Hair care has become a very important part of people's lives. It's not just about looking pretty, it's also about feeling good. We do our best to take care of our hair and scalp by following certain rules and guidelines.
But how do you know what the right temperature is for your hair?
When using a blow dryer, curling iron or flat iron, it is important to know the right temperature for your hair, which will largely determine the health and beauty of your hair.
You can experiment with different settings until you find what works best for you, but doing so can expose you to heat damage before you find the answer.
This article will help you find the best temperature for your hair and understand what the different settings on these devices mean.
The ideal temperature for your hair depends on hair texture, moisture content, the natural condition of your hair and scalp, the hair products you use, and medical conditions.
What temperature should you use for your hair?
This is the question that many people ask themselves before washing their hair. Some people think it's best to air dry their hair, while others think it's best to heat dry it.
Heat drying not only makes styling easier, but also reduces the time spent styling and drying hair. On the other hand, air-drying can help maintain the natural oils in your hair and promote healthy new hair growth.
The different types of heat are as follows
This popular tool is designed to straighten your hair and requires more heat than a curling iron. Most flat irons operate at a temperature between 250 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is strongly advised to stay below the threshold of 300-395 degrees. Otherwise, you risk burning your beautiful locks.
For thicker hair, the 300-375 range is safe. While for finer hair, staying below 290 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
If your hair is not healthy enough or is damaged, the best solution is not to use a flat iron. This heat device is the most unforgiving and once your hair is damaged by heat, the only solution will be to cut it and start over. Your hair will start to look more and more unmanageable and you will try to apply even more heat, which will damage it even more.
According to some hair experts, above 451 degrees, your hair begins to melt. It is therefore crucial to stay away from this value.
A modern curling iron has variable heat options that you can choose from. The temperature selection depends on the type of hair you have.
A standard curling iron has a temperature range of 125 degrees to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. For thick textured hair, you can opt for a high temperature between 200 and 300 degrees.
For fine hair, it is best not to exceed 200 degrees due to their sensitivity.
Hair dryers are generally the most popular heat styling tool, as most women admit to owning one. They heat between 80 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
With maximum heat, it can reach an extreme temperature of 140 degrees, which is enough to cook not only your hair, but also the skin of your scalp. Stylists usually suggest keeping the setting on a moderate to high temperature. This will allow your hair to dry faster without damaging it.
As a trichologist, my rule of thumb is: if he can burn your hand, then he burns your hair.
Not all hair dryers are created equal. Consideration should be given to fan speed and the amount of heat produced by the dryer.
The higher the fan speed, the faster your hair dries.
However, if the fan speed is low, but the heat stays on high, your hair is more likely to be burnt.
This means that your old hair dryer with a slow fan can do a lot more damage than you think.
If you have time, half-dry your hair with a hair dryer to remove excess water, then air-dry any last traces of moisture.
Heat protection is important for maintaining healthy hair. But how do you know if your hair is in danger? If your hair is dry, colored or chemically treated, it is more vulnerable to heat damage.
If your hair feels dry, brittle, and unmanageable after blow-drying or flat ironing, it might be time to rethink your heat protection regimen.
If your hair has become more brittle and more prone to breakage than usual over the past few months, it may be due to the buildup of heat damage.
Negative ions are present in water and are released when we take a shower or wash our hair. Negative ions act as antioxidants by neutralizing positive ions that cause static electricity and heat buildup in our hair.
In other words, sealing in moisture after washing your hair is the first step to protecting your hair from the heat. We recommend using Neptüne Moisturizing Oil first, then applying a heat protectant spray before subjecting your hair to heat.
Heat damage is a common problem for people who have curly hair or are looking to straighten it. Heat damage can be prevented by following these safety tips:
- Always use a heat protectant product before using a heat styling tool on your hair.
- Try to keep the temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and never exceed 410 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you have long hair, make sure it's pulled back, away from your face and neck, when using a blow dryer or curling iron.
We hope these tips have been helpful and that you will take steps to ensure that you do not damage your hair with improper heat settings. Do you still have concerns about your hair?
Contact one of our hair experts today and get the help you need. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to get more articles like this straight to your inbox.
