As the winter chill sets in, are you noticing your hair is drier or more brittle? It might not be only the cold weather causing the split ends and lack of shine. The culprit could just be your hot styling tools. While heat styling can provide you with the looks you want, always be aware that using hot styling tools at too high of a temperature can in fact damage your hair, doing more harm than good.
How Can Hot Styling Tools Hurt Your Hair?
Unfortunately, there are a number of ways that hot styling tools can damage your hair. Primarily among them is the fact that excessive heat can break down the hair’s naturally-occurring protein bonds, leading to weakened strands. Loss of moisture in the hair is another result of using heat styling tools in excess, as the high temperatures can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and fragile. Damaged hair is subsequently more prone to frizz, as the cuticles are lifted and coarsened.
How to Tell if Your Hot Styling Tools Are “Too Hot to Handle”
If your hair begins to feel dry, brittle, and straw-like, or the strands start snapping easily, it’s a sign of heat damage. Excessive heat can weaken the hair shaft to the point where it makes it more susceptible to breakage, and even falling out in places. Remember, healthy hair almost always has a natural shine. If your hair looks dull and lifeless after frequent heat styling sessions, the culprit is very likely the hot styling tools you are using at too high of a temperature.
Tips for Healthy Heat Styling
The number one common-sense advice we give our clients when using hot styling tools at home is to lower the temperature, just as we do here at the salon. Most hair types can be styled with a temperature between 300-350°F. Experiment a bit to find the lowest possible setting that still works for your hair type. Consult with your stylist as to what the ideal temperature might be for you, and then follow through with your home hair-care routine. More common sense, just as with anything else that can have undesirable results, is this: Don’t overdo it! Try to limit heat styling to a few times per week. When possible, always air-dry your hair to reduce heat exposure.
There are several types of products on the market that can help reduce the potential risks to your hair from hot styling tools. Use Heat Protectant products every time before styling. A good quality heat protectant can help to shield your hair from damage. Another fantastic idea is to regularly deep condition your hair. Deep conditioning treatments can help restore moisture and repair existing damage. 
By understanding the risks of high-heat styling and taking preventive measures, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair throughout the cold winter months as well as all year long. Remember, less is often more when it comes to heat styling.
Enjoy your hair!
Mickey