How to Protect Curly Hair from Heat Damage
Heat protection for curly hair is something you’ll need to consider if you are using heat styling tools on a regular basis. Failing to apply a heat protectant beforehand can lead to dry, brittle and damaged hair. When it comes to preventing damage to your curls, investing in a suitable heat protectant is the way to go!
Table of Contents
Signs Your Curly Hair is Heat Damaged
Why Curly Hair Needs Protecting From Heat
Causes of Heat Damage
How to Protect Curls
Heat vs Humidity
What to Avoid/Styles to Consider
4 Signs Your Curly Hair is Heat Damaged
Dry Hair
Dryness is one of the main signs of heat damage. Dry hair will look flat, dull and might feel coarse to the touch. Dry curls lack moisture, and a deep conditioning treatment can be used to restore moisture to damaged strands.
Split Ends
Split ends occur when the outer layer of the hair cuticle breaks away from the hair shaft, causing the tip to split due to damage or dryness. Longer hair is more susceptible to split ends due to excess friction. Split ends on curly hair can be repaired with regular trims and minimizing the use of heat styling tools to prevent new split ends from developing.
Dull Hair
Dullness takes on many forms including a lack of shine, feeling rough and an uneven frizzy surface. Dull curls may be difficult to style and it may also get really oily, which isn’t really what you’d expect from dull hair. The best way to manage dull hair is to deep condition it regularly and if you want to continue using heat styling tools, ensure your hair is completely dry before doing so.
Breakage
All of these signs can result in breakage, and breakage itself can lead to a number of hair concerns such as a change in texture, a lack of elasticity and knots and tangles. Although damaged curly hair can be repaired, it will take time for them to return to the way they were before.
Why Curly Hair Needs Protecting from Heat
Curly hair needs protection from heat because heat styling tools can damage hair when used incorrectly or excessively. When using heat styling tools, your curls will need to be protected and a good heat protectant will form a shield between your hair and the heat from your styling tools. Heat protectants seal in moisture and prevent direct contact with high temperatures from heat styling tools.
In addition to protecting your curls from the effects of heat, a heat protectant can also provide them with a silky-smooth finish that seals in shine and eliminates frizz.
Lastly, curls need support when they are being styled, and heat protectors do a great job at improving the manageability of your hair to guarantee the best results. The best (and probably most effective) way to protect your curls from the effects of heat is to use the lower heat settings on your styling tools of choice. Contrary to popular belief, turning up the heat will not make the styling process easier.
If you’ve been wondering how to protect your curls from heat damage, then the Curlshield Cream is the perfect addition to your curl care routine. It’s a heat protector cream with an array of benefits that can be applied to your curls before using heating appliances to provide maximum protection from UV and heat damage up to 450°F.
5 Causes of Heat Damage
Heat Styling Tools
Heat styling tools are one of the most common causes of heat damage. Using them frequently can have an impact on the health of your curls especially if you haven’t applied a heat protectant beforehand. Even if you use a lower heat setting on your hair, you should still minimize use of these tools. Heat changes the keratin structure of hair, which can cause damage to your hair’s cuticle and strip it of the natural oils it needs in order to thrive.
Weather
It isn’t just hot weather that can cause damage to your curls – cold weather can as well! No matter what time of year it is, your curls are susceptible to some type of hair damage if they aren’t cared for properly. The key to minimizing the risk of hair damage of any kind is having a trusted haircare routine that you follow regularly. However, if you are going to spend some time in a place with a warm climate this summer, then be sure to deep condition your curls beforehand because the sun can easily dry them up.
Pollution
Another environmental factor that can cause heat damage is pollution. When you’re out and about, pollution causes build up on the scalp that can damage the hair fibre. If the hair fibre is damaged, the scalp can become stressed because the natural oils it produces from the sebaceous glands can’t travel down the hair shaft. This can leave curls dry and prone to breakage.
Friction
Depending on how you like to style your curls, you might use hair accessories to compliment your look. If you’re using hair accessories such as hair ties after using heat styling tools, then your curls can be affected by friction. Friction can wreak havoc on your curls in a number of ways such as creating frizz and breaking up curl clumps. To minimize friction related to heat damage, you will need to protect your curls during wash day and while you sleep with a satin scarf, pillowcase or bonnet.
Loss of Moisture
Moisture has an important part to play in hair health and one way in which heat damaged curls can occur is due to a loss of moisture. When heat is applied to hair, natural oils are stripped from it and this leads to the evaporation of the water molecules, which can change the hair’s protein structure. The high temperatures cause the water to dry up quickly, which can crack the cuticles and leave them raised and this creates room for more moisture to escape.
How to Protect Curls Against Heat
Deep conditioning – A deep conditioning mask or treatment is a great way to protect your curls from damage especially if you are planning to try a new style. They provide essential hydration for your curls, keeping them happy and healthy in the process.
Limit the use of heat styling tools – Although heat styling tools can facilitate the styling process, constant exposure to heat can weaken your tresses over time. Instead of using heat styling tools to create different looks, try some heat-free alternatives which can give you curls that are just as defined and you don’t have to worry about hair damage - it’s a win-win.
Apply a heat protectant before styling – When using heat, always apply a heat protectant before styling like the Curl Shield Cream. The lightweight heat protection cream is enriched with plant-derived collagen and nourishing ingredients like chickpea extract to help shield your hair from damage. Not only does the cream reduce hair breakage by up to 45%, it also boosts moisture (which hair needs in order to thrive) and improves up to 74% of split ends instantly.
Wear your hair up when it’s warm – Direct sun exposure can have an impact on the health of your curls, so if you are going to be spending time in a warm climate this summer, wear your hair up when you can or cover it with a stylish scarf. Before you do this, apply a small amount of the Curl Shield Cream on your hair for added protection. The cream has been formulated with key ingredients that are renowned for protecting hair from heat and UV exposure.
Heat vs Humidity
How Heat Impacts Curls
Heat impacts the health of curls when it is applied frequently, especially if a heat protector has not been applied to the hair beforehand. Curly hair is defined by its pattern which can be lost by heat damage. Heat should always be applied in moderation.
Additionally, hair health has an important role to play in how heat impacts curls as unhealthy hair is more prone to heat damage. If you are planning to use heat styling tools (in moderation of course), then invest in a professional heat styler and choose a low heat setting. Wrapping your hair at night is another good way to ensure that your curls don’t succumb to the effects of heat.
How Humidity Impacts Curls
Even though the sun radiates heat, humidity impacts curls in a slightly different way. When it’s hot, we tend to sweat and this can spell trouble for curls. Excessive sweating can make your scalp moist and this can lead to increased oiliness, dandruff and itchiness.
Additionally, the added moisture in the air can cause the hair to absorb it and this can result in frizz and unruly curls. Like heat, hair health also has a part to play in how humidity impacts curls. Dry, dehydrated strands are susceptible to soaking in moisture from the air, which means more frizz. If your hair is well moisturised, then it won’t absorb as much moisture from humidity. Having a good curl care routine is essential to humidity-proof your hair.
Styles to Consider
Braids-outs
To achieve a braid-out, you’ll need to unravel braided strands that have been created with three strands of hair. Braid-outs are really easy to achieve and they enhance the look of natural hair by securing the curl pattern, giving waves definition in the process. It’s a great style for those who want to stretch their hair without using heat and it can last for up to 7 days depending on how you care for your curls.
Twist-outs
Just like a braid-out, a twist out involves unravelling twists to achieve waves. The style can be achieved with single-strand or two-strand Bantu knots or flat twists on damp hair. Depending on the amount of time you have, you can let your hair dry naturally once the Bantu knots have been created or you can let it dry naturally overnight and sleep with a shower cap on. With twist-outs, the hair looks fuller and lasts slightly longer than braid-outs. However, it tends to works best on longer hair, so this is definitely something to keep in mind.
Buns
High buns and low buns are great options for curly hair. All you have to do is tie your hair in a ponytail where you want your bun to sit. Twist your ponytail into a loose bun and secure everything with a few bobby pins. You can put your own unique twist on your bun by laying your edges with some gel or by tying a scarf around your bun for some added flair.
Protect Your Curls with Curlsmith
Curlsmith’s mission is to bring curl confidence to everyone wanting to embrace their natural wavy, curly or coily hair. By now, you should have figured out how to protect your curls from heat damage and the importance of applying a good heat protector before using heat styling tools. Our high-quality, vegan, cruelty-free and sulfate free products are made with textured hair in mind and are packed with superfoods and free from ingredients that can be too harsh on curls. Our experienced team of experts are trusted authorities in hair care and on hand to help you achieve your healthiest hair yet with our strength recipes and styling products before using heat on your curls. If you want to find the perfect sustainable products to assist with this, take our curl quiz to receive personalized results.
