Tips On Using Heat Styling Tools Safely
Hair styling tools can transform your hair within minutes. They can give your hair a fantastic volume, bounce, curls, waves and can even make your hair pin-straight in no time. If you want to flaunt a celebrity-like perfect hairstyle, you can recreate any look you want with the help of the correct heat styling tools.
While all these pros of styling tools are true, another truth that we can’t turn away from is - Heat Damage. Learning how to protect your hair from heat damage. Whether it's a straightener, curling iron or blow dryer, these tools have the potential to cause more harm than good if not used properly.
To help you make the most of your hair styling tools while maintaining your hair health, here are some tips for heat damage protection that you wish you had known before.
- PROTECT YOUR HAIR AND SCALP FROM THE SUN
- SIGNIFICANCE OF TOOL SIZES
- IMPORTANCE OF HEAT SETTINGS
- CORRECTLY HANDLING YOUR STYLING TOOLS
- THE ENDS MATTER
- ALLOW YOUR HAIR TO COOL
Heat styling tools are typically made from three materials, each with their unique properties.
Ceramic tools are known for their ability to distribute heat evenly, reducing the risk of burning your hair. They also release negative ions that hydrate and smooth the hair shaft, sealing the hair cuticle and warding off humidity. This results in a sleek, shiny finish.
The second type is a tourmaline which emits six times more negative ions than ceramic or titanium tools, enhancing hair shine and smoothness.
Lastly, titanium tools offer even heat distribution and a smooth surface to prevent the hair from sticking or snagging.
For best results, you can choose the material of your hair styling tool based on your hair type. Generally speaking, stylists often recommend ceramic or tourmaline tools to prevent heat damage.
Heat styling tools come in various sizes, each suitable for different hair lengths and styles. The size you choose should be based on the type of style you wish to achieve. For instance, larger-barrel curling irons or wide plate straighteners are ideal if you're aiming for subtle waves or loose curls. On the other hand, for tighter curls or straight styles on shorter hair, smaller tools would be the best option.
The temperature of your heat styling tool is crucial in preventing heat damage. For those with thin or fine hair, set the temperature below 200°F (approximately 93°C). For those with coarse or thicker hair, a temperature range between 200°F and 300°F (approximately 149°C) is ideal.
Regardless of the tool you're using, it's essential to use it correctly. For instance, when using a curling iron, start with the clip facing away from your face for better control. You can hold your iron vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on the type of curl you want. Similarly, when using a straightener, ensure your hair is fully dry and detangled before starting, and never hold the heat on one spot for too long.
When styling your hair, pay attention to the ends. If you are using a curling iron to get beachy waves, leave the ends of your hair out of the barrel for best results. This will give your ends a straight look, adding a bohemian vibe to your hairstyle.
After releasing your hair from the heat styling tool, allow it to cool naturally. This enables the hair to hold its shape while also enhancing the longevity of the style. However, while you let it cool naturally, keep your hair away from the skin or drape a towel on your shoulders to avoid burning the skin.
CHECK OUT REDKEN’S HAIR CARE RANGE
Hair styling tools can do wonders for your hair, provided that your hair is healthy and strong enough to handle the heat. Give your hair the strength, love and care it deserves with the range of hair care products from Redken. At Redken, you can find specially curated formulas of shampoos, conditioners, masks, treatments and more that can help you address specific hair concerns. For instance, if you have dry, damaged or colour-treated hair, you can check out the Acidic Bonding Concentrate range of products that are made specifically to treat this type of hair.
To help protect your hair from heat damage while styling, check out the range of heat protectants by Redken. The Thermal spray is the ultimate lightweight, thermal heat protection spray perfect for use with flat irons and curling irons up to 230°C to protect your hair, add shine and reduce frizz. You can also check out our Big Blowout heat-protecting gel that provides effective heat protection while also giving instant volume to your hair.
The best way to make the most of your hair styling tools is to learn to use them correctly and protect your hair from heat damage while using them. You can learn more about how to avoid heat damage from one of our trained stylists by visiting your nearest Redken Salon.