If you are experiencing heat damaged hair, you’ll be well aware it doesn’t look great. How are Hair Styling Tools damaging to hair? It is no secret that excessive heat can leave all hair types in an unflattering dry state. The main culprits that inflict severe trauma on hair follicles are styling tools. The effects are noticeable dryness, split ends and breakage to the hair shafts. These are common side effects of styling tools such as straighteners, blow dryers and curlers. Most hair styling methods are universally damaging to the hair. In some cases, once it is no longer under heat the root portion of the hair follicles should grow back.

To restore your hair it is important to reduce styling tools to a minimum. Neglecting styling tools is in fact a lot easier than you may think, as it will improve the quality of hair in the long run. Lets explain how hair styling damages hair and what you can do about this.

How does excessive heat exposure damage hair?

Heat styling tools distribute alarmingly high temperatures, which can have adverse effects on the structure and properties of the hair. When you expose your hair to such heat, it strips the strands of their cuticles. This is simply because the hair’s moisture is being drained from every layer of the hair follicles. The hair follicle has protein bonds that become weakened and permanently changed rapidly when exposed under heat conditions. Chemicals and heat methods to dye, bleach, perm or straighten the hair cause the hair shaft to break off. This immediately, results in hair thinning. This is why hair styling tools are damaging to hair. The root rarely is damaged enough to result permanent hair loss. Hair loss can occur which is temporary. Excessive heat comes from hair straighteners and hot hair dryers. These all dry out hair and damage it.

How does the relaxing or perming of hair cause damage?

Common practices among ethnic minorities for the styling of hair are  known as Hair relaxing and perming. These can be damaging. Even if   they are used on a regular basis with patch tests being carried out at home or in a hair salon the effects are to destroy the hair follicle.

The relaxing procedure straightens out the natural texture of the hair. This is carried out by the chemical which opens the cuticles of the hair. The frequency of hair relaxing depends of the length of the hair. Soon after, the relaxer causes damage on the scalp in many people . Some may experience sores on the scalp which ooze or crust over. This could lead to either infection or permanent hair loss. The sores may also be caused by a reaction to the chemicals from relaxing of the hair no matter how long it has been in the hair for. Perming hair can result in very dry damaged hair with split ends.The only solution or remedy is to have a hair cut to remove the damaged hair.

Colouring hair

Hair colouring will damage hair. All hair colourants break down the structure of the hair shaft. This results in dry damaged hair. Even the best ammonia free hair colourants damage hair. Bleach is particularly harmful to hair. The only remedy is to cut hair and remove the dry damaged hair.

What Is the best technique to avoid Heat damage?

As tempting as it may seem to pass the straightener through your mane of hair to make it pin straight, it is best to limit the amount of heat to special occasions only. It is crucial to nourish damaged hair with the appropriate hair treatments to counteract any potential dryness or breakage. One example of this is through deep conditioners  which will infuse moisture back into your hair. Many people use over the counter heat protectants as a means to prevent hair damage. However, most heat protectants are loaded with chemicals and silicones.  No matter how much you may dose up on this, heat inflicted on the hair is bound to cause irreplaceable damage. You can find out more about how to avoid damaging your hair when styling here.

In order to apply a hair treatment it is best to use a clarifying shampoo first to cleanse the hair and remove all traces of products. A good clarifying shampoo is Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. This will remove all build up and allow the penetration of deep hair conditioners. a natural alternative is baking soda and anti dandruff shampoo. When mixed together and applied to the hair it will remove all product build up. Thereafter shiny hair that is smooth to touch will result.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies such as the use of coconut oil are also effective in reducing hair breakage. This is because it is free of silicones and chemicals that dry out hair. It works best with damaged hair that’s over processed, heat damaged or dry. Coconut oil is also cheaper than all branded treatments. This is available in many places such as supermarkets. Substances such as Luric acid, Capric acid, and vitamin E which is found in coconut oil help restructure your  hair. Organic coconut oil is great to use on hair and left overnight it will moisturise your hair. The following morning hair can be rinsed and cleaned. Consequently hair  strength will increase through preventing protein loss. Many notice an improvement in the shine of their hair .

People who regularly use a coconut oil have increased hair body, less breakage, and fewer split ends. Many clients claim that hair sheds less after regular use. To find out more about  male and female hair loss solutions

To conclude if you want to to protect your hair and grow it long the best thing to do is to keep it natural ! keep away from heat and chemicals and you will have a better chance of naturally healthy hair. Find out more about hair restoration by contacting us, Hair Transplant Clinic London, Harley Street.