THREE TIPS FOR HEAT STYLING

START IN THE SHOWER

If you’re regularly heat styling, set your strands up for success with quality hair products. In particular, it’s helpful to reinforce weakened strands by using shampoo and conditioner that provide protein, the main component in our hair, as well as hydration.

ALWAYS USE A HEAT PROTECTANT

Think of a heat protector as like sunscreen for your hair. In general, the cream or sprays should be thoroughly applied before blow drying or styling. Key ingredients coat each strand to make a seal that helps reduce damage to the cuticle from heat. Modern options also combine styling assistance, like adding shine, smoothing frizz or helping hold the style for longer.

HOTTER ISN’T BETTER

Though we rely on heat to encourage the desired change in texture, exposing hair to a temperature that’s too hot damages both the external cuticle and healthy internal structure of strands and can quickly lead to dullness, frizz and breakage. Good quality hair tools have internal sensors that maintain an optimal heat, or have variable options so if your hair is already damaged or lightened (which can add extra stress to strands) you can select a lower styling heat. However, beware using a lower temperature but then needing multiple ‘passes’ to achieve the same result, which can also cause damage.