New Delhi: Blow-drying, Curling, and Straightening! It's no secret that hot tools have become an invaluable resource when it comes to taming otherwise unruly strands.

Straightening and curling can make your hair look lustrous and beautiful. A touch of iron can transform frizzy curls into straight and silky hair and vice-a-versa. The makeover looks so beautiful that we do that without even knowing about its side effects. It is important to be aware of the right technique as well as its side effects.

Incorrect technique can be dangerous and may lead to permanent hair damage. Although, leading hair salons and hair experts are extremely careful about the procedure, the side effects may vary from person to person. It also depends on the quality and type of hair. Therefore, it is necessary to know about the side effects of hair straightening and curling:

Side Effects:

• One of the most common side effects of hair styling is excessive dryness. Use of hair dryer/curler/straightener makes the situation even worse. Hair loses its natural moisture to a great extent; it begins to look dull and frizzy every time you step out.
• Another clinical side effect of hair-do is severe hair fall. Many people, who have straightened or curled their hairs, have experienced the same. Use of poor quality chemicals and improper technique of using the iron, breaks the hair from the roots. In long term, the hair follicles become weak and hair fall continues.

Although, the hair styling tools like a curler, straightener or blow dryer can give you fabulous looking hair but at the cost of your hair’s health by causing serious damage. Therefore, here are 5 tips to prevent hair from damage caused by hair styling tools –

When straightening your hair - Make sure you have dried your hair

Your hair becomes brittle if you overuse any hair styling product. There are higher chances of hair damage when you use a hair straightener when your hair is moist or damp.

• Wash your hair with the right shampoo followed by a good conditioner.
• Hydration counts; it is important to hydrate and protect strands before using heat tools to ensure that your hair stays strong and looks and feels soft and nourished. Put a few drops of oil on wet hair to protect from damage.
• Apply a little serum and heat protection spray on your hair to make your hair smooth and manageable. A heat protectant is the hair equivalent of sunscreen for the skin. A great bonus is that these products don't just prevent damage, but often boost your hair's shine and beat out frizz.
• Now, use the straightener and make heads turn

When curling your hair - Adjust the temperature of your curling iron

• If you are using a curling iron to curl your hair, adjust its temperature according to your hair type.
• If your hair is naturally curly and thick, set the temperature high to get the desired result.
• If your hair is fine and manageable, set the minimum temperature or else it will burn your hair.
• If you do not use a curling iron frequently, start with a minimum heat setting and work your way up to create the perfect look.

When blow drying your hair – Hold it at the right distance to avoid damage

A blow dryer is used for two reasons – to get rid of the moisture and to style the hair. When you are using a blow dryer to remove moisture, hold it approximately 10 inches away from your hair. And, when you want to style your hair, hold it 5-6 inches away to prevent damage.

When choosing a hair styling tool – Quality matters

Using the right hair styling tool like hair straighteners, curling irons, blow dryers and so on is vital to avoid hair damage.

Curling iron – A curling iron must come with multiple heat settings. Simply select the right temperature as per your hair texture. Those inferior ones with one heating mode could cause hair damage.

Flat irons or hair straighteners – Along with multiple heat settings, a good hair straightener must be made of silicone plates. The silicone plates add as a protective coating for your hair.

Blow dryer – Look for a blow dryer which comes with a nozzle style attachment as it distributes heat evenly.

References:

http://www.rediff.com

www.dailymail.co.uk

https://www.today.com