How to Prevent and Fix Heat-Damaged Hair

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

Do you have any kind of heat hair damage…At this moment in time, our hair is subjected to a lot of heat styling daily, from blow drying and entwining to flat ironing and surge. In contrast, hot tools can make your hair look trendy and put-together, and heat damage can beget dry, breathless, and brittle beaches over time. And if you color or chemically reuse your hair, this damage is aggravated because it’s combined with the goods of the chemicals used to get your chosen color. ” When the hair beachfront is damaged by heat, the external cuticle subcaste, also known as the hair’s protection, begins to break down, exposing the medulla, the strongest part of the hair.”

Let’s see the frequently asked question: How to Prevent Heat-Damaged Hair? What can I do to protect my hair from heat damage? What are the home remedies for hair protection?

In This Article

What is the hair biology?

Hair Structure

A strand of hair may appear simple, but it is one of the body’s most complex systems. Hair is composed of two distinct components. The hair follicle is located beneath the skin, while the hair shaft is visible above the skin.

1. Follicle of Hair

Your hair begins to grow and is held in place by the hair follicle. It’s a stocking-like structure that begins in the epidermis, the top layer of your skin. It reaches the dermis, your skin’s second layer.

A patch of tissue called the papilla at the bottom of the follicle contains microscopic blood vessels (capillaries). These nourish the hair root, allowing it to develop. The germinal matrix, which is where new hair cells are formed, is also found in the follicle.
The bulb is the spherical structure that covers the papilla and germinal matrix deep inside the skin at the base of the hair. It contains many stem cells, which develop into specialized cells and can regenerate themselves over time.
An inner and outer sheath line the follicle, protecting and shaping the emerging hair. The inner sheath follows the hair and stops right before the oil gland, or sebaceous gland, opens. The outer sheath extends right up to the gland.
Sebum, or oil, is produced by the sebaceous gland and serves as the body's natural conditioner. Acne is more common throughout the teen years because more sebum is produced. Sebum production declines with aging, which leads to dry skin.
The outer sheath is linked to the arrector pili muscle, a small bundle of muscular fiber. The hair sticks up when the muscle contracts, causing goosebumps.

2. Shaft of Hair

The visible component of the hair is the hair shaft. The cells are no longer living after the hair grows beyond the skin’s surface. It is composed of three layers of keratin, a protein that hardens. These are the layers:

The medulla is the innermost layer. The medulla is not always present, depending on the type of hair.
The cortex, which makes up most of the hair shaft, is in the middle layer. Pigmenting cells, which are responsible for hair colour, are found in the medulla and cortex.
The cuticle, which is made of tightly packed scales in an overlapping structure resembling roof tiles, forms the outer layer. Many hair conditioning products are designed to smooth the cuticle and clean it.

How does heating equipmemt cause hair damage?

At cortex level

When exposed to high temperatures, the water inside the cortex (the core component of the hair structure) evaporates. Too much heat can harm the hair in the same way chemical procedures can, disrupting hair links that will never develop again.
Heat style, when done infrequently, does not cause lasting damage, primarily when a layer of heat protection is used, but when done regularly, heat styling alters the natural shape of the hair.

At molecular level

High or prolonged heat has a direct effect on the molecular structure of the hair, and the damage is cumulative because there are no growing cells in the hair.
"Keratin is a protein that is found in hair. Keratin in hair contains a natural twist known as an alpha helix. This twist can be found in both straight and naturally curly hair."
The alpha helix dissolves when exposed to heat. This transition is irreversible, and the harm will worsen as heat styling continues. Furthermore, heat style opens the cuticle - the outer covering of the hair shaft - increasing friction between the strands and making it more difficult to comb through, resulting in further damage due to stress.

How do you identify the hair damage?

Dull-looking hair -The cuticles on your hair are what make it shine. If your hair is damaged, it will seem dull even after washing.
Dryness - Damaged hair is unable to retain moisture. This can result in split ends, which are unpleasant!
Breakage occurs when heat-damaged hair loses flexibility. This, paired with split ends, increases the likelihood of your hair breaking off, resulting in those irritating flyaways.
Rough texture - If your hair isn't silky smooth, it could be due to heat damage.
Tangles and knots - Hair cuticles are made of shingles (many tiny overlapping pieces). When the hair cuticles are broken, the shingles protrude, causing strands to tangle easily.
Colour change - Because damaged hair is porous, it may absorb too much of your hair dye, turning it darker than planned. It's also possible that your color will fade faster, which is devastating.

What can be done to fix the heat hair damage?

Treatment methods to relieve heat-damaged hair can differ depending on how damaged your hair is and the type of hair you have.

1. Curly hair Heat

Damage causes frizz, knots, and different textures in curly hair. To restore natural curl, focus on sealing moisture back into your hair follicles.
Hair masks and deep-conditioning treatments rich in moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter and argan oil, can aid in the restoration of bouncy hair. Use moisture-rich conditioners enriched with coconut oil, avocado, or aloe vera to help your hair follicles.
Daily shampooing depletes your hair of its natural oils. Shampoo should only be applied to the scalp and the roots of your hair. Wash your hair every couple of days, at least until it regains its curly structure.

2. Straight hair

Straight hair might appear dry and brittle due to heat damage. It can also make split ends appear more prominent and make it more difficult for your hair to lie flat. Focus on replenishing your hair's natural proteins to restore its shine.
A DIY hair mask may improve the appearance of your hair for a night out, but it will not address long-term heat damage.
Leave-in protein treatments with yogurt, honey, and olive oil can help rebuild natural links in your hair, making damage less visible.
Keratin-rich conditioning sprays can also help to heal broken links in the hair follicles.

3.Hair that has been chemically treated

Heat damage can occur when you color your hair with bleach or change the shape of your hair with a perm. Salon treatments can cause damage to your hair, especially if they are kept on for an extended amount of time.
You may need to contact the salon or hairstylist where your hair was treated if it exhibits heat damage from chemical exposure.
A salon hair mask or professional deep-conditioning treatment might be the first step in restoring your hair's sheen. Another option is to utilize hot oil treatments designed for home usage.
While your chemically treated hair heals from heat damage, try not to wash it every day and avoid using hot styling equipment entirely. This is especially vital in the days following hair bleaching or perm.
Conditioning sprays containing spirulina may also aid in the restoration of hair bonds.

How to prevent hair damage from heating?

The easiest way to get rid of heat-damaged hair is to avoid heat completely. Of course, this isn’t always practical, but there are some tried-and-true methods for protecting your hair.

Follow these suggestions to prevent heat damage.

Arise with cool -Cool water should be used to rinse your hair. This will aid in the sealing of the hair cuticle after a shower.
Use blow dry at a distance -When using a blow dryer, keep it 5 inches or more away from the surface of your hair. This magical method can safeguard your hair follicles. It may even be superior to allowing hair to air-dry.
After washing your hair, pat it dry with a microfiber towel. This handy tool speeds up the drying process, resulting in less time spent under the blow dryer while also sealing the hair cuticle.
Apply a hair protectant - Before using hot styling equipment, apply a surface protectant on your hair to protect it from damage. Heat-resistant styling products work by reducing the transfer of heat from the styling instrument to your hair. Sprays with silicone and keratin components help seal the cuticle of your hair and make it more resistant to heat damage.
Another vital approach for extending the life of your hairdo is to sleep on a satin pillowcase. Longer-lasting styles mean less time spent getting ready in the morning, fewer washes, and a happier head of hair. According to experts, hot styling tools should only be used once a week.
Do not style wet hair - When you use hot items on damp hair, such as straighteners or curling irons, you are effectively frying it. Damp hair is far more fragile than dry hair. Furthermore, the equipment's heat transforms moisture into steam, which kills the hair strand as it departs. To avoid this sort of damage, use these hot tools exclusively on completely dry hair.
Use a nourishing shampoo and conditioner - To cleanse and nourish your hair. Look for sulfate-free products, as sulfates can dry out the hair and make it more prone to breakage and damage.
Avoid chemical hair dye - If your hair has been heat-damaged, avoid color and chemical treatments. Hair dyes, particularly bleaches, can add to the stress on your already damaged hair. If you must color your hair, consult with your hairdresser about gentler solutions, such as ammonia-free dyes or semi-permanent treatments.
Leave-in conditioners - An excellent technique to hydrate damaged, dry hair. Make your leave-in conditioner by shaking together 1 cup of distilled water and 3 tablespoons of conditioner in a spray container. Spray your leave-in conditioner on wet hair to seal in moisture and make detangling simpler.
Grim your hair - If none of these treatments improves the appearance of your hair, it's time for a haircut. Sometimes, damaged hair cannot be repaired. Get frequent trims to remove damaged split ends, which will restore your hair's bounce and make it appear thicker.

What are the home remedies for hair protection?

All- Natural remedies that help to repair heat damage are :

Oil soaking -An oil soak is a wonderful technique to restore the natural structure and luster of your hair. It strengthens your hair and helps to restore its protective outer layer. Thus it should be included in your hair care routine. For dry, damaged hair, coconut oil, Ucuuba butter, and olive oil are all advised.
Use natural shampoo - Surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), formaldehyde, parabens, and synthetic scents are commonly found in shampoos. These chemicals can aggravate the difficulties associated with damaged hair and further hurt it. Instead, go for a natural shampoo that is free of all of these surfactants and contains silica or biotin. Biotin is a hair-growing element that promotes follicle growth and overall hair health.
Apply a Hair Mask - Hair masks may nourish, soothe, and heal your hair. Furthermore, you may make them with ingredients you already have in your cupboard. Here are some ultra-nourishing hair masks that will help you get rid of any symptoms of damage to your hair:
1. Banana and olive oil.
2. Egg and yogurt.
3. Honey and oil.
Rinse Your Hair With Tea- Consider washing your hair with tea if your blow dryers and heating appliances are causing clumps of hair to come out. Caffeine in tea, according to trichology literature, stimulates hair follicles.
Tea hair rinses may be made with green tea, peppermint tea, chamomile tea, rosemary tea, black tea, and hibiscus tea leaves.

Conclusion

You may dramatically reduce the danger of heat damage to your hair and retain its health, strength, and natural beauty by applying these preventive measures and protective practices. In case the damage is beyond the level of the treatment at home, then visit a medical professional and receive the proper treatment.