Hair straightening involves the appliance of heat in order to achieve a smooth flat look. Since the hair contains moisture any exposure to heat will of course dry it out and any overexposure will eventually cause the hair to become brittle and even break.
As long as preventative measures are taken and the hair is compensated for any potential damage, then there is no reason why you cannot straighten your hair on a regular basis. Because heat dries the hair it is necessary to replace any moisture that is lost. This can be achieved by using specific moisturising conditioners either beforehand or after straightening. A daily leave-in conditioner is recommended in the case where the hair is submitted to heat on an everyday basis along with a deep nourishing moisturiser to be used weekly.
In addition to a good shampoo and conditioner you need to ensure you have the correct and appropriate grooming tools. A paddle brush is recommended for detangling hair after washing. However, it is recommended that you refrain from brushing the hair when wet as this is when it is at its most vulnerable to breakages. If you are planning on using curling irons to straighten your hair, consider towel drying your hair at least for as long as possible. You can then completely dry your hair on a low temperature setting with a hair drier. This will minimise any damage caused by heat and ultimately keep your hair looking healthy.
Sat, Jul 25, 2009
Hair Care Tips