Tip 11 Low to No Heat Usage
After interviewing hundreds of women with healthy, full and long hair about their hair care regimens, I found more than a few common threads. I've already told you about low-manipulation. Low to no heat is another similarity amongst women with healthy hair. Heat tools include curling irons, flat irons, blow dryers, hot air brushes and hot rollers. Obviously, some of these tools are more damaging then others because of the extreme and varying temperatures. Heat is extremely damaging when it is overused or used on already damaged hair. If you take proper precautions and have healthy hair to start with, using heat in moderation can be used with little to no damage to your hair. If you want to retain length and see length quicker, you should avoid heat as much as possible. It's also not only the frequency of when you use heat, but the amount of heat being use. You could refrain from using heat for 3 years, but decide to use a hot comb one day and completely fry your hair. Be very cautious of the temperature of the het appliance you're using and how long you're leaving it in your hair. Use the minimum amount of heat it takes to achieve your desired look. For most products, this information is available in the manual the tool came with and if it's not you should call the manufacturer. It's also a good idea to buy a tool with temperature settings so that you can have full control over the amount of heat being used. You should only use to heat on clean dry hair. Try to limit use to once a month or less if possible. Be sure to deep condition your hair if you're using heat regularly, at least once a week. Consider using a heat protectant/barrier product. They may weigh down fine hair and they don't work for everybody but if you're using a lot of heat, it's something to consider. To reduce the amount of heat you're using, consider doing a roller set or stretching your hair with bands, braids or twists before using a heat tool. I only straighten 4 times a year: every 3 months and I mainly do it to check for length. It's also great to switch up your look every once in awhile. Versatility is one of the best things about being natural. It's your hair and your prerogative, but like everything else, moderation is key. The less heat you use, the more opportunity your hair has to flourish and grow to it's full potential.
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Chronoblog
I've always wondered why hood dryers aren't considered direct heat, or at least aren't considered as damaging as blow dryers. Any insight?
ReplyDeleteIt's like the difference between ironing a silk blouse with a hot iron and letting it sit in front of a heater or in a dryer. The hot iron is going to ruin the fabric immediately. The dryer or heater will take a much longer time and much higher temperature before it ruins the fabric. Same thing with hair. Direct heat like flat irons, curling and hot combs have direct contact with your hair and the ability to boil the water inherently in the hair strand causing irreversible damage. While a hooded dryer allows your hair to dry over a longer period of time at a lower temperature. Excessive use of heat with a hooded dryer can be damaging too. That's why it's important to use the minimum heat necessary to achieve your desired look regardless of what type of heat appliance you use.
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy with the iron verses a heater on a silk blouse. That makes sense!
ReplyDeleteYup! Makes sense to me. I use my hood dyer to DC, rollerset and dry before I flat iron. I've been thinking about getting one of those super duper Pibbs that people talk about, but my little Gold n' Hot is still chugging along so I'll wait.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm relaxed but still l-l-love your blog.