One of the many perks of having curly hair is that, asides wash-and-go styles, you can be creative in bringing any hair fantasy to life. This magic doesn't happen with just creams and oils. Heat styling tools such as flat irons and blow dryers are the game-changer for transforming your look in one go!
But here's the catch: these tools cause serious damage to hair with use in the long run, leading to hair breakage, split ends, dryness, and poor shine. With these hacks, you can still heat style with less damage.
How to Protect Hair From Heat Damage
Let's be real: we can't completely ditch heat tools. For one, you won't have the luxury of many hairstyle choices without heat tools. Secondly, that unmatched, perfectly stylish look can't be done on hair that's thick or coarse. Even fine hair gets heat styled. This hack helps your hair stay safe, sleek and polished rather than sorry when heat styling.
Always use a Heat Protectant
No one that is heat styling dares to skip using a heat protectant. In fact, heat protectants should be carefully selected. You want those that offer protection to about 450°C and contain silicones which coats the hair as a protective barrier against the effects of heat. Using quality heat protectants like GK Hair's ThermalStyleHer Cream is the care you should give your hair before heat styling. A hair serum like GK Hair's Argan Serum gives as much protection too and adds the glossy finish you’ve ever dreamt of without the frizz.
Use the Right Heat Styling Tools
Many people complain of heat damage when half the time, they haven't invested in quality tools. By quality tools, we mean those with adjustable temperature settings up to minimum levels. You should also consider those that are ceramic or ionic, whose plates distribute heat evenly with less damage.
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Adjust Temperature Setting
No, the tool doesn't need to be too hot to get the job done. Each of the curly hair types should be heat styled at different temperature levels. Using lower heat helps to protect the keratin in your hair, lock in moisture, and reduce breakage. A general guide? Stick to temperatures between 250°F-350°F (120-175°C) to keep your hair healthy, shiny and sleek all day.
Follow this quick heat guide based on hair type:
Fine or Thin hair: Stay in between temperature ranges of 250-300°F (120-150°C) is perfect enough to style your hair without causing damage.
Normal or Medium Hair: You should maintain a temperature range of 300-375°F (150-190°C).
Thick or Coarse Hair: You can safely stay in between 350-400°F (190-205°C) for that sleep finish you desire.
Do not go straight to these temperature levels. Set at lower temperatures first, and increase when necessary. Your hair may not be able to withstand these temperatures because, remember, your hair texture is not often the same across your head.
Deep Condition Your Hair Often
Here goes something: Your hair needs more moisture when heat styled. Don't deprive your hair of this extra TLC from a deep conditioning treatment like our favorite Deep Conditioning Mask. Do this at least once a week to gain moisture and lock it in. Be careful to select products that have deep moisturizing ingredients.
Reduce Heat Styling Frequency
For the love of heat styling, be sure not to over-do it. At every chance you get, give your hair a break from heat tools. For example, rather than blow-dry, air-dry. You can achieve this by washing your hair hours ahead of the time you plan to step out. You could also make it easier by first towel-drying with a microfiber towel to soak up excess water.
Pro-tip: There are also quite a few other hairstyle alternatives to explore that do not require you to heat style. Examples of such are heatless curls, braids, buns, and ponytails. Be sure to use a dry shampoo once in a while. This helps to reduce washing frequency that similarly reduces the number of times you heat-style.
Protect Your Hair at Night
Wrapping your hair isn't directly linked to reducing heat damage, but it's a way of protecting your hair from unnecessary damage. After all, the goal is healthy hair. Wrap your hair in silk or use a silk/satin pillowcase as these fabrics are gentler than cotton.
Go for Trims
Split ends are not uncommon to those who constantly heat style. Trimming down split ends prevents the frayed ends from going all the way up and damaging the entire strand. You should get a trim done every 6-8 weeks whether you are heat styling or not, anyway.
Pro-tip: How to Get Shiny Hair
Ever seen those shiny, glossy hair that feels like a mirror? It's not impossible with your hair. And, of course, it's not just heat tools. Here's how:
Use a Serum
Serum for hair shouldn't ever be underrated if you want fine curly hair. A few drops of Argan Oil Serum can leave your hair shiny. Before using the blow dryer, apply a few drops on your palm and smooth the product through your hair. Then notice how your hair dazzles beautifully in light. Apply a few pumps before using the blow dryer or flat iron, and watch how your hair dazzles in light.
Treat Your Hair to Some Extra Love Weekly
Swap your regular conditioner for a deep conditioning mask and give your hair some time to soak in the boost and shine from the product. Your hair gets a better chance at recovering from split ends and other damage faster with nourishment from our deep conditioner that contains keratin and other natural plant extracts.
Wash Hair Mildly
Washing hair regularly doesn't cut it for hair that is trying to avoid or recover from heat damage. We recommend a lightweight, gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping hair of natural oils. In addition, nothing beats the shine from the natural hair oil, so by all means, don't make them go away. Not sure which shampoo to use? Use our Moisturizing Shampoo for hydration and care. If your hair is colored, a Shield Shampoo is a much better option you'd love.
Bottom Line
By now, you should have mastered your hair's language. Learning what your hair requires and giving it just that can give your hair more integrity despite the heat tools. Keep a balance and incorporate heat-free styles once in a while. Products like creams, serums and oils from GK Hair help you stay protected while being creative with your hair.
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