How To Protect Your Hair From Heat Damage

Whether you’re a heat styling pro or just starting out with your first curling wand or straightener, it’s important to keep your hair safe from heat damage for its long-term health. If you're already noticing some signs of heat damage – maybe your hair feels dry, brittle, or just not as shiny as it used to – you’re not alone.

There are plenty of ways to help your hair bounce back. From the magic of heat protectants to mastering safe styling techniques, we’ve got all the tips you need to keep your hair looking gorgeous and feeling great.

HEAT DAMAGE: KEY TAKEAWAYS

Heat damage can happen when you style your hair at the wrong temperature for your hair type.
To work out if your hair is heat damaged, look for symptoms like dry, brittle hair, split ends, dullness, frizz, lack of elasticity, breakage, flyaways, rough texture, and uneven hair colour.
Heat damage can range from mild (slight dryness and split ends) to severe (extensive breakage and extreme dryness). Identifying the level of damage helps in choosing the right care strategy.
Heat damage affects straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair differently, making it important to tailor your haircare routine to your specific hair type.
Protect your hair from heat damage using lower heat settings – ensuring hair is dry before styling, sectioning hair, moving tools quickly, regular trims, and gentle brushing.
Natural ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, aloe vera gel, shea butter, avocado oil, and apple cider vinegar can help protect hair from heat damage naturally by locking in moisture and strengthening hair.
Choose heated styling tools with features like Variable Temperature Control and Floating Ceramic Plates to minimise heat damage, and use our Temperature Calculator to work out the best temperature for your hair type.
Regular use of a heat protectant like CLOUD NINE’s Magical Potion is also essential.

UNDERSTANDING HEAT DAMAGE

Understanding the causes of heat damage means taking a closer look at what’s happening to your hair – both on the outside and the inside – when it’s exposed to too much heat. Try not to panic if you’ve noticed some heat damage – understanding what heat damage is and how it happens is the first step to preventing it and keeping your hair healthy and shiny.

What causes hair to become heat damaged?

Heat damage can happen when your hair is exposed to high temperatures from styling tools like hair dryers, curling wands, and straighteners. If the temperature isn’t right for your hair type, these tools can zap moisture from your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.

When your hair’s natural moisture is stripped away, the proteins that give your hair strength and elasticity can get damaged. This can make your hair look dull, frizzy, and sometimes even feel like straw.

Hair has a complex physiological makeup – to find out more, check out our guide to the science of hair for more facts.

What are the different levels of heat damage?

There are different levels of heat damage, from mild to moderate to severe. Understanding where your hair is on the scale will help you to understand how best to deal with it:

Mild damage

This can be caused by prolonged sun exposure – a common problem here in Australia – or occasionally using heated styling tools at a temperature that’s too high for your hair type. Signs of mild damage include slight dryness, a few split ends, and perhaps some dullness.

Moderate damage

You may experience more split ends, a loss of shine and lack of elasticity if you don’t use a heat protectant on your hair when using heated styling tools.

Severe damage

If you are noticing extensive breakage, extreme dryness, and a porous (very dry) texture, it’s likely that your hair is severely damaged. It could be caused by frequent high-heat styling without a heat protectant.

What does heat damaged hair look and feel like?

Here are nine signs to look out for:

Dry and brittle hair: Heat damage can cause your hair to lose its natural moisture, making it dry and prone to snapping when pulled or combed. It can feel rough to the touch, easily breaks, and may look lifeless.
Split ends: You’ll notice visible splits at the tips of your hair, giving it a frayed look.
Dull and lacklustre hair: Unlike healthy hair, which has a natural shine, heat-damaged hair appears dull. It looks flat, lacks vibrancy, and doesn't reflect light well.
Tangled and frizzy hair: Damaged hair may knot up frequently, feel unruly, and can create a frizzy ‘halo’.
Lack of hair elasticity and resilience: Healthy hair stretches and returns to its original form, but damaged hair loses this elasticity. It snaps easily when stretched, lacks bounce, and feels rigid.
Breakage: You may find short, broken strands scattered throughout your hair – different from hair loss from the root. Head to our blog to find out more about hair breakage.
Flyaways: Heat-damaged strands may stick out or not align with the rest, often due to breakage and static. These tiny, rebellious hairs won’t lie flat, often along the parting or edges.
Rough texture: Heat damage can leave your hair feeling coarse to the touch. You may notice a rough, uneven surface that doesn’t feel smooth when you run your fingers through it.
Incorrect/uneven hair colour: Excessive heat styling at the wrong setting for your hair type, especially on colour-treated hair, can lead to colour fading. The heat can degrade some of the dye, causing faded or patchy colour that isn’t as vibrant as it should be.

How are different hair types impacted by heat damage?

From straight and sleek to curly and coiled, each hair type has its own way of showing signs of distress when exposed to excessive heat.

Straight hair might become dull and brittle, losing its shine and smoothness.
Wavy hair often gets frizzier and more tangled as the wave pattern gets disrupted by the damaged cuticle.
Curly hair is usually more delicate so can really suffer from heat damage. The curls can lose their definition, becoming frizzy and uneven, and the hair can get extremely dry and prone to breaking. Take a look at our comprehensive guide to type 4c hair for haircare and style ideas for your coils.

To help identify your hair type, and get ideas on how to care for and style it, head to our expert’s guide on understanding your hair type.

HEAT DAMAGE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

We all love our heated styling tools and the variety of looks we can create with them, but we also want to avoid our hair becoming dry or brittle because of too much heat. Luckily, there are plenty of effective strategies to protect your hair while still using heated styling tools to create your look.

Tips for protecting your hair from heat damage

Use a low-heat setting on your hair dryer: Choose a hair dryer with Variable Temperature Control like our Airshot hair dryer, which also has a Cool Shot button to allow you to dry your hair at a lower, kinder temperature.
Style at a lower temperature: Choose a heated styling tool with Variable Temperature Control (such as the CLOUD NINE curling wand), which allows you to style your hair at the perfect temperature for your hair. Discover your hair type’s optimal styling temperature by using our Temperature Calculator for healthy heat styling.
Ensure your hair is completely dry before styling: Your hair is weaker when it’s wet, so subjecting it to high temperatures can lead to damage. Heat styling wet hair can steam and boil the water trapped inside the hair shaft, resulting in bubbles that can cause hair strands to break.
Section your hair before styling: By separating your hair into smaller sections, you can give every strand the attention it deserves while minimising damage. Plus, working in smaller sections means you can style more precisely, getting the look you want with less tugging and pulling on your hair.
Move tools quickly over your hair: By moving your heated styling tool quickly through your hair, the heat can be distributed more evenly, preventing hot spots that could cause localised heat damage.
Go for regular trims: Getting regular trims is like giving your hair a fresh start – it helps get rid of split ends and prevents them from travelling up the hair shaft, keeping your hair looking healthy and vibrant. Aim to visit your hairdresser around every six to eight weeks.
Brush gently: Forget the image of a Disney princess endlessly brushing her hair – too much brushing can cause extra friction and generate unwanted frizz. Instead, consider using a brush with nylon bristles like our Luxury Dressing Brush to gently detangle without tugging or pulling.
Minimise re-styling: Once you've styled your hair to perfection, resist the temptation to keep restyling it throughout the day. Constantly applying heat or pulling on your hair can lead to unnecessary damage, so let your unstoppable style shine without overdoing it.
Sleep on satin or silk pillowcase: Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase is like giving your hair the royal treatment – it can reduce friction and prevent tangles, helping to maintain your hairstyle and minimise breakage while you sleep.
Let hair cool before brushing or styling: Giving your hair time to cool down after styling prevents heat damage by allowing the hair cuticles to close, locking in your style and keeping your hair strong and healthy.
Enjoy a healthy diet: Your hair is a reflection of what you eat, so munching on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients is key to keeping it strong and shiny from the inside out. Think of it as feeding your hair the good stuff it needs to thrive. Find out more in our blog about nutrition and how to nourish your hair from the inside out.
Incorporate sun protection into your routine - SPF isn’t just for your skin, it can help to protect your hair from low-level heat damage too. Invest in a specially formulated SPF spray or cream for sunny days on the beach or in the city, and remember to wear a hat.

Natural products to protect hair from heat damage

Mother Nature has a wealth of secret weapons that can help shield your hair from heat damage. Many of these natural ingredients can be found in hair products in salons and on shop shelves.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil forms a protective barrier that helps minimise heat damage by locking in moisture and preventing your strands from drying out. Plus, it smells like a tropical beach holiday – what’s not to love?
Argan oil: Argan oil is packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish and strengthen your hair, making it more resilient to heat styling.
Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel is rich in vitamins and minerals that help hydrate and repair damage caused by heat. Plus, it has a cooling effect that can feel amazing on your scalp.
Shea butter: Shea butter is ultra-moisturising and helps seal in moisture, protecting your hair from the drying effects of heat styling. Plus, it adds a touch of softness and shine.
Avocado oil: Avocado oil is packed with vitamins and nutrients that nourish and strengthen your hair, making it more resistant to heat damage.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar helps restore the natural pH balance of your scalp and hair, making them less susceptible to damage from heat styling. Plus, it helps remove product buildup, leaving your hair feeling fresh and clean. For more ideas about scalp care, head to our 9-Day Hair Revival blog.

Essential products for heat protection

When it comes to preventing heat damage, your haircare routine can be your best ally. It all starts in the shower with the right cleansing shampoo, followed by a nourishing conditioner and heat protectant to create a barrier against heat before styling.

Shampoo: Choose a cleansing, but moisturising formula with natural ingredients like aloe vera or coconut oil that can help nourish and hydrate your hair. We recommend leaving the shampoo for a minute or two before rinsing to ensure the ingredients are fully activated before rinsing, and shampoo twice for maximum cleansing.
Conditioner: Your conditioner should be moisture-rich and packed with hydrating ingredients. The CLOUD NINE Magical Remedy is the perfect 3-in-1 product for nourishing and protecting your hair from heat damage. Not only does it function as a wash-out conditioner, leaving your hair silky and manageable, but it also doubles as a luxurious hair mask for when your hair needs some extra TLC. For those with curly hair, it can even be used as a leave-in conditioner for ongoing protection against heat styling.
Heat protectant: When you apply heat to your hair, whether it's from a hair dryer, straighteners, or curling wand, it can cause the hair's natural moisture to evaporate, leaving your strands dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. But a heat protectant spray creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, helping to minimise moisture loss and reduce damage. Adding a heat protectant spray such as our Magical Potion to your styling routine is an absolute must. Packed with 'magic' ingredients, it creates a protective barrier that helps reduce heat damage while adding shine and smoothness to your hair.

HEATED STYLING TOOLS THAT HELP YOU AVOID HEAT DAMAGE

The best way to have beautifully styled, damage-free hair is to use the best heated styling tool – at the right temperature – for your hair type. Below, you’ll find our roundup of the best straighteners, hair dryers and curling wands for unstoppable style without the damage.

Hair straighteners

When searching for the perfect hair straighteners to minimise heat damage to your hair, there are a few key features to keep in mind:

Adjustable temperature settings

Look for straighteners with adjustable temperature settings so you can customise the heat level based on your hair type and styling needs. All CLOUD NINE hair straighteners come with Variable Temperature Control, putting you in charge of the heat you apply to your hair, allowing you to use lower temperatures on finer or more fragile hair. If you haven’t already, check out our Temperature Calculator to work out the perfect temperature for your hair type.

Ceramic plates

Choose straighteners like our CLOUD NINE range which have plates infused with minerals like sericite. These materials distribute heat more evenly and cause less damage to your hair. They can also help to seal in moisture and reduce frizz, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking hair.

Floating plates

Look for straighteners with floating plates that adjust to the thickness of your hair, ensuring even heat distribution and minimising pressure on the hair shaft. This cushioning helps to prevent hot spots and reduce the risk of damage. All our straighteners have Floating Ceramic Plates, making them kinder to your hair.

Anti-friction technology

When it comes to anti-friction technology, we’re at the top of our game. Our straighteners use Axial VibrationTM technology when Revive ModeTM is activated, meaning our straighteners glide through your hair in a smoother way than the average straighteners. Our Ceramic Floating Plates vibrate very quickly, minimising the amount of time the heat is applied to your hair, and reducing the chances of heat damage.

Remember to always use a heat protectant spray like our Magical Potion before styling to keep your hair as healthy and gorgeous as possible.

The best straighteners for every hair type

CLOUD NINE has a hair straightener perfect for every hair type. Here’s our top pick of the best straighteners from our award-winning range:

Type 1 (straight) hair

For touching up or adding shape to straight hair, choose the Original Iron Pro. Ideal for short or medium-length styles, the Original Iron Pro comes with Revive ModeTM which allows you to style your hair in a kinder, healthier way.

Type 2 (wavy) hair

If your hair has a natural kink that you would like to accentuate or straighten, the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro is our top choice. Its curved plates give you the perfect mix between curling iron and straightener, so you can choose how to style your hair. With Variable Temperature Control and our signature Revive ModeTM, you can style your hair at a healthy heat.

Type 3 (curly) hair

To straighten those type 3 curls, we recommend the Wide Iron Pro. With its wider-than-average 2-inch plates, it allows you to style more hair at a time, reducing the amount of time spent in front of the mirror – and most importantly, reducing the amount of heat applied to your hair.

Type 4 (coily) hair

The Wide Iron Pro is the ideal choice for afro or type 4 (coily) hair because it has wider plates that allow you to straighten more hair in less time. Its sericite-infused Floating Ceramic Plates help lock in moisture while preventing breakage.

Short hair

Whatever your hair type, if you’re rocking a short style, the Mini Iron’s smaller plates are designed for precision styling. Like our other straighteners, it comes with Variable Temperature Control ranging from 100°C to 200°C, allowing you to adjust the heat according to your hair type too.

Find out which straighteners are the best for your hair type.

Hair straightener styling tips for minimising heat damage

Follow these tips for help in taking a little extra care while straightening your hair to avoid heat damage:

Style at a lower temperature: Not all hair needs super high heat, in fact you’ll probably be surprised at how low you can go with the heat and still get the results you want – without the damage. Use the CLOUD NINE Temperature Calculator to find the perfect heat setting for your hair type.
Section your hair: Before you start straightening, section your hair using clips. This helps you focus on one small area at a time, ensuring each strand gets the attention it deserves without repeated passes.
Only straighten when your hair is dry: Never, ever use a straightener on wet hair. Make sure your hair is completely dry before you start. If you're in a hurry, use a good hair dryer and maybe a quick blast of cool air to finish off.
Use heat protection: Always use a heat protection spray like CLOUD NINE’s Magical Quick Dry Potion. It acts like a shield for your hair, sealing the cuticles and adding strength, which means less frizz and more shine.
Smooth, don’t clamp: When using your straighteners, gently glide them down each section of hair rather than clamping tightly. This reduces friction and helps prevent breakage, which is why all CLOUD NINE straighteners have cushioned plates.
Straighten each section once only: Try to get your hair straight in one slow, smooth pass. Repeatedly going over the same section can cause more heat damage.
Let your hair cool down: After using straighteners, let your hair cool down completely before styling it further. This helps set the style and minimises the risk of any additional damage.

Hair Dryers

If you’re in search of the perfect hair dryer that minimises damage to your hair but gives the look you want, look no further.

When searching for the perfect hair dryer to reduce heat damage to your hair, there are a few key features to keep in mind as you browse:

Multiple heat settings

Look for a hair dryer with adjustable heat settings, as this allows you to use a lower temperature on your hair to minimise heat damage. The CLOUD NINE Airshot and Airshot Pro hair dryers both have Variable Temperature Control, enabling you to choose the best temperature for your hair.

Variable flow settings

Different flow settings (sometimes called speed settings) can also help to adjust the airflow and reduce damage to your hair. Both our Airshot and Airshot Pro hair dryers have variable flow settings.

Cool air mode

A cool air setting like the CLOUD NINE Cool Shot (available on both our hair dryers) can deliver a blast of cool air to help set your style and close the hair cuticle, reducing heat damage and adding shine.

Ceramic technology

By using ceramic in the hair dryer’s heating element, heat can be distributed more evenly for a consistent temperature, preventing hot spots and reducing the risk of heat damage.

Lightweight and ergonomic design

A lightweight and easy-to-hold hair dryer can make the drying process a breeze, reducing the chance of rushing and potentially damaging your hair.

The best hair dryer for every hair type

At CLOUD NINE, we believe in keeping things simple – that’s why we have just two hair dryers. Both are perfect in their own right, but each has different stand-out features that make them better for different hair types.

Airshot

The original hair dryer in our range, it’s still a firm favourite. Its long barrel makes it perfect for long hair, as you can drape long lengths over the barrel to create that salon-worthy curve and volume. Other features that make it kind to your hair include Variable Temperature Control which allows you to dry your hair at a lower, kinder temperature, and Anti-Static Technology which helps prevent frizz and flyaways.

Airshot Pro

Ideal for all hair types, but particularly brilliant for curly hair, the Airshot Pro is the next level in kinder hair styling. It comes with a magnetic Diffuser Attachment which distributes heat more evenly through the hair and minimises frizz and damage. Check out our blog on how to use a diffuser for top tips on how to use the diffuser attachment on wavy or curly hair.

Hair dryer styling tips for minimising heat damage

There’s something special about the perfect blow-dry – especially if you manage a salon-worthy look at home. Here are some easy tips for drying your hair in the healthiest way possible:

Prep with a heat protectant: Always start with a good heat protectant spray like the CLOUD NINE Magical Potion. It creates a barrier against the heat and keeps your hair shiny and smooth.
Gently towel dry your hair first: Before you even pick up your hair dryer, make sure to towel dry your hair gently. Don’t rub too hard – just squeeze out the excess water. Less moisture means less time under the hair dryer.
Use the right settings: Stick to a medium or low heat setting and adjust the speed based on your hair type. Fine hair? Go for a lower speed. Thick hair? Crank it up a bit but keep the heat moderate.
Use a gentle round brush: A soft nylon-bristled round brush is perfect for adding volume to a blow dry while keeping your hair sleek.
Keep your distance: Hold the hair dryer about 20 centimetres away from your hair to help prevent direct heat from causing damage.
Move the hair dryer around: Keep that hair dryer moving to avoid overheating any section.
Section your hair: Divide your hair into sections using clips to ensure even drying, and reduce the need to go over the same spot repeatedly.
Avoid over-drying: Stop once your hair is just dry – around 85% dry to be precise. There’s no need to keep going until it’s bone dry – that’s when the damage starts creeping in.
Finish with a blast of cool air: Once your hair is dry, give it a final blast of cool air. It locks in your style and adds a final touch of shine.

Curling wands

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect curling wand that's kind to your hair, here are some key features to consider to minimise heat damage and keep your hair healthy.

Mineral-infused barrel

Choose a curling wand with a barrel made from ceramic, which help distribute heat evenly and reduce hot spots that can lead to heat damage. Our Curling Wand contains the magic mineral sericite which helps lock in moisture for stronger, healthier hair.

Adjustable heat settings

Look for curling wands with adjustable heat settings, allowing you to select lower temperatures that are gentler on your hair. This is particularly important if you have fine or damaged hair that’s prone to breakage.

Barrel size and shape

Choose a barrel size and shape that aligns with your desired curl style while minimising the need for heat. Smaller barrels are ideal for tighter curls, while larger barrels create looser waves.

The best curling wands for every hair type

Whether you've got fine hair that needs a delicate touch or a mane as thick as a lion's, there’s a wand or iron in the CLOUD NINE range perfect for every hair type.

Type 1 (straight) hair: If you have type 1 hair, it’s likely that your hair may not hold a curl very well. To curl super straight hair, we recommend the Curling Wand. With its 25mm barrel, it’s ideal for long hair too. It comes with three heat settings, so you can style your hair at a lower temperature to avoid heat damage.
Type 2 (wavy) hair: If you’ve been blessed with naturally wavy hair, but crave uniformity, the Hot Brush could be the perfect styling tool for you. It’s an ideal second-day styling tool, allowing you to touch up your waves on day two of your wash cycle. The temperature can be adjusted too, giving you peace of mind that you’re styling your hair in the kindest way.
Type 3 (curly) hair: To touch up curly hair, our Mini Iron is ideal. With its slimmer plates, you can use it to define your existing curls. Variable Temperature Control means you can easily set the temperature to the optimum heat for your hair, reducing heat damage. Its mineral-infused plates also takes care of your delicate curls by helping to lock in moisture – perfect if your curls are prone to dryness.

Curling wand styling tips for minimising heat damage

If you’re ready to create stunning curls but want to keep heat damage to a minimum, here are some tips to style your curls or waves in a healthy way:

Prep with a heat protectant: Start by applying a heat protectant spray like our Magical Potion to shield your hair from the heat.
Section your hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. This not only makes styling easier but also ensures every strand is curled without being heated more than once.
Be patient: Make sure your hair is fully dry before you start curling, as wet or damp hair is more likely to become damaged by heat styling, so give it some time to air dry or use a hair dryer on a low heat setting.
Use products to help maintain your curls: Help your curls to last longer by using styling products designed to help them hold. Think mousse, hairspray, or a curl-enhancing cream. They'll give your curls that extra oomph while protecting them from heat damage and keeping them nourished.
Move quickly: The quicker you move through your hair with your curling wand, the less time your hair is exposed to heat. So, work swiftly to achieve those gorgeous curls without unnecessary heat exposure.
Cool it down: Try to style your hair at the lowest temperature possible. Use our Temperature Calculator to find the sweet spot for your hair type. Lower temperatures can still give you fabulous curls while minimising the risk of heat damage.

REPAIRING HEAT DAMAGED HAIR

If you’ve got curly (type 3) or coily (type 4) hair and noticed your curls looking a bit sad and frizzy, or maybe even losing their bounce, this could be down to heat damage. Instead of those beautiful, defined curls, you might find your hair looking more like a frizzball or completely flat in some areas. If you’ve straightened your curls over a long period of time using too high a temperature, your curls may not be uniform, with some bouncy and others limp or wavy. Read on for some ways to bring those gorgeous curls back to life.

If your hair is feeling a little frazzled, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to bring it back to life. Here’s a rundown of the best treatments and tips to repair heat-damaged hair and get your hair looking – and feeling – fabulous again.

Get a good trim: If your hair is a bit frazzled, the chances are it will look healthier and fresher after a good chop. Chat with your hairdresser about a style that will suit your face shape, hairstyle and lifestyle and give your look a new lease of life.
Care for your scalp: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Make sure to keep your scalp clean and nourished with regular exfoliation and moisturising treatments. This helps promote hair growth and keeps your roots strong. Read more about scalp care in our 9-Day Hair Revival blog.
Revive with a nourishing conditioner: Start with a deep conditioning treatment like Magical Remedy. This miracle worker is packed with nourishing ingredients that not only hydrate but also infuse your hair with protein, which is essential for repairing and strengthening damaged strands. Use it once a week to give your hair the intense nourishment it needs.
Use a heat protectant: Before you even think about picking up that curling wand or hair dryer, make sure to apply a heat protectant like Magical Potion. This miracle worker creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, helping to prevent further damage.
Be gentle: Switch up your hair care routine to be as gentle as possible. Avoid harsh shampoos and opt for moisturising shampoos and conditioning products that are designed to hydrate and repair. Be gentle when brushing, using a brush like our Luxury Dressing Brush, to avoid unnecessary breakage.
Dry your hair gently with a diffuser: When it comes to drying wavy or curly hair, a concentrated nozzle on your hair dryer can be too harsh. Instead of going for the straight, sleek blow-dry, reach for a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment, like the Airshot Pro. The diffuser spreads the heat more evenly and gently, helping to maintain your curl pattern and reduce frizz. Here’s a quick tip: after applying your heat protectant, scrunch your curls and then use the diffuser on a low heat setting. For more detailed tips, be sure to check out our guide about how to use a diffuser effectively.
Experiment with protective hairstyles: Give your hair a break from daily styling and try protective hairstyles like braids or twists, or simply use a silk scrunchie to tie your hair back. These styles are not only on-trend but also help protect your hair from environmental stressors and reduce the need for heat styling. Head over to our blog for more ideas about braided hairstyles.
Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase: A silk pillowcase is much gentler on your hair, reducing friction and preventing breakage and frizz while you sleep.

HEAT DAMAGE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is heat damage reversible?

Mild damage could be quickly remedied with a split-end trim and a moisturising hair mask, but repairing severely heat-damaged hair is a bit like trying to un-bake a cake – once the damage is done, it can be difficult to reverse completely. However, with some TLC and patience, you can definitely improve the appearance and health of your hair over time.

Can heat protectant damage your hair?

Overloading on heat protectant or not washing it out properly could potentially lead to product buildup, which nobody wants. So, use it as directed and your hair should be fine. A few spritzes of our Magical Potion can work wonders to protect your hair during heat styling.

Can hair dryers cause heat damage?

Hair dryers emit heat, and excessive heat can definitely lead to damage over time. That's why it's important to use your dryer on a lower heat setting when possible and always keep it moving to avoid concentrating heat in one spot for too long. Our Airshot and Airshot Pro hair dryers come with Variable Temperature Control, making them perfect for drying your hair in a healthy way.

How long does it take for hair to recover from heat damage?

Patience is key, as it really depends on the extent of the damage and how well you take care of your hair moving forward. With proper care and attention – think regular trims, deep conditioning treatments, and turning down the temperature on your heated styling tools – you should start to see improvements within a few months.

Can I fix my heat-damaged hair without cutting it?

While a fresh haircut can do wonders for getting rid of split ends and damaged hair, it's not always necessary. You can definitely improve the condition of your hair with regular deep conditioning treatments, protein masks, and minimising heat styling. But if the damage is severe, a trim might be the best option for healthier hair in the long run, as neglecting split ends can lead to more hair breakage.

What can I do to improve the appearance of heat-damaged hair straight away?

If you need a quick fix before your next trip to the hairdresser, go for a low-maintenance hairstyle that doesn't require heat styling, like braids, buns, or sleek ponytails. You can also try using nourishing hair oils or serums to smooth down frizz and add shine. And don't forget to pamper your hair with a hydrating mask or conditioner to give it that extra boost of moisture and TLC – our Magical Remedy is the perfect deep conditioning treatment for frazzled ends.

Why does my curly hair get heat-damaged so easily?

Curly hair is naturally more likely to suffer from heat damage compared to straight hair because it usually has higher porosity, meaning it soaks up moisture (and loses it) more quickly. This makes curly hair more prone to dryness, and when you add heat into the mix, it can lead to even more damage. With a little bit of love, patience, and the right products, you can bring your curls back to their full, bouncy glory.

We’d love to hear from you on our socials. Head to TikTok, Instagram or Facebook for more tips on how to keep your hair healthy – and stylish – using our heated styling tools.

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