The Hidden Dangers of Heat Styling and How to Avoid Them
When it comes to styling your hair, many people turn to heat tools like straighteners and curlers for quick and effective results. However, a recent warning from a hair specialist has highlighted that even with the use of heat protectant sprays, damage can still occur if proper steps aren’t followed.
It’s commonly understood that heat protectants are essential when using heat on your hair to prevent damage. But what many people don’t realize is that simply applying the product and immediately using a styling tool can lead to harm. Dr Aamna Adel, a dermatologist, recently shared a reaction video on TikTok in response to a clip from a woman who claimed her hair was “breaking off” due to an error with her heat protectant.
The woman explained: “Guys, I sprayed heat protectant on my hair and forgot to let it dry before I flat-ironed my front pieces. It’s breaking off!”
Dr Adel expressed surprise at how many people are unaware of the importance of allowing heat protectant to dry before applying heat. She emphasized, “I can’t believe how many people don’t know this, but your heat protectant needs to be completely dry before you use a straightener or curling tongs. Forget about bleach, wet hair and heat is literally the recipe for frying your hair off.”
She explained that the moisture in the heat protectant can turn into steam, which can cause something called bubble hair. This occurs when tiny air bubbles form within the hair strands, making them more prone to breakage. Dr Adel compared it to the difference between an Aero and Dairy Milk chocolate—both may look similar, but one is more likely to break easily.
However, she clarified that this rule doesn’t apply to using a hairdryer on wet hair, as the heat from a hairdryer isn’t sufficient to cause the same level of damage as straighteners or curling tongs. Dr Adel advised that when blow-drying wet hair, it’s acceptable to spray heat protectant and then blow-dry. But when styling dry hair, it’s crucial to spray heat protectant, wait for it to dry, and then use the styling tool.
Viewers of her video shared their own experiences, with some admitting to having “fried” their hair by not waiting for the heat protectant to dry. One commenter regretted their actions, saying: “I did this in my teens. I regret it a lot. It’s fried.” Another was surprised by the information, saying: “I did not know this!” A third found the advice to be common sense, writing: “This is so common sense it hurts.”
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair
- Wash Your Hair Properly
- Frequency: Wash your hair as needed (for most people, 2–3 times a week is sufficient).
- Shampoo: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo suitable for your hair type.
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Conditioner: Always use conditioner to keep hair hydrated and smooth.
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Be Gentle
- Avoid hot water: Use lukewarm or cool water to prevent drying out your scalp and hair.
- Pat dry: Gently pat your hair dry with a towel instead of rubbing it.
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Wide-tooth comb: Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair and minimize breakage.
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Limit Heat Styling
- Reduce frequency: Avoid frequent use of blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons.
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Heat protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray before using hot tools.
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Trim Regularly
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Get a trim every 6–8 weeks to prevent and remove split ends.
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Eat a Balanced Diet
- Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a protein. Include lean meats, eggs, beans, and nuts.
- Vitamins & minerals: Ensure you get enough iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
