. If you do need to use a blow dryer, make sure to use the lowest heat setting and hold it at least 6 inches away from your hair.

It's also a good idea to let your hair air dry as often as possible. If you do need to use a blow dryer, use a heat protectant spray or serum beforehand to help minimize damage.

Trim Your Hair Regularly

Regular trims are essential for getting rid of split ends and preventing further damage. If you have heat damaged hair, it's especially important to get regular trims to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks, or whenever you start to notice split ends or breakage.

Even if you're trying to grow your hair out, getting regular trims can actually help it to grow faster and healthier. Trimming your hair helps to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, which can lead to more damage and breakage.

Switch to a Gentle Shampoo and Conditioner

Using a gentle shampoo and conditioner can help to repair heat damaged hair by cleansing and nourishing your locks without stripping away their natural oils. Look for a shampoo and conditioner that are specifically designed for damaged hair and free from harsh sulfates and parabens. These ingredients can be too harsh on your damaged strands and strip away essential moisture, leading to more damage.

When washing your hair, make sure to lather up the shampoo at the roots and then work the conditioner through the mid-lengths and ends. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing it out. You may also want to consider using a leave-in conditioner for extra hydration and protection.

Protect Your Hair from Heat

Once you've repaired your heat damaged hair, it's important to take steps to prevent future damage. This means protecting your hair from heat styling tools by using a heat protectant spray or serum before using any heat styling tools. Look for a product that's specifically designed to protect hair from heat and helps to reduce damage from styling tools.

You can also minimize heat damage by using lower heat settings on your styling tools and limiting the frequency of use. If possible, let your hair air dry and embrace your natural texture. When you do use heat styling tools, make sure to hold them a safe distance away from your hair and use a heat protectant to shield your strands.

Summary

Dealing with heat damaged hair can be frustrating, but with the right care and attention, you can repair and restore your locks. Start by assessing the damage and then use deep conditioning treatments to restore moisture and improve the overall health of your hair. Avoid using heat styling tools and make sure to get regular trims to keep split ends at bay. Switch to a gentle shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and nourish your locks, and protect your hair from heat to prevent future damage. With these steps, you can fix heat damaged hair and keep your locks looking and feeling their best.

Remember, repairing heat damaged hair takes time and patience, so be consistent with your hair care routine and be gentle when handling your locks. With the right care, you can repair and restore your heat damaged hair, leaving you with healthy, beautiful locks.