Protecting Your Natural Hair From Heat Damage

One of the perks of wearing naturally textured hair is the endless versatility and styling options. The ability to go from curly to straight is appealing to many naturals. At the same time, there is some worry out there about heat damage.

Heat damage is a result of using direct heat to dry or style the hair. Due to high heat and/or applying the direct heat for too long, the hair’s curl pattern can permanently lose integrity, leaving the hair limp and lifeless. In more severe cases, the hair is singed, breaks off, and falls out.

After seeing others share their heat damage experiences, you’re probably very cautious and will do anything to protect your hair strands. Regardless of your hair type or texture, using a heat protectant is an excellent way to help maintain your curl integrity and avoid heat damage. But that’s not the only way you can protect your tresses from being damaged by heat styling!

Talk to a Hair Care Professional

Having your hair assessed by a professional hair stylist is a great way to ensure that your hair is healthy enough to withstand styling with direct heat from blow dryers, flat irons, or curling irons. A responsible and professional hair stylist will be able to assess the condition of your hair and decide if there is any existing damage. They can also determine your hair’s density, texture, and elasticity, which are factors that play into being able to withstand heat styling.

Deep Condition

Before heat styling, it is important to ensure your hair is strengthened and moisturized. Deep conditioning is a great way to accomplish this because it improves your hair’s elasticity and ensures the hair cuticle is closed for a sleeker look. Using a deep conditioner that is balanced in moisturizing ingredients and protein is the best option.

The Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner infuses hair with protein and moisture to restore dry and damaged hair. Babassu oil is derived from an Amazonian palm fruit that is high in sterols and tocopherols, which can improve hair and scalp health. Our product is enriched with fatty acids and natural oils that help reduce frizz and fly-aways. This deep penetrating conditioner is made with complex amino acids from wheat, soy, and other natural ingredients that help restore moisture to damaged and dry hair.

Use a Heat Protectant

You should also protect your hair with a heat protectant. A heat protectant should penetrate the hair cuticle, bond to, and coat the hair strand. Textured hair is more susceptible to heat damage because, at each turn of the curl, coil, or kink, your strands are likely to break after being straightened out by a blow dryer, curling iron, or flat iron heat.

Protect your hair with the new Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant, which is specially formulated to protect your hair from extreme heat temperatures that come with heat styling. Mongongo oil originates from the nuts of Mongongo trees that can be found in Southern Africa. It is highly emollient and known for its excellent protection of the skin and hair. Its hydrating, regenerating, and restructuring properties make it a natural hair supporter and sunscreen. This mongongo oil the ultimate solution for protecting your hair, repairing split ends, eliminating frizz, and adding shine.

While nothing is 100% guaranteed when you style your hair using direct heat, these hair care tips can help decrease the likelihood that you’ll experience any heat damage. Regardless of your hair type, using a heat protectant along with proper use of thermal styling tools is key. If you still are uncertain, seek help from a professional natural hair stylist.

How do you protect your hair against heat damage?