Okay, so the hotter it gets the better it is, right? Wrong! I know a lot of people purchase a flat iron based on how hot it gets, but that is not the reason to select a flat iron/curling iron. Irons that get over 450 degrees should not attract you to buy it. Here are some facts that you need to know if you want to get and maintain healthy hair:



Did you know that healthy hair burns at 451 degrees? You should never use any heat setting over 450 degrees and you should only go as high as 450 if your hair is in healthy state. However, having healthy hair doesn’t mean that you should use the highest temperature tolerable. You should always use the lowest possible heat temperature that you can use in order to achieve the look that you desire.

So what temperatures should you be using? Honestly, you’re going to have to learn what YOUR hair’s heat tolerance is. Family members and friends who have hair similar to yours may still have a different heat tolerance than you. If you hair is already fine or fragile, you really should not got over 300 degrees. If you have a medium textured hair and your hair is fairly healthy, your hair should be good between 300-375 degrees. Healthy hair and hair that has thick strands is typically good at 350-low 400s. If you have chemically processed hair (chemical relaxers, dye, bleaching, etc) you hair’s heat tolerance is automatically reduced.



If you hair is already damaged, more heat is not going to give you that desired look. Have you ever tried to straighten you hair and it is seem to get a frizzy or withered look? That’s because when high heat is applied to hair that is already damaged, the opposite of the desired goal is achieved.

Below are some tips that you can use in order to keep your hair at its healthiest possible state while using heat:



​*Always use a heat protector. Silicone based protectants are said to work best.



*Only buy dryers and irons that have heat settings; not just a basic on/off switch.



*Hydrate! Make sure you are drinking plenty of clean water and that your hair is receiving proper moisture according to your specific hair type. (Try to stay away from moisturizers with mineral oil/petroleum. Most moisturizers in the store have those ingredients in them. The Doo Gro brand distributes oils without those ingredients contained in them, as well as, Carol's Daughter. Visit www.carolsdaughter.com to view their product list and ingredients.) Products that have water listed as their first ingredient are products that you may want to try.



*Stay away from shampoos that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). It's haird to find shampoos in regular stores without it or without parabens, but if you can; that's a plus!

​
*READ the labels! Check out what you're putting in your hair before you buy it.



*If you are using a blow dryer:



- Hold the dryer between 6-10 inches away from your head.

-Direct the heat down your hair shaft; not upwards towards your head/roots/base.

-If you use a diffuser, it will help you get even heat distribution throughout your hair.

-Don't hold the dyer in one spot for a long time; this will cause split ends throughout your entire hair shaft.

-Reduce the heat on the dryer as your hair begins to dry. Applying heat on dry hair will cause the hair to become more brittle.

- Use the warmest heat setting on your dryer when your hair is at its wettest point and consistently reduce heat as your hair dries. Doing this will help your hair be more hydrated when you’re finished.

-Use warm heat settings; not hot heat settings.

-Use your fingers and/or wide tooth comb to detangle your hair while drying in order to detangle and stretch your hair. This will cause you to need less heat later. This is even more so needed if your natural curl pattern is more curlier than others.

​

*When using flat irons/curling irons/other straightening appliances:



-Use on clean hair. This will allow your style to last longer and reduce the need to use heat again so soon.

-Gradually decrease tension as you move down the hair shaft when straightening. Remember that your ends are the most prone to heat damage as it is the most vulnerable area of your hair shaft.

-Just like with the blow dryer, do not hold the iron on an area of your hair for more than a few short seconds. Holding the iron will straighten your hair better, but you are guaranteed to get split ends that way!

-Try using flexi rods or rollers to achieve styles that are feathered, curly or for more body instead of using your curling rods, flat irons or other heated instruments used to achieve those looks.



*KNOW YOUR HAIR! You have to learn what your hair can and cannot tolerate. If you have typically dry hair, make sure your hair is hydrated properly before using heated styling instruments on it.



 I hope these tips have increased your knowledge base and help you on your journey to getting and maintaining healthy hair!

~Miss Jennipher~