Effects Of Heat on Hair

Introduction

Hair is usually exposed to heat during styling procedures. These procedures involve the use of different items like curling irons, flat irons, blow-dryers and so on. The effects of heat hair undergoes are varied in nature. Sometimes the effects on hair heat has are beneficial while sometimes they are detrimental. This article aims to educate readers on the various effects of heat on hair.

History

Understanding the nature of thermal procedures is very important to comprehend the effects of heat hair undergoes. Let us take a look at what actually happens when a curling iron is applied to the hair. When hair comes into contact with a hot curling iron (or flat iron for that matter); the hydrogen bonds of the hair are broken down due to the heat. The hair is then shaped to acquire the designed appearance. When the hair cools, the hydrogen bonds are recreated or ‘frozen’ and stay in the same formation. Thus, the hair acquires it styled look. However, you may have noticed that the hair goes back to its original style if it gets wet. This is because of the fact that the ‘frozen’ hydrogen bonds go back to their original formation once they come in contact with humidity. Frequent thermal hair styling will cause the hydrogen bonds in your hair to wither away. This will result in split ends and frayed hair. The hair will lose its quality and will break easily. Thus it is strongly recommended that you avoid frequent thermal styling of hair.

Features

The ill effects on hair heat has can cause degradation in the quality of hair. Also, when you use a hair dryer, you may realize that the hair becomes lifeless and frail. This is because of the fact that the heat from hair drying opens up the cuticles on the hair. Cuticles are like scales that form the outer layer of a strand of hair. These cuticles are visible only under a microscope and are maintained in an overlapping state to prevent exposure to toxins. When you heat hair using a hair dryer, these cuticles open up and this can be damaging to the integrity of the hair strands. But sometimes this works in your favor. When you heat hair and the cuticles open, you can make use of this opportunity to apply conditioner onto your hair. The fact that the cuticles are open will allow the essential components of the conditioner to be absorbed into the hair. This is exactly why sometimes you are required to dry your hair before applying conditioners – especially in salons. Thus when you heat hair using a dryer, this may work for you or against you depending on whether you apply conditioner or not. Also, remember that drying hair everyday will not be beneficial even if you apply conditioner as the cuticles need time to recuperate once they are forced open.

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