If you’re trying to grow out your long hair, heat styling can be both a blessing and a curse. While it can help you achieve the desired look, excessive heat can damage your hair and hinder its growth. To maintain healthy, long locks while using heat styling tools, it’s important to follow some dos and don’ts. Here are some tips to help you care for your hair and promote long hair growth while heat styling.

Dos

Use a Heat Protectant

Before applying any heat to your hair, always use a heat protectant spray or serum. These products create a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing damage caused by high temperatures. Apply the protectant evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends, where the hair is the most fragile.

Adjust the Heat Setting

Most heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, have adjustable temperature settings. For long hair, it’s recommended to use lower heat settings to minimize damage. Start with the lowest effective temperature and gradually increase if needed. Avoid using the highest heat setting unless necessary for your specific hair type.

Limit Frequency and Duration

Heat styling should be kept to a minimum when trying to grow out long hair. Aim to limit heat styling to two to three times per week, allowing your hair time to recover and rejuvenate. Additionally, try to reduce the duration of each styling session. The less time your hair is exposed to heat, the better.

Opt for Quality Tools

Invest in high-quality heat styling tools that provide even heat distribution and temperature control. Cheap or damaged tools can cause hot spots, leading to uneven heat application and increased hair damage. Look for tools with ceramic or tourmaline plates, which help distribute heat evenly and reduce friction.

Use Heat-Protective Accessories

Consider using heat-protective accessories such as heat-resistant gloves, thermal caps, or silicone heat-resistant mats. These accessories provide an extra layer of protection and prevent accidental burns or damage to your hair or skin.

Give Your Hair Breaks

Whenever possible, give your hair a break from heat styling. Embrace natural hairstyles, such as air-drying, braiding, or updos, which reduce the need for heat. This allows your hair to recover and prevents excessive damage from frequent heat exposure.

Don’ts

Don’t Use Heat on Wet Hair

Avoid using heat styling tools on wet hair. Exposing wet hair to high temperatures can cause more damage as the water within the hair strands can boil, leading to hair breakage and loss. Make sure your hair is completely dry before applying any heat.

Don’t Overdo the Heat

Excessive heat can cause significant damage to your hair, including dryness, brittleness, and split ends. Avoid using heat styling tools daily or subjecting your hair to unnecessarily high temperatures. Strive for balance and moderation to protect your hair while still achieving your desired style.

Don’t Forget to Prep Your Hair

Preparing your hair before heat styling can make a significant difference in minimizing damage. Ensure your hair is well-moisturized by using leave-in conditioners or heat-protective sprays. Deep-conditioning treatments can also help keep your hair hydrated and resilient.

Don’t Tug or Pull on Your Hair

When using heat styling tools, avoid excessive tugging or pulling on your hair. Be gentle and use smooth, gliding motions to avoid unnecessary friction and breakage. Detangle your hair before styling to prevent knots and minimize hair damage.

Don’t Neglect Hair Care

Heat styling can be harsh on your hair, so it’s crucial to prioritize hair care. Follow a consistent hair care routine that includes regular shampooing, conditioning, and deep conditioning treatments. Trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and prevent further damage from traveling up the hair shaft.

Don’t Skip Heat-Free Styling Alternatives

Embrace heat-free styling alternatives to give your hair a break from the heat. Experiment with heatless curls, braids, or twist-outs that can create beautiful styles without exposing your hair to high temperatures.

Overuse heat styling tools

Excessive heat styling is one of the main culprits behind hair damage and hindered growth. Avoid using heat tools daily, as this can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends. Give your hair regular breaks from heat styling to maintain its health and encourage growth.

Use high heat settings

Using high heat settings may seem tempting for quick styling, but it can be detrimental to your hair’s health. High temperatures can strip away moisture, weaken the hair shaft, and cause irreparable damage. Always start with the lowest heat setting and increase gradually if needed.

By following these dos and don’ts of heat styling for long hair growth, you can minimize damage and maintain the health of your hair while achieving your desired styles. Remember, healthy hair is more likely to grow longer and stronger, so prioritize the well-being of your hair throughout your heat styling journey.