Due to heat, hair strands start to split at the ends, where the hair is oldest and has experienced the most damage. These splits can move up the hair shaft and split multiple times, worsening the damage.
Because the hair loses its elasticity, it becomes more prone to breakage. Eventually, the ends will snap off, leading to flyaways.
While heat damage is irreversible, Lim provides answers to important questions about it.
What causes heat damaged hair?
Heat damaged hair occurs when you blow dry your hair, use a flat iron, or curler at the highest temperature settings over an extended period while styling your hair. These hot tools reach temperatures of more than 400°F, affecting all hair types, from pin straight to tightly curled.
Why is hair heat damage irreversible?
Each strand of hair is made up of a protein called keratin, which has a natural curve known as the alpha helix. High temperatures permanently alter the structures of the protein bonds in the hair. When the keratin is heated to temperatures higher than 400°F, the alpha helix begins to melt. Once melted, the change is permanent, and the hair will retain the shape of the melted keratin bonds. The hair growth beyond the follicle is made up of dead cells, which cannot adapt or repair the damage.
The damage caused by heat is cumulative. It is unlikely to experience heat damaged hair after one blow dry or straightening session. However, using hot tools at high temperatures regularly prolongs the changes to the protein bonds and moisture levels of the hair strands, worsening the damage over time.
8 Signs of heat damaged hair
1. Dryness and dullness: Damaged cuticles make the hair lose its shine and moisture, resulting in dry and dull hair.
2. Split ends & Breakage: Heat damage weakens the hair’s elasticity and moisture retention, leading to split ends and breakage.
3. Flyaways: Breakage from heat damage causes short hair strands to stand up near the roots, creating flyaways that are difficult to manage.
4. Rough or changed texture: Heat damaged curly hair loses its spring, while straight hair becomes rough and coarse.
5. Knots and tangles: Damaged hair cuticles cause strands to easily knot and tangle, making brushing or combing difficult and leading to further breakage.
6. Incorrect hair color: Heat damaged hair cannot retain color properly, resulting in darker than desired or faster fading colors.
7. Hair loss: Weakened strands from heat damage increase the chances of hair loss.
Knowing the signs of heat damaged hair can help you identify and address the issue, but it is important to note that the damage cannot be repaired.