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ALFREDO DE BENEDICTIS FOUNDER | HAIRSTYLIST
Alfredo De Benedictis is an Italian-British hair stylist and salon owner with over 40 years of experience. Since 1989, his passion for innovation has led him to create groundbreaking hair tools that minimize stress on the hair while delivering flawless results. From the iconic Rootpermer and Wellformer of the ’90s to the global hit Babyliss Curl Secret, Alfredo’s mission remains the same—developing tools that protect hair health without compromising style.
In this guide, we'll learn how to restore dry, brittle strands with simple steps, expert tips, and products that actually repair heat-damaged hair.
Are you tired of dealing with dry, brittle, and lifeless hair due to excessive heat styling?
Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.
Thanks to the overuse of flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, and other hot tools, heat damage is a common problem.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to repair and rejuvenate your heat-damaged locks, restoring them to their former glory.
In this blog post, we will explore expert tips for restoring health and vitality to your hair and protecting it from future damage.
Let’s get straight to it, is your hair beyond repair?
No, most heat-damaged hair can be repaired. It's just a case of identifying the symptoms and acting accordingly.
Heat damage occurs when high temperatures change the protein structure of hair, from a-keratin to the less elastic b-keratin, weakening it and leaving it prone to breakage.
Mild to moderate damage is likely superficial, i.e. has not penetrated the hair’s protective cuticle and has not broken the bonds. In cases of severe heat damage, the structure of the hair has been irrevocably altered.
Some damage is irreversible, so you need to focus on helping the new hair grow strong and healthy.
Depending on your hair type, heat damage may look a little different. Here are some common signs:
If your hair exhibits any of these signs, it may be heat-damaged.
The next thing to check is whether the damage is surface level (superficial) or if it goes deeper.
Firstly, you must be aware that there isn’t a quick fix for heat-damaged hair. It requires time and patience.
Secondly, consistency is key. You must stick to your new hair care routine to achieve the desired results.
Repairing heat-damaged hair starts with your diet and lifestyle. You then need to adopt a gentle cleansing routine, followed by intensive hydration and moisturisation. Ease up on the heat styling and try protective hairstyles such as braids and coils.
To help you out, we’ve collated some top tips for restoring heat-damaged hair, below.
The first step in combating heat-damaged hair is to trim the ends. Damaged hair tends to split and fray, making it crucial to remove these weakened sections to prevent further breakage. Regular trims every six to eight weeks will gradually remove damaged portions and promote healthier hair growth. While it may be disheartening to part with some length, remember that sacrificing a few inches now will help your hair regain strength and bounce, growing back thicker and fuller.
If you have coloured hair, freshen it up or get a toner on it a couple of weeks before the festival. This prevents the new colour from fading or reacting to the sun, festival water, and sweat.
Heat styling strips your hair of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. To counteract this, prioritize hydration and nourishment in your hair care routine. Start by using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as the Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner Set, specifically formulated for damaged hair. Look for products that contain ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil, which help replenish moisture and restore elasticity.
Additionally, incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your weekly routine. Choose a rich, protein-based hair mask, such as the L’Oréal Professionnel Absolute Repair mask , or a treatment that will strengthen and repair your hair from within. Leave it on for the recommended time to allow the nutrients to penetrate deeply. This intensive hydration will help restore vitality, shine, and manageability to your heat-damaged hair.
Using another heat tool to fix your may seem counterproductive, but the KEEO Genius is not your typical straightener.
Most hair stylers use heat and tension to achieve their desired results. The clamping, combined with intense heat, is where damage occurs.
The KEEO Genius is intelligently engineered for significantly kinder styling with contoured plates and a precision air gap. Unlike other straighteners, the KEEO Genius doesn't ‘clamp’ hair, allowing smoothness without compromising your hair’s natural, fuller volume. It's flawless, not flat, whether you straighten, wave, or curl. For looks with life.
Choose a high-quality heat protectant with ingredients such as ceramides, that help shield your hair from excessive heat and prevent further damage.
When dealing with heat-damaged hair, it's essential to reassess your washing routine. Opt for lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water when shampooing and rinsing your hair. Hot water can further strip your hair of moisture and exacerbate the damage. Additionally, try to wash your hair less frequently to avoid over-stripping natural oils, which help keep your hair hydrated and protected.
Invest in a sulfate-free shampoo, such as the Super Nutrient Haircare Set, that is gentle on your hair and scalp. Sulfates can be harsh and drying, so opting for a milder formula will help maintain the health of your heat-damaged hair. Furthermore, avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel to dry it. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and let your hair air-dry or use a microfiber towel to minimize friction and frizz.
Last but certainly not least, your overall lifestyle choices play a significant role in the health of your hair. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins promotes hair growth and strength. Include foods such as leafy greens, fruits, lean meats, and nuts to provide essential nutrients to your hair follicles. Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day to maintain moisture levels in your hair. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also dry your hair out, so try to quit or reduce your intake.
In addition to a healthy diet, manage your stress levels and prioritize self-care. Stress can contribute to hair loss and hinder the regrowth process. Engage in activities like yoga, meditation, or exercise to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. A healthy body and mind will undoubtedly reflect in the health of your hair.
Heat-damaged hair doesn't have to be a permanent condition. By following these tips, you can repair and rejuvenate your locks, restoring them to their former glory. Remember, it's essential to be patient and consistent with your hair care routine. With time, dedication, and a little extra TLC, you'll soon enjoy healthier, more resilient hair that radiates with vitality and shine.
Click to explore the KEEO Genius Styler and Protective Heat Mat.
Cutting your hair is one of the fastest ways to repair heat damage. Most people understand the importance of regular trims, but if you want to avoid a drastic restyle, follow our science-backed tips, recapped below:
On average, it takes between a few weeks to up to a year to repair heat-damaged hair.
There are a couple of factors that affect the timeline:
Yes, not only does coconut oil nourish your hair to help it retain moisture, but it also acts as a natural heat protectant. However, it does not work for everyone, and you should be careful if applying it immediately before styling.
Points to note:
It can also be used as an after-sun treatment for sun-damaged hair.
There are mixed reviews on coconut oil because how your hair reacts to it depends on how porous it is, the type and texture and even the shape of the cuticle.
It is best to try it for yourself to see if it helps your hair. You can also try castor oil, argan oil and almond oil, for reducing heat damage.
Yes and no. Heat damage can be permanent in the sense that damage to individual hairs may not be reversible. Once the bonds are broken, they are difficult to repair. However, the heat-damaged hair will eventually be replaced by healthy new hair. You just need to ensure that nothing is preventing the new hair from growing back strong and healthy.
While it's certainly sensible to reduce your heat styling while your hair recovers, if you follow our tips and use the right products - such as the gentle KEEO Genius straightener, you can continue to style your hair as it recovers.
