Are Straightening Your Hair and Curling it Damaging Your Hair?

Straightening your hair for a simple, professional look or curling it for a funky, bouncy touch are both easy and convenient methods of hairstyling which use a hair straightener and a curling iron respectively. However, both of these methods rely on heat which can negatively affect the overall health of the hair. With this blog, let us discuss how the tools function, the effects that they have on your hair and how the technology is being advanced in order to curb the adverse effects.

How Do Heat Styling Tools Function?

Keratin is the primary component of the hair, and it contains hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds, which are responsible for its Wavy or straight characteristics. When straightening or curling the hair, heat is applied from the tools which results in the breaking of the hydrogen bonds within the hair enabling the hair to be molded into the required shape, however, this shape is only temporary hence once the hair comes into contact with moisture, it returns back to its original, most natural form.

Impact of Heat on Hair

Although heat styling assists you in achieving different looks, it is not advisable to use it regularly or improperly as it can damage your hair. Following is an explanation of how heat can affect your hair:

1. Hydrogen Bond Disruption

• Heat styling can reshape your hair, however too much heat can cause the hydrogen bonds to loosen putting your hair’s structure at risk.

1. Moisture Loss

• Heat increases the chances of the hair shaft being dried, which makes the hair porous and has a greater chance of breaking off.

1. Cuticle Damage

• The cuticle of the hair, the layer that is meant to protect the hair becomes weak once the hair strands reach higher temperatures, leaving single strands of hair more exposed to outside forces.

1. Protein Weakening

• Consuming excessive heat can alter the keratin proteins within the hair, making your inner hair strands weaker and less elastic. This further leads to split ends and loss of shine in your hair.

1. Color Fading

• If your hair is colored, heat styling tools can lead to rapid loss of pigments,which results in rapid discoloration. Hair cuticles in this situation are more prone to open up allowing the pigments to leak out.

Technofied System for Damage Control

So as to respond to these challenges, the beauty industry has designed new hair straighteners and curling irons that keep the hair safe during the styling process. Let’s explore some of these advancements:

1. Damage Control Technologies

Ceramic Plates

Ceramics are fantastic because they let heat pass through them without concentrating in one single point thus burning your hair. This technology would be a good fit for use on fine or damaged hair, as it is also useful in removing frizz by closing the hair cuticles.

Titanium Plates

Since Titanum is light weight and strong, it is able to heat up and maintain temperature easily which reduces heat damage when styling thick coarse hair. this means one would not have to go over the same section of hair several times allowing them to style their hair in less time.

Ionic Technology

Due to the high moisture content of ionic straighteners and curling irons, negative ions are emitted which in turn neutralize the existing positive ions in dry and damaged hair, making it more beautiful and less prone to frizz.

2. Smart Heat Management

Temperature Regulation

Hair styling tools such as the Dyson Corrale and GHD Platinum+ are equipped with sensors that regulate the output temperature in order to avoid excessive heat damage to the hair. That means that no matter how one styles their hair, the risks of overexposure are minimized.

Custom Heat Options

One major aspect is spa tools being able to come with different heat settings. For instance, very fine or damaged hair is best suited for low temeperatures not exceeding 180, while thick hair can be set up to around 230.

3. Even More Efficient Safe Forhair Features

Use Of Steam

Some tools such as the PRITECH Steampod make use of steam to actually stylize and hydrate hair at the same time which yields better results. It reduces moisture loss, resulting in a more sleek and polished look that lasts longer. It is particularly good for people who suffer from dry and or damaged hair.

Post Heat Cooling Mode

Some tools have their own post heat mode which blows cool air to set the hairstyle that was just achieved, reducing the amount of time the hair was exposed to high temperatures and conserving the overall hair health.

4. Latest Developments & Trends

Dyson Corrale Straightener

This is the latest Cordless Hair Straightener from Dyson that is equipped with flexible plates that distributes even tension across your hair which makes it safer as you will be straightening wilthout as much heat, increasing the chances for the end result to be more enjoyable in general. Moreover, the fact that it is cordless means that even if you are on the go, you can use the hair straightener whenever you wantwithout worries.

PRITECH Curling Iron

Pritech has varies of Curling Iron has a very user friendly interface which allows you to change the overall heat settings as per the target hair texture and what the current state of the hair is, making the hair styling tools very user friendly. Additionally, since there is a smart technology installed in the curling device, it would mean that there would always be consistent hair styling with minimum damage to the hair.

GHD Platinum+ Straightener

As proven via numerous heat studies, the volatility of Straighteners is hard to control, however, the heat should always remain at 185 degrees celsius as this is the optimum temperature which yields the best style while taking care of the hair and promoting hair growth. Additionally, the GHD Platinum along with its innovative features is able to predict the speed and thickness of hair which allows the device to adjust its power accordingly.

Selecting a Tool that Works for You

Hair type, lifestyle, and styling requirements should be considered when picking a straightening iron or curling iron.

• If you have Diet Hair or Brittle Hair

Choose equipment with ceramic or ionic technology and use a lower temperature setting. Be careful and do not extend heating time, and always have the heat protectant spray with you.

• If you have Thick or Curly Hair

Titanium plates and high temperature styling tools are more suitable for thick or dense hair as they can straighten it perfectly. There are also tools to adjust the heat timings and make it perfectly safe for you.

• If you want to Style Quickly and Easily

Dyson Corrale and other cordless models are great for traveling, however, look for rechargeable options to avoid long wait times.

Keeping Your Hair Safe While Using Tools

Even if you have the best tool out there, practices should be done correctly to ensure minimal damage occurs.

1. Apply a Heat Shield

Use thermal spray or serum to style and protect your hair from burning.

2. Do Not Overdo

Styles that do not require heating should be adopted while letting your hair breathe if you need good and shiny hair.

3. Hydrate Masks from time to time

Your hair would be in perfect condition with conditioners, shampoos, and hair masks.

4. Avoid Chopping All of It Off

To not have split ends travel up your hair, every six weeks, get trims done.

5. Opt for the Minimal Heat Suitable For Your Hair Type

Always use the heat setting that is the least suitable for your type of hair in order to avoid excessive damage.

In the End, Curling or Straightening Styling Iron is a great choice if you are looking for a variety of hairstyles from straight and sleek to voluminous and bouncy with gorgeous curls but consider the amount of heat you apply as high heat can be detrimental for your hair. It is best to apply proper measures so that your hair can stay healthy whilst using modern styling tools with new technology for curling or straightening, which will give a perfect salon finish at home.

Regardless of whether you style your hair on a daily basis or every so often, the balance of styling and caring for your hair is the secret to having gorgeous and healthy locks. Great hairstyling can be achieved by using the right products and techniques without putting your hair at risk.