Hair Styling Tools

Let’s face it, styling hair using tools has become a common procedure to build a structure we have always dreamt of. Styling whether done using tools or through chemical treatments at a reputed salon accompanies a host of side effects that could spell disaster for the hair.

Side Effects of Using Hair Styling Tools

Dryness:

You must have noticed the smoke coming out of hair during the usage of hair styling tools. It actually isn’t smoke, it’s steam. A hairstyling tool works by seeping all the moisture of the hair to change the hair texture and secure the style in place. The only possible way the moisture can escape from the hair is by evaporating it and converting it into steam. This is the reason why hair goes back to its primary state after they have been washed. Moreover, using heat styling tools and chemical treatments regularly over a long period can rob your hair of its natural oils and make it extremely dry and brittle.

Frizz:

It is always assumed that styling hair assists in taming the frizz, however, it is quite counter-intuitive. This is since the dryness is caused by frequently styling the hair which ultimately leads to more frizz. So, in simple words, in order to cover the damage, you are causing more damage to the hair which could eventually turn out to be quite fatal.

Breakage:

Now that we are aware that using styling tools to style hair can lead to excessive dryness, it is safe to say that they weaken the structure of your hair strands. Thus, the individual strands of your hair become more susceptible to breaking right from the middle. It could result in excessive hair loss and potentially damage the hair length as well.

Split ends:

Split ends are usually formed when the weakened hair starts breaking from the middle. Besides being a clear indication of the fragile state of the hair, they also make the tresses look unsightly.

Hairfall:

Applying heat on regular basis damages not only the hair but also the hair follicles. The chemicals used in permanent hair straightening also unleash untold damage on the roots. These weak roots result in hair falling out.

Itchy scalp:

The death of the hair follicles also leads to underproduction of the natural oils that keep the scalp moisturized. This, in turn, leads to dryness, flaking, and itchiness on the scalp that can even spread to the forehead and neck. This causes acne and redness on the face.

Allergic reaction:

A person could, unknowingly or knowingly, be allergic to the chemicals used in styling treatments. The allergic reaction to these chemicals can occur immediately after the treatment or a few days later and can cause irritation on your scalp and skin, rashes, and redness and irritation in the eyes.

How to Treat Side Effects of Hair Styling Tools?

Always apply a heat protectant to the hair before styling it to prevent it from getting completely fried by the hair styling tool.

Try to limit styling hair to just twice a week. Avoid doing it daily, at all costs.

Use the hair styling tool in a low or medium temperature setting.

Never style hair when it is wet, as that is when it is at its weakest and most prone to breakage.

Oil your hair and use a conditioner every time you wash it to restore the moisture into it. You could also deep condition your hair every two weeks to provide some intense hydration to it.

Apply natural hair masks made of yoghurt, coconut milk, honey, and olive oil every other week to moisturize your hair naturally.

Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar. Use two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed in a cup of water to restore its lost shine.

How to Repair Damaged Hair?

Use olive oil

Olive oil is extremely popular in hair care. Oils have been shown to help rehydrate the hair and smoothen the cuticle. Olive oil, in particular, is said to help soften the hair and replenish much needed moisture. It’s also easy to work with and relatively inexpensive.

Use a conditioner

Conditioning hair with every hair wash is essential since it restores the lost moisture and could therefore assist in taming frizzy and dry hair. Apart from this it also makes the hair feel soft and supple.

Blow dry from a distance

Blow dryers are notorious for causing damage. It is found that holding the blow dryer 15 centimetres (about six inches) away from the hair and moving the blow dryer continuously can help reduce damage. There are many other healthy ways to dry hair as well.

Go natural

This is the best advice that one can follow. Embrace heat-free hairstyles like salt-sprayed beach waves or allow the hair’s natural texture and style to take the spotlight.

Use coconut oil

The oil’s molecules are tiny enough to penetrate the outer cuticle and hydrate from the inside out. It can also help replenish the protective oils on the outside of the hair. These oils help guard against heat damage and breakage.

You can also look for products that include coconut oil, or apply the warmed oil once a week as a deep hydrating mask.

Take Away

Using hair styling tools frequently can damage hair to a large extent. It replenishes the hair of moisture and this leads to various other hazards. It is advised to avoid using styling tools whenever possible. Doing so will also give your hair plenty of time to heal and breathe.