From curling irons to hairbrushes, the tools we use to style our hair can often lead to unintended damage. While many of these tools help us achieve our favorite looks, using them incorrectly or too frequently can lead to dryness, breakage, and split ends.
Luckily, with a few preventive steps, you can minimize the risk and keep your hair healthy and strong. Here are 10 hair tools that commonly cause damage, along with expert tips on how to use them safely to protect your hair.
1. Flat Irons
Flat irons can reach high temperatures that strip moisture from hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. To prevent damage, use a heat protectant spray and set your flat iron to the lowest effective temperature for your hair type.
2. Curling Irons
Curling irons, like flat irons, apply direct heat that weakens hair strands over time. Avoid keeping your hair wrapped around the barrel for too long, and opt for ceramic barrels that distribute heat evenly, reducing the chance of hot spots.
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3. Blow Dryers
Frequent blow drying can make hair brittle and frizzy due to excessive heat exposure. To minimize damage, use a heat protectant, switch to a lower heat setting, and hold the dryer at least 6 inches away from your hair.
4. Hot Rollers
Hot rollers may seem gentler, but they can still cause damage when used frequently. Limit your use of hot rollers and make sure to use a heat protectant to minimize damage from prolonged heat exposure.
5. Hair Brushes with Metal Bristles
Metal bristles can snag and pull at hair, leading to breakage and split ends. Choose a brush with soft or flexible bristles that glide through hair without excessive pulling, especially if your hair is prone to tangles.
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6. Hair Drying Towels
Roughly rubbing hair with a towel can cause friction and breakage. Instead, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently pat your hair dry, reducing frizz and preventing damage to fragile, wet strands.
7. Hair Straightening Brushes
While convenient, hair straightening brushes combine heat and tension, which can weaken hair. Use them sparingly and apply a heat protectant beforehand to reduce the risk of heat damage.
8. Elastic Hair Ties
Tight elastic hair ties can tug at hair and cause breakage, especially if you wear them often. Switch to silk or fabric-covered hair ties to reduce stress on your hair and avoid placing them in the same spot daily.
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9. Teasing Combs
Teasing combs roughen the hair cuticle, leading to dryness and split ends. To prevent damage, limit teasing to special occasions and always use a detangling spray when brushing it out.
10. Heated Hair Brushes
Heated brushes provide both heat and friction, which can damage hair over time. Use them on low heat settings, and make sure to apply a thermal protectant before each use to minimize harm.
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