How does straightening your hair damage hair?

Heat damage

The most common way that straightening your hair damages it is by heat damage. When you use a straightening iron, you are essentially burning your hair. The high heat can cause the proteins in your hair to break down, leading to split ends, frizz, and breakage.

Chemical damage

Some hair straightening methods also involve the use of chemicals. These chemicals can be harsh and can damage your hair in a number of ways, including:

* Breaking down the proteins in your hair: This can lead to split ends, frizz, and breakage.

* Causing your hair to become dry and brittle: This can make your hair more prone to damage from heat, styling products, and the environment.

* Changing the color of your hair: Some chemicals can cause your hair to become lighter or darker.

Mechanical damage

Straightening your hair can also cause mechanical damage. This type of damage occurs when you put too much tension on your hair, such as when you pull it too tight with a brush or comb. Mechanical damage can lead to split ends, frizz, and breakage.

How to minimize damage when straightening your hair

If you want to straighten your hair without damaging it, there are a few things you can do:

* Use a heat protectant spray: This will help to protect your hair from the heat of the straightening iron.

* Don't straighten your hair every day: Give your hair a break from heat styling every few days to allow it to recover.

* Use a low heat setting on your straightening iron: The lower the heat setting, the less damage you will do to your hair.

* Be gentle when brushing and combing your hair: Don't pull on your hair too hard, as this can cause damage.

* Deep condition your hair regularly: This will help to keep your hair healthy and strong.

By following these tips, you can minimize the damage that straightening your hair does to your hair.