What does Heat Damaged Hair Look Like? Signs to Watch

Table of contents

• What are the usual stages of hair damage?

• Further damaged hair signs to consider

• Use a hydrating conditioner, masks, and leave-in conditioner 

• Always use a heat-protecting spray

• How do you fix heat damaged hair?

• References

Hair damage refers to various factors that negatively affect hair health. It can result from several causes, such as the usage of inappropriate hair products, exposure to heat, and dirt buildup. Unwanted hair issues may also occur due to inadequate nutrition, frequent chemical treatments, or coloring. Some early signs of damaged hair are dryness, split ends and breakage.

Healthy, luscious, and gorgeous hair is a dream and everyone’s collective desire! However, when hair is damaged, it presents a dull look and ultimately impacts your overall persona.

What are the usual stages of hair damage?

Stage 1-Dryness- You will experience flat and lusterless hair caused by the lack of hydration. The hair feels rough, which is the first indicator of damaged hair.

Stage 2-Split ends- As soon moisture loss takes over from root to tip, hair becomes prone to split ends. The hair strands become brittle and frayed, resulting in splitting towards the end. Split ends occur when the protective outer layer of the hair, known as the cuticle, is affected. Whenever you notice any split-ended strands, you know you have damaged hair.

Stage 3-Breakage- At this stage, you will notice that the strand strength has deteriorated, and the texture of the hair is poor. As a result, individual strands turn fragile and start breaking from the middle. It is also caused by increased hair brittleness.

Stage 4-Hair fall- It begins after breakage when the strength, moisture, and shine are lost. Eventually, the weak roots cause follicle loss and impact the overall scalp health. However, hair loss might also be caused due to several other factors.

Further damaged hair signs to consider-

• Brittle texture- Naturally, healthy hair shines and feels soft. However, damaged hair often feels dry, rough, and brittle. It lacks natural oils and experiences moisture loss, which makes hair prone to frizz. If your hair texture feels straw-like and breaks easily, it is a sign that your hair needs extra nourishment.
• Lack of Elasticity- Your hair has an elasticity property, which means it can stretch and return to its original shape without breaking. However, damaged hair loses its elasticity and becomes more prone to breakage; if you notice that the hair snaps quickly, it is a sign of damage.
• Dull and faded color- Chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, and exposure to the sun can fade the natural color. If you notice that your hair color has lost its vibrancy and looks lackluster, it is a sign that your hair might be damaged. Color-treated hair requires much more attention and extra care to maintain its brilliance.
• Excessive Hair fall- Limited hair loss is average. However, excessive hair fall can be a sign of damaged hair. If you notice increased hair on your hairbrush, pillow, or shower drain, it is time to pay attention to your hair health.

Addressing these signs of damaged hair is necessary to prevent further hair loss. A proper hair care routine, including regular deep conditioning, minimizing heat styling, and using right haircare products can help restore your hair health and vitality.

Use a hydrating conditioner, masks, and leave-in conditioner

Conditioners and masks are considered best friends for your damaged hair. For dry and heat-damaged hair, use a super hydrating conditioner that nourishes the hair from root to tip. We recommend Moehair Protein Infused Conditioner to keep hair moisturized, detangled, and nourished. The hair masks are best for deep conditioning and eliminating frizz. Also, try a leave-in conditioner for all-day hydration and nourishment.

Always use a heat-protecting spray.

If you frequently style your hair and use heat styling tools, always use a heat-protectant spray to avoid harm. Spraying the product on hair coats the hair shaft and prevents it from further damage.

How do you fix heat damaged hair?

Healthy practices such as masking and a proper diet can fix damaged tresses; avoid frequent styling tools like flat irons and curlers. Minimize hair wash as it leads to hair dryness and gradual hair breakage. Use serum after hair wash to smoothen your hair.

• Switch to a shampoo and a conditioner that caters to a particular problem, like damaged hair, and will help you to improve the texture.
• Wash your hair with cold or lukewarm water.
• Switch to a hairbrush or a wide-toothed comb.
• Use a cotton T-shirt to dry your hair.
• Try hairstyles that do not require heat-styling tools.
• Use a silk pillow cover instead of cotton.
• Use olive oil, coconut, or argan oil to reduce hair damage.
• Add leave-in conditioner to your routine.
• Get your hair trimmed regularly.

• Applying the solution to the strands.
• Leaving it for a desired time frame.
• Using heating tools or a flat iron to seal the keratin to the hair shaft.

Taking care of heat damaged hair is essential, and to achieve this, consider using deep conditioning treatments, trimming split ends regularly, and taking a break from heat styling. Using sulfate and chemical-free shampoos can help prevent hair damage, and you can achieve a healthier, shinier, and more vibrant look.

References:

How we reviewed this article:

Our experts continually monitor the fashion and beauty space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

• Current Version

• Sept 27, 2023

Written By -

Upasana Kakati

Upasana Kakati is a lifestyle writer with 7+ years of experience in writing in the beauty and haircare industry.

Edited By -

Saima Ahmed

Saima Ahmed with 8+ yrs of experience, specializes in crafting engaging content focused on Hair care, lifestyle, and beauty.