Your hair can be styled in many different ways. Whether you are looking for a sleek, straight look or the perfect curl, there is something out there to suit your needs.
Does straightening hair make it thinner?
Yes, straightening hair can make them thinner if done too often. This is because the chemicals used break the natural bonds that keep the hair in place and also because they are exposed to changing temperatures. If you overuse this process your strands can become damaged and appear frailer than they were before. It is important for them not to be exposed to high temperatures, while still allowing them to remain straight.
Here is how you can straighten hair at home-
Thinning of Hair after Straightening
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Straightening hair is done by using a chemical solution to break the bonds that hold your hair in place. This process can also be carried out at home with special kits, but it does come with some risks and requires care when you are applying this product. The chemicals used for straightening change the structure of your hair so that they lie flat and smooth. This change in structure can also make the hair appear thinner, but it is not a permanent effect. Straightening your hair often causes noticeable thinning of the strands as they are damaged to varying degrees depending on how much product you use or how long you leave the solution on. The chemicals used in straighteners can also be very harsh and cause your hair to become weaker over time. This can lead to more strands coming out when you brush or comb it, making fine hair appear thinner as well.
Your best bet is always to consider the damage that will be done if you are straightening too often, especially if you have thinning hair already. Although it might seem like the answer to your problems, straightening hair often can actually make things worse.
Ways in which straightening damages the hair
Breaking of natural bonds- The natural bonds of the hair are broken to allow the hair to lie flat. This is due to the use of chemicals in the straightening process.
Structure change- The hair is changed from its natural structure and this can cause some strands to appear thinner than others. This happens because of damage done during chemical processing as well as exposure to high heat.
Hair becomes weaker over time- With continued use, your hair will become weakened due to breakage caused by the chemicals. This can lead to more breaks and eventually result in thinning of your hair over time.
Chemical damage- The chemicals used in straightening can dry out your strands, making them more prone to breakage and thinning over time.
Exposure to high heat- Exposure to heat can cause hair strands and cuticles to become dry and brittle. This leads to more breakage over time, which is why it is important not only during straightening but also after the process has been done that you use quality products in your hair.
Using a good nourishing conditioner on damp hair before straightening can help to protect your strands and reduce the effects of breakage.
In addition, it is always important that you take care when using a chemical solution in order to avoid damaging your hair further. You should never sleep with wet or damp hair after this process has been done as it will cause more damage and result in uneven results.
The best course of action is to avoid straightening too often and always make sure that you condition your hair after it has been done. Look for a nourishing product like Kerastase’s Densifique which will help protect the hair’s natural structure while also protecting against breakage caused by heat. This can help ensure healthier, more manageable hair for you.
Preventing heat damage while straightening
It is important to take care when straightening your hair in order to avoid damaging it even further.
Dry the hair before straightening- Make sure that your hair is completely dry before straightening. This will help to protect the strands from damage caused by heat exposure and also prevent early breakage due to water evaporation.
Use a heat protecting product- Using a good quality serum or treatment before you begin can help keep your strands protected against high temperatures, while still allowing them to remain straight. Look for a product like Kerastase Resistance Thermique which will help protect against heat damage while also maintaining your desired style.
Allow it to cool- It is important to allow the flat iron or hair straightener to fully cool before use. This helps reduce tearing of the strands, allowing them to be straighter and smoother when you are done.
Make sure to use a quality hairbrush- Make sure that your flat iron or straightener is always used in conjunction with a high-quality heat resistant hairbrush like the Tangle Teezer which has been specifically developed for this purpose, making it easier than ever before to achieve sleek and healthy-looking locks.
Do not sleep with wet or damp hair after you have straightened- In addition, always make sure that you condition your hair well before using a chemical solution on it and do this step again afterwards as well.
Avoiding overuse- Although using heat on your hair can help it look sleek and smooth, you should avoid straightening too often as this will cause damage to the hair.
Gently brush or comb out any knots- After straightening, gently work through any tangles with a wide-tooth comb while your strands are still damp. If they become dry already, use a small amount of oil or serum to help smooth them out.
As long as you take care when straightening your hair and understand what damage can be done if it is overused, you should have no problems finding a look that works for you!
Steps to straighten your hair
Step 1- Detangle your hair.
Step two- Apply a heat protectant.
Step three- Allow hair to cool completely before straightening it.
Step four- Use gentle strokes when straightening your strands and remember not to overuse this process as well. This can be done using a Tangle Teezer or other suitable products. If you need more guidance, consult a hairstylist.
Step five- Condition your hair after straightening and avoid sleeping with wet or damp strands afterwards as this can cause more damage to them.
Step six- Try not using too much heat in one sitting as this can cause breakage. If you need more help, talk to your hairstylist about what you can do to improve your hair’s health.
Step seven- Make sure that when straightening, the sections of your strands are not too large as this can also cause damage and make it more difficult for them to remain sleek after being styled.
Step eight- Use a deep conditioner once every two weeks to help restore the health of any strands that have been damaged by heat or chemical treatments.
Step nine- When straightening, try to avoid sections of hair that are too large as this can cause more damage.
Step ten- Make sure not to overuse heat styling on your hair and always condition it after you’ve used any chemicals or solutions like a flat iron or curling wand.
Final words
To summarize, make sure you are using a heat protecting serum and allow the straightener to fully cool before use. Also, be careful about the overuse of this process as it can cause more damage than good. If you need any help with your hair’s health please consult with your hairstylist or speak to them in person if you are able to do so.