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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.
For many of us, heat styling is part of our daily routine. Whether it's straightening, curling or achieving the perfect beach waves, using our trusted heat tools is as much a part of our morning routine as brushing our teeth.
Unfortunately, this familiarity can mean we don’t notice when our hair is suffering from heat damage.
Early detection is important, and prevention is always better than cure. But how do you protect your hair health without sacrificing your style?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
We developed a gentler hair straightener for frequent use, specifically for this reason.
Now, we’ve also created this guide to help you protect your lustrous locks while styling. In it, you will find expert tips on the safest temperature for each hair type, the best heat protectant and how to heat style smarter for longer-lasting results and healthier hair.
The first step to heat styling smarter is to learn your hair type and its maximum heat threshold.
If you aren’t sure of your hair type, we recently created a quick guide to curl patterns - another name for which type of hair you have.
Once you know that, follow our simple chart below:
| Hair Type | Recommended Temperature Range (°F) | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Fine / Thin Hair | 120 – 150°C (250°F – 300°F) | Use lowest effective heat to prevent breakage; avoid multiple passes |
| Normal / Medium Hair | 150 – 190°C (300°F – 375°F) | Moderate heat is usually enough; watch for signs of dryness |
| Thick / Coarse Hair | 190 – 230°C (375°F – 410°F) | Higher temps may be needed, but limit time and number of passes |
| Very Coarse / Natural Hair | 210 – 230°C (410°F – 450°F) | Use with caution; ensure hair is fully dry and use heat protectant |
| Damaged / Color-Treated Hair | 150 – 180°C (300°F – 350°F) | Lower temps only; prioritize repair, reduce frequency of straightening |
Both the temperature and frequency of use contribute to damaging your hair, and it can escalate quickly. What may start as a few split ends and a bit of dryness can become serious heat damage in the blink of an eye.
We recommend you use the lowest heat setting and work your way up as needed.
Alternatively, the KEEO Genius Straightener heats to the optimal 195℃ styling temperature in just a few minutes, helping you style your hair at a safe temperature, no matter your curl pattern.
There are different schools of thought when it comes to the best material to use for the plates in hair styling tools. Ceramic, Titanium and Tourmaline are the most popular, with variations between individual products.
The KEEO Genius uses titanium-coated plates due to its durable nature and ability to heat up quickly. However, patented smart glide curved plates and air-gap technology ensure gentler even heat distribution for 50% less tension and hair that is cool to the touch. Whether your hair is fine, damaged, thick or curly, the KEEO Genius will help you achieve your healthy gorgeous hair goals.
Finding the right straightener is only half the battle. You also need to use the right products - including a heat protectant that works harder for you.
Here are three of our favourites:
Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Treatment Spray 200mlWe love a multi-tasking product, and this delivers in spades. Made with a blend of natural oils, this heat protectant also primes, moisturises, smoothes and shines, leaving your tresses silky soft and easier to style. It also gives a boost to coloured hair, increasing vibrancy and enhancing the tone.
Moroccanoil Root Boost 250mlEnriched with the brand’s signature argan oil, this delicious-smelling dry heat protectant spray contains provitamin B5 to strengthen hair after just one use. It can be used on wet or dry hair and moisturises and nourishes without leaving hair greasy while protecting against high heat.
Redken Extreme Play Safe Hair Treatment, Leave-In Heat Protection 230, 250 mlIf your hair is chemically or colour-damaged, this leave-in cream heat protectant is a must-have. Its plant-based proteins help to repair damage while protecting your strands from any further harm, leaving your hair softer, smoother and less brittle from the first use.
As good as these products are, you can’t rely on a heat protectant alone. Instead, you need to prep your hair before styling to minimise damage.
Because the KEEO Genius holds your style for longer, you can afford to use it less frequently.
Other ways to style smarter, include:
“Can High Heat Ever Be Good for Hair? What Stylists Say About Modern Straighteners” -
Heat damage can be an unfortunate side-effect of using heat-based styling tools, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow our top tips to ensure beautiful healthy hair even with frequent heat styling:
As mentioned, the safest temperature will depend on your curl pattern (hair type) but for most hair 150–190°C is effective without damaging your crowning glory.
While the condition of your hair will influence the heat setting you use, it mainly depends on your hair type. For example, thick coarse locks can handle a higher heat setting than fine flyaway hair.
Heat damage typically results in dull, dry, brittle hair with split ends that tangles easily. Other symptoms will depend on your hair type. We have explored the signs of heat-damaged hair further in a previous blog.
This content is for informational purposes only. You should always try products such as heat protectants for yourself to establish which works best for you. Always seek advice from a medical professional for any health-related concerns, including thin or brittle hair as heat damage is not the only cause.
