Protecting Your Hair From Heat Damage

Styling tools don't have to wreck your strands — but most heat damage happens from small habits, not the tools themselves.

Before you style

• Always apply a heat protectant, even on the lowest setting.
• Let hair air-dry to at least 80% before using hot tools.
• Keep tools under 180°C (350°F) for fine or color-treated hair.

The damage compounds — a slightly-too-hot setting once a week for a year does far more harm than people expect, because each pass weakens the hair shaft a little more before it has a chance to recover.

Heat isn't the enemy. Repetition without protection is.

Priya Nandan, Hair Stylist