Love your hot tools but not the damage they cause? Discover how to protect your hair from heat damage with these must-have tips.
In the context of hair, heat gets a bad rep…
It’s common knowledge that if you use hot tools regularly, your hair is at risk of damage. And while it’s true that too much heat can leave hair dry, brittle and dull, this doesn’t mean you need to stop styling altogether. By using the right techniques and products, you can keep your hair strong, healthy and, most importantly, free from heat damage.
Heat damaged hair doesn’t always show up right away. Gradually, you might notice your hair feels rough, looks dull, or no longer holds its natural texture. Common signs of heat-damaged hair include:
Split ends
Breakage
Frizz that won’t smooth out
Curls or waves that lose their shape
If your hair stops responding to products the way it normally does, heat damage may be the reason. Catching the signs early gives you a better chance to prevent further damage and restore your hair’s health.
Read on for our Schwarzkopf hair experts’ tips on how to protect your hair from heat damage.
If you take away just one tip from this article, make it this one! Using heat tools without a heat protectant is an absolute no-no. Heat protectants create an essential barrier between your hair and the high temperatures of styling tools, reducing the risk of damage. Whether it’s a spray, serum, or leave-in conditioner, always apply a heat protectant to damp hair before styling! It’s a quick step that can make a big difference in keeping your hair healthy and free from heat damage.
Heat protection products create a thin film around the surface of the hair, carefully designed to withstand the high temperatures of hot irons. This film dissolves when heat is applied. As liquids are excellent at transporting heat, this liquified film distributes the heat from the hot iron evenly around the hair fibre. This results in a lower overall temperature gradient, less tension and less damage.
Hair that encounters hot tools without heat protection gets much hotter in the areas that are in contact with the tool, creating uneven heat zones. This leads to tension in the hair fibre, creating cracks within the internal structure of the hair and weakening hair overall.
Look for heat protection products that match your hair type. For example, if you have fine hair, lightweight products are likely best, while thicker hair might benefit from richer formulas. Finding the right protectant for you ensures that your hair gets the moisture, hold and protection it needs to handle heat without damage. Start your search today by checking out our Taft hairstyling collection.
We know it’s tempting to dial those styling tools up to max heat in search of quicker, better results. But trust us, you don’t need the highest heat setting to get the results you want!
Put simply, more heat equals more damage.
Fine or damaged hair? Keep the temperature between 150°C–175°C. For thicker tresses, you can go up to 200°C but always aim to use the lowest temperature that still achieves your desired hairstyle.
Using tools without adjustable temperature settings? Our next point is for you...
Blow-drying, straightening, curling, waving, crimping, smoothing, volumising… there’s a tool for every hairstyle these days! However, the heat styling tools you use can make a big difference to your hair’s health. Cheaper tools tend to have uneven heat distribution, which can cause hot spots and lead to damage. See investing in high-quality tools as an investment in your hair’s future health, as higher quality generally ensures even heat and less direct damage. Look for styling tools with adjustable temperature settings so you can control heat more effectively and avoid using unnecessarily high temperatures.
Constantly styling your hair with heat can lead to long-term damage. Give your hair some heat-free days each week to recover and stay healthy. You don’t have to skip styling altogether, experiment with heatless styles like plaits, buns or air-dried waves.
If you're looking to add volume to your hair without the heat, there are several heat-free alternatives. Try using velcro rollers, foam rollers or a root-boosting mousse or powder to lift your hair at the roots. These options give you volume without risking heat damage.
Hang on to your heat-styled looks for longer by using a silk or satin pillowcase, or a silk hair bonnet. These super soft fabrics reduce friction, preventing breakage and frizz and keeping your style intact. It’s the easiest way to guarantee a heat-free look on second-day styled hair!
Heat styling strips moisture from your hair, so it’s important to replenish it with deep conditioning treatments. Once a week, use a moisturising hair mask or leave-in treatment to keep your strands hydrated and strong. Look for products with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, babassu oil or keratin. Regular deep conditioning helps restore elasticity, repair damage and protect your hair from future heat damage.
Healthy hair starts from the inside out! Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help support your hair’s natural strength. Include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein and vitamins like biotin. These are all essential for hair health. When your hair is nourished from your diet, it’s able to more effectively handle the effects of heat styling.
If you've already noticed the effects of heat damage, don’t panic! There are ways to restore your hair's health. Start by using hair products designed to repair and rebuild strength — our Gliss range is a good place to start! Protein-rich masks, deep conditioners and ingredients like keratin, biotin and collagen can help restore hair's elasticity and moisture balance. Regular use of these treatments can help reverse the damage caused by excessive heat styling. With extra love and care, your hair can regain its strength, shine and texture.
Heat damage doesn’t have to be inevitable. By following these simple tips—using heat protectants, adjusting your styling routine and nourishing your hair with the right products—you can keep your hair healthy and strong.
Remember: Always apply a heat protectant before using any heat tools. This single step can reduce the risk of heat damaged hair. Try and give your hair regular breaks from styling and with the right care, you can enjoy having luscious, damage-free hair!