Straightening your hair every day can be damaging to your hair. The heat from the straightening iron can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.
Additionally, it’s well known that using heat styling tools frequently can cause heat damage, which can lead to split ends and weakened hair.
If you do decide to straighten your hair every day, it’s important to take care of your hair to minimize the damage. Here are my tips for protecting your hair:
- Use a heat-protectant product before styling to help shield your hair from the heat of the straightening iron.
- Avoid using the highest heat setting on your straightening iron.
- Use a lower heat setting and take your time straightening small sections of your hair rather than trying to straighten all of your hair at once.
- Avoid straightening your hair when it’s wet or damp, as this can cause additional damage.
- Try to give your hair a break from heat styling every few days by wearing it in a natural style or using heat-free styling methods.
Be sure to follow my tips above and and be mindful of the potential risks of straightening your hair every day. My tips will help you protect your hair and keep it healthy.
How To Pick The Right Heat Protectant For Hair?
According to Meesh, Contributing Editor and Chief Product Analyst, “Choose a heat protectant that is suitable for your hair type and needs, and that provides the protection and hold you desire. I always read reviews and check the product’s label to get a sense of how well it has worked for others and what ingredients it contains.“
Here are my proven tips to follow when selecting a heat protectant for your hair:
- Hair type: Different heat protectants are formulated for different hair types, such as fine, medium, or thick hair. Choose a heat protectant that is suitable for your hair type to ensure it provides the best protection.
- Heat styling tool: Some heat protectants are formulated for use with specific heat styling tools, such as flat irons or curling irons. Make sure to select a heat protectant that is suitable for the tool you are using.
- Ingredients: Look for heat protectants that contain ingredients that nourish and moisturize the hair, such as argan oil, coconut oil, or keratin. These ingredients can help to prevent damage and keep your hair healthy.
- Hold: Consider the hold of the heat protectant. If you want a strong hold, look for a heat protectant that provides a strong hold. If you prefer a more flexible hold, choose a heat protectant with a lighter hold.
- Price: Determine your budget and select a heat protectant that fits within your price range.
How To Keep Hair Healthy When Straightening Every Day?
If you straighten your hair every day, it’s important to follow my tips to keep your hair healthy. Here they are:
- Use a heat-protectant product before styling to help shield your hair from the heat of the straightening iron.
- Avoid using the highest heat setting on your straightening iron.
- Use a lower heat setting and take your time straightening small sections of your hair rather than trying to straighten all of your hair at once.
- Avoid straightening your hair when it’s wet or damp, as this can cause additional damage.
- Use a conditioning treatment or deep conditioning mask once a week to help nourish and moisturize your hair.
- Trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.
- Avoid using harsh hair products, such as those containing alcohol or sulfates, as these can strip your hair of its natural oils and lead to dryness and breakage.
What Happens To Your Hair If You Straighten It Every Day?
Straightening your hair every day can be damaging to your hair. The heat from the straightening iron can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. By using heat styling tools frequently can cause heat damage, which can lead to split ends and weakened hair.
According to Stacey, Hair Research Analyst, “If you do straighten your hair every day, it’s important to take care of your hair to minimize the damage. This includes using a heat protectant product before styling, avoiding the highest heat setting on your straightening iron, and taking your time straightening small sections of your hair rather than trying to straighten all of your hair at once.“
I also advise its important to avoid straightening your hair when it’s wet or damp and to use a conditioning treatment or deep conditioning mask once a week to help nourish and moisturize your hair.
I also advise its a good idea to try to give your hair a break from heat styling every few days by wearing it in a natural style or using heat-free styling methods. This will also help to reduce the overall strain on your hair and keep it looking its best.
How Often Should I Straighten My Hair?
The frequency with which you can straighten your hair without cause damage depends on several factors, including the condition of your hair, the heat setting of your straightening iron, and the type of heat protectant you use.
If your hair is in good condition and you use a low heat setting and a heat protectant product, you may be able to straighten your hair every few days without causing too much damage.
However, it’s a great idea to try to give your hair a break from heat styling every few days by wearing it in a natural style or using heat-free styling methods. This strategy will help to reduce the overall strain on your hair and keep it looking its best.
If your hair is damaged or prone to dryness, you should avoid straightening it frequently. Instead, I advise to try using heat-free styling methods or using a lower heat setting and a heat protectant product when you do straighten your hair. It’s also a good idea to use a conditioning treatment or deep conditioning mask on your hair regularly to help nourish and moisturize it.
Ultimately, the best frequency for straightening your hair depends on your hair type and needs. It’s a good idea to listen to your hair and pay attention to how it looks and feels after styling to determine the frequency that works best for you. And also seek advice from you hairstylist.
Do Hair Chemical Straighteners Damage Hair?
Hair chemical straighteners, also known as hair relaxers, can potentially damage hair if they are not used properly. These products work by breaking the bonds of the hair’s keratin structure, which allows the hair to be straightened or curled more easily.
You should know the chemicals in these products can be harsh and can cause damage to your hair if they are not applied correctly or if they are left on your hair for too long.
Here are some common side effects of hair chemical straighteners:
- Dryness and brittleness: The chemicals in hair relaxers can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness.
- Breakage: The hair may become more prone to breakage after a relaxer treatment.
- Scalp irritation: Some people may experience irritation or a burning sensation on their scalp during or after the relaxer treatment.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may develop an allergic reaction to the chemicals in hair relaxers.
To minimize the risk of damage, you should follow the instructions on the product carefully and to use a deep conditioning treatment after the relaxer treatment to help moisturize and nourish the hair. It’s also a good idea to limit the use of hair relaxers and to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the health of your hair.
How Can I Tell If My Hair Is Dry?
Here are my tips to tell if your hair is dry:
- It feels rough or brittle to the touch: Dry hair may feel rough or brittle when you run your fingers through it.
- It looks dull: Dry hair may look dull and lack shine.
- It’s prone to tangles: Dry hair is more prone to tangles and may be more difficult to comb or brush.
- It breaks easily: Dry hair is more prone to breakage and may snap or split easily.
- It’s frizzy: Dry hair is more prone to frizz and may appear unruly.
If you’re not sure if your hair is dry, you can also perform a simple strand test. To do this, take a small strand of hair and stretch it gently between your fingers. If the hair feels stretchy and elastic, it is likely in good condition. If the hair breaks easily or feels dry and brittle, it is damaged or dry.
If you suspect that your hair is dry, here are a few things you can do to help nourish and moisturize it:
- Use a deep conditioning treatment or mask once a week to help moisturize your hair.
- Avoid using hot water when you shampoo and condition your hair, as this can strip your hair of its natural oils.
- Use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to help add moisture to your hair.
- Avoid using heat styling tools frequently, as these can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause heat damage.
Will Hair Color Pigments Change When Using Heat Styling Tools Without Protection?
Did you know that using heat styling tools, such as straightening irons or curling irons, without protection can potentially cause the pigments in your hair color to change.
The heat from these tools can cause the hair cuticle to lift, which can allow the hair color pigments to escape. This can lead to fading or discoloration of the hair color.
My advise to help prevent changes in your hair color when using heat styling tools, it’s important to use a heat-protectant product. These products work by creating a barrier between your hair and the heat of the styling tool, helping to protect your hair from damage and color fading.
It’s also a good idea to use a lower heat setting on your styling tools and to avoid using them on damp or wet hair. This can help to reduce the risk of heat damage and color fading.
Hey, by taking these simple precautions and using a heat protectant product, you can help to protect your hair color and keep it looking vibrant and healthy. I hope this article provided you with valuable information to keep you hair healthy.
References
Miranda‐Vilela, A. L., Botelho, A. D. J., & Muehlmann, L. A. (2014). An overview of chemical straightening of human hair: technical aspects, potential risks to hair fibre and health and legal issues. International journal of cosmetic science, 36(1), 2-11.
Barreto, T., Weffort, F., Frattini, S., Pinto, G., Damasco, P., & Melo, D. (2021). Straight to the Point: What Do We Know So Far on Hair Straightening?. Skin Appendage Disorders, 7(4), 265-271.