A trip to the hair salon can be transformative for your locks but there are also plenty of things women can do at home for sensational strands.
While many of us use heated tools to dry and style our hair, one expert advised women that ditching these could be the secret to hair success.
Rachel Valentine – a trichologist, meaning a specialist in hair and scalp health – took to TikTok to share the “non-negotiables” for “literally transforming your hair”.
The expert advised: “Cut out heat completely – but if you can’t do this, try and cut it down.
While heated tools may create beautiful hairstyles, they could be doing more harm than good
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“And yes, this is not easy, otherwise everyone would do it. But cutting out heat is the quickest way to transform your hair.”
One model confirmed this, revealing that the secret to her “full, healthy” hair is avoiding this damaging technique.
For a magnificent mane, ladies should consider styles that do not require heat. However, when dryers, straighteners or curlers feel like a must, it’s important to always use a heat protectant.
The experts at Dyson explained why heat damages the hair. Some heated tools have very minimal temperature controls, only allowing users to choose from basic options such as low, medium and high heat. Other heated tools do not allow for temperature control at all.
Even when tools do have temperature control, some can go above 400F (around 204C).
The experts warned: “Exposure to high heat changes the shape of your hair’s keratin strands. Temperatures over 300F convert the ⍺-keratin to β-keratin, which eventually leads to weaker hair that has lost its elasticity and become more prone to damage.
“When the keratin is melted, your hair maintains that shape on a molecular level, and it’s not reversible.”
Once hair is damaged, it lacks moisture, which can lead to cracked cuticles and further damage.
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It is also very porous, meaning it has an open cuticle layer, which allows moisture to pass in and out easily.
When the cuticle is damaged, the cortex (which forms the main bulk and pigment of the hair) is more vulnerable. This can lead to hair being more “elastic and prone to breakage”.
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Lay off the heated tools for luscious locks
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To protect against heat damage, the experts at Dyson advised using a heat protectant before applying hot tools.
As for which tools to use, it’s best to select ones that do not use “extreme” heat. Pick a low heat setting if possible, too.
The hair gurus also advised drying your hair fully before using heated tools, unless it’s specifically a wet-to-dry tool.
Trichologist Rachel provided some more tips on cultivating stunning strands.
The expert weighed in on the vital food group you need to eat for long, luscious locks. She also pointed out the style to avoid for better locks – it can cause “tension on our scalp”.
