4 things every heat styling addict should do

When you’re as addicted to heat styling as you are your morning cuppa, protecting your hair is paramount to keeping your locks looking their best. Over time, regular heat styling with volcanic-like temperatures without any TLC causes the cuticle to erode. Yes really! So if you’re not a fan of dry hair with split ends galore, then keep reading, as we reveal how to rock healthy hair while continuing your love affinity with heat tools. Guess you really can have your cake and eat it too...

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HYDRATE

The key is moisture – and lots of it. When you’re using heat tools almost every day, your hair will naturally lose hydration. The answer? Start your styling prep in the shower with a shampoo and conditioner that are infused with ingredients which will quench your locks, without weighing them down.

bh recommends: Essano Argan Oil of Morocco Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner, Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, KEVIN.MURPHY REPAIR-ME.WASH and REPAIR-ME.RINSE

CREATE A SHIELD

If you only do one thing before heat styling, make sure it’s this: apply a heat protectant. Every. Time. Without it, your hair is more prone to snapping and breaking. On damp hair, reach for a water-soluble spray or mist, and on second-day hair your best bet is a dry-protecting spray. So you see, healthy-looking hair only requires five seconds a day to achieve. Sorry folks, there’s no room for discussion on this one.

bh recommends: Oribe Foundation Mist, Schwarzkopf Extra Care Heidi's Heat Styles Heat Protection Spray, TONI&GUY Hair Care Heat Protection Mist, VO5 Nourish My Shine Bedazzling Oil Heat Protection Spray, ghd heat protect spray

PUT ON A MASK

If you’re going to continue your love affair with your straightener or curling wand, you need to put in some ‘me time’ with your locks at least once a week. Simply swap a conditioning mask with your conditioner, let it soak, then rinse. If you’re a gym junkie, apply the mask from your mid-lengths down, then secure in a bun and rinse post-workout.  

bh recommends: L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise EverStrong Strengthening and Repairing Hair Mask, Molton Brown Mer-rouge Deep Conditioning Mask

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GET SLICKED

It’s a slick move, but applying an oil treatment before bed to the ends of your hair helps smooth, hydrate and plump the ends, which are typically drier (read: frayed). When you think about it, your ends are likely to be well over a year old, and after facing countless heat styling sessions, the cuticle layer becomes noticeably thinner than the rest of your hair. So plump them up with some repair oil, then wrap your hair into a small towel to avoid staining your pillow case. Good morning, gorgeous!

bh recommends: L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment Extra-Rich, Moroccanoil Treatment

Are you a regular heat styler? What do you do to look after your hair?