Using a Curling Iron without Damaging Your Hair

Written by Anza Goodbar (last updated September 27, 2021)

When I was younger I wore my hair short and didn't worry about damaging my ends since they were cut off every six weeks. In my late 30's I decided to grow my hair out and I realized that over time, the heat from a curling iron can cause heat damage. Here are some tricks I learned to keep a healthy head of hair:

  • Use a temperature controlled curling iron. This is ideal for fine or thin hair. Higher temperatures can cause heat damage quickly. Adjust the heat to prevent split ends. Use the lowest temperature possible to curl hair.
  • Ceramic. Use a ceramic curling iron. They will help hold the moisture in the hair and distribute heat more evenly. Hot spots in a metal curling iron can scorch hair.
  • Steam. Steam irons are less harsh on hair and produce a longer lasting curl.
  • Condition. Conditioners protect hair by keeping moisture in. Conditioners with jojoba oil, aloe vera and silk protein help restore moisture to dry damaged hair.
  • Thermal protectors. Spray on each section of hair before using the curling iron. Not only will these products help protect hair; it will also give a firmer hold and a longer lasting curl.
  • Curling wax. Curling wax can minimize the amount of time the curling iron needs to create a curl. The less time the curling iron is exposed to the hair the risk of heat damage decreases.
  • Hot wax or cholesterol. Use hot wax or cholesterol weekly to help ends stay healthy. Healthy hair takes less heat to curl.
  • Minimize washings. If hair is dry to begin with, washing 2-3 times a week should be sufficient. Washing can strip natural oils and cause more damage.
  • Rest. Let hair rest at least one day a week. Allow hair to dry 75% before applying heat to dry or style hair.
  • Trim. Trim ends every six weeks. Preventing split ends is healthier than trying to repair them.

Of course, the best way to protect hair from damage is by eating a healthy diet rich in Omgea-3 fatty acids. Vitamin A is essential in developing a healthy hair follicle that will keep the root of the hair well lubricated and prevent breakage. Vitamin E helps support a healthy scalp by increasing oxygen flow supplied by the blood. B vitamins increasing blood flow and reducing hair loss. Taking supplements to augment a diet lacking in any of these essential vitamins will help promote healthy hair. Healthy hair will resist heat damage more effectively.

Author Bio

Anza Goodbar

Anza is a single mother of four who makes her home in Colorado. She enjoys writing, hiking and is an avid football and hockey fan. She is the owner of a virtual business services company; writing is just one of the many services her company offers. ...

MORE FROM ANZA

Post Plastic Surgery Care

Following post operative care instructions is vital for proper healing following a plastic surgery procedure. Patients ...

Discover More

What is Glycerine Used For?

Glycerine can be used in a myriad of products like heart medicine, explosives and cosmetic products.

Discover More

Saving for Your Property Tax Payments

There are many ways to plan for property taxes. Setting up automatic withdrawals is the easiest way to insure they are ...

Discover More
More Beauty Tips

Maintaining Beautiful Silky Hair

Gorgeous, silky hair begins with a foundation of good health and a consistent moisturizing routine. Keep your hair ...

Discover More

Making Your Hair Less Greasy

Greasy hair is never an ideal hair type, but fortunately there are ways to deal with it. Here are a few tactics you can ...

Discover More

Using a Flat Iron Properly

Styling hair with a flat iron can produce professional results. The trick is the flip of the wrist.

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)