We just can’t avoid the fact that exposing our hair to heat is part of a, dare we say, daily routine. Blow drying, straightening, crimping?! It’s all heat, heat, heat, which can result in damage, damage, damage.
So, if you're a heat addict, here’s some advice that could help your hair regain its health. We’re talking about protecting, rescuing and moisturising. In short, goodbye damage.
PICK YOUR TOOLS CAREFULLY
Choosing high-quality styling tools is the first step to helping hair stay in peak health. Probably the most important element to look for when choosing a heated styling tool is versatility.
For a start, you want tools that offer you the freedom to turn the heat up or down so you can manage the temperature levels your hair is exposed to.
Bella Chouhan, Senior Stylist at the Trevor Sorbie salon in Richmond, advises: “Tools that offer more than one temperature setting are perfect as you can monitor the amount of heat you are subjecting your hair to.
“The greater your ability with a styler, the less time you will need to take on styling your hair and the longer the looks you create will last. This means your hair will have less exposure to heat, with longer intervals between styling sessions. It will become a case of just giving hair a quick touch up as and when needed.”
KeraStraight Titanium Iron is the perfect choice for heat styling. The titanium plates feature a smooth, durable surface which protects hair from excessive heat while ensuring a smooth progress through the hair, meaning faster, more effective styling. The digital heat setting also puts temperature control firmly in your hands.
Pairing the Titanium Iron with the KeraStraight’s EasyComb is an ideal tool for assisting in the straightening process. The Easycomb allows the hair to be worked directly from the scalp through to the tip with easy pick up and control over the sections, whilst also protecting your scalp and hands. No faff and no burns.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Never scrimp on the quality of any heated tools you buy, advises Bella: “Whatever your desired look, you need to understand the importance of high-quality hair tools, whether this is your hairdryer, tong or straightener,” she says.
“Understanding the quality and size of your tools is important. One thing that differs with straighteners, for example, is the plate sizes, with different sized plates designed to meet specific hair needs.
“Wider plates cover more surface, which means if you have long or thick hair it is quicker to style then using a smaller size. Also, the coating on the plates differs with each brand. Better quality straighteners have a coating that lasts longer and gives shine and fluidity while running them along the hair.
“When this coating starts to fade or flake, the hair is more exposed to high heat, and you will feel more tugging on the hair leaving more lines and therefore you end up running over sections of hair more times, unnecessarily.”
Bella also suggests considering the design of any heated tools you buy: “Think about how comfortable they will feel in your hand, and how smoothly they will glide through the hair.
“Some will come with more rounded shapes, some with grips and groves for a firmer hold and comfort. When you’re looking to invest in your tools make sure they suit your abilities and hand shape to give you the most comfort and control while styling your hair.”
PREP and PROTECT
In need of something that will repair and hydrate? After washing your hair, why not prep with Rescue Crème before blow-drying.
A treatment and blow-drying creme in one, Rescue Crème will lock in moisture as well as seal split ends; making hair silky, shiny and smooth. What’s more, it’s lightweight so hair will feel replenished without being weighed down.
If you’ve got thick, frizzy hair, which at times can feel unmanageable, go for the winning combination in protection, with Ultimate Oil and Moisture Mist together they will replenish your hair with incredible moisture. They’re both lightweight, and Moisture Mist also contains heat protection. Win win.
Bella says, when speaking to clients about using heat protection, don’t do anything to your hair that you wouldn’t do to your skin: “You wouldn’t go into intense heat without sunscreen, so don’t expose your hair to extreme heat without using a heat protection product.”
Bella continues: “When choosing a heat protector, if your hair is fine you don’t want to go for anything with a cream or oil base as it will weigh your hair down, if you have thicker or damaged hair use one product that will repair and also protect your hair, keep it simple, but keep it relevant.
“We recommend Heat Protect, a heat protection spray which also adds to the smoothness of the hair, meaning one stroke of the irons is all that’s needed, so your hair is protected during styling and left feeling fantastic.”
So, if you’re addicted to the heat, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered.