Understanding Heat Damage: A Heist Guide

Hey there, fellas! Let's talk about the heat and how it can impact your hair.

What Exactly is Hair Damage?

Hair damage happens when your hair undergoes physical or chemical stress that breaks down its essential components like the cuticle, cortex, medulla, and keratin proteins. This breakdown can be caused by various factors such as excessive heat, harsh chemicals, rough brushing, or UV exposure from the sun.

Signs of Trouble

You'll know your hair's taken a hit when it starts losing its shine and resilience. Healthy hair reflects light evenly, giving it that enviable sheen. But when damage strikes—cue the brittle strands and split ends—that shine begins to fade.

The Heat Factor

One of the main culprits? Extreme heat. When your hair faces temperatures over 150°C (302°F), its protein structure starts to shift, leading to weakened strands. And once you hit 230°C (446°F), things start to sizzle—literally—breaking down those essential bonds that give your hair its bounce and shape.

Our Tips for Heat Protection:

Use a hair dryer with the latest heat timing or sensing technology.
Opt for styling tools that don't go into overdrive with heat.
When possible, dial down the heat setting to a gentle simmer.
Always use a heat protector spray or similar product before styling.

Recognising the Signs. Here's how you can spot heat-damaged hair:

Dryness and Dullness: Healthy hair shines, but damaged hair tends to look dull and lacks that vibrant glow.
Split Ends: Keep an eye out for frayed or split ends—these are clear indicators of weakened hair.
Breakage: If you're noticing more hair breaking off than usual, heat damage might be the culprit.
Rough Texture: Your once-smooth strands might feel rough or coarse to the touch.
Tangles and Knots: Damaged hair tends to tangle easily, making it tough to manage.
Flyaways: Those stray hairs standing up? They're often a sign of breakage caused by heat damage.
Incorrect Hair Color: Heat-damaged hair struggles to retain color properly, leading to uneven tones or premature fading.
Hair Loss: Excessive heat can weaken hair strands, increasing the likelihood of hair loss during brushing or washing.

Knowing these signs empowers you to take action and protect your hair from heat damage. Use styling tools wisely, opt for lower heat settings, and always use a heat protectant spray before styling.

Remember, your hair deserves the best care—so keep it cool and stylish, gents!

Sources:

Dermstore - https://www.dermstore.com/blog/heat-damaged-hair/
Byrdie - https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-know-if-your-hair-is-damaged-5115460
Hairstyle Camp - https://hairstylecamp.com/heat-damaged-hair-symptoms/
BGLH Marketplace - https://bglh-marketplace.com/2012/04/7-signs-of-damaged-hair/
Pantene - https://www.pantene.co.uk/en-gb/hair-tips/damaged-hair/tell-tale-sign-your-hairs-damaged-and-in-need-of-treatment
HuffPost - https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-things-make-hair-frizzier_n_5b2d66c3e4b0321a01d11cc4)
Healthline - https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-split-ends)
Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/celiashatzman/2019/03/26/how-to-tame-your-hair-based-on-your-frizz-type/?sh=401ad43f3120)