Do Hair Straighteners Damage Your Hair?

We hear about the ravages of blow dryers and the damaging effects of perms on our hair. But what about hair straighteners? Do they deserve the same scrutiny? Do they damage hair? In short, most do not. Hair straighteners manufactured in the last generation or two of products include features that protect against damage, and may even increase your hair’s health. If you have had frequent perms, dye your hair often, or have hair that has been damaged by the sun, be cautious when using any heat-type tool on your hair, but a straightener should not make the damage worse. Use of a spray on hair protectant will keep already damaged hair from being further harmed.
Many are concerned about the high temperatures used in straighteners, because heat is often pointed to as a culprit in hair damage. But there is a difference. The heat employed by the ceramic plates that most straighteners use actually serves to seal in the hair’s natural oils and moisture. Hair sculpted with a straightener is less likely to become dry and brittle, crack or develop split ends. The type of heat used in many models is infrared, which reduces heat damage, as well.
These ceramic plates are also designed to emit a steady flow of negative ions that reduce static in hair, making it less frizzy and easier to manage. The advantage of this is that the less time is required to straighten or sculpt hair. If you are concerned about damaging your hair, use a spray heat protectant for added security, and monitor your hair’s health over the weeks and months. Chances are you’ll be soon satisfied with the performance of your hair straightener and confident it is not damaging your locks.

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