To use or not to use a curling iron

[Dreamer]

I was told several years ago that it wasn't good for my hair to use a curling iron on my hair everyday. Is this true? Well since I have been told this I haven't used one since. Does it really do that much damage to your hair? I seem to manage with just the hair dryer but was just curious if a curling iron was really that bad for your hair.

[karen]

I don't use a curling iron that much anymore. My hair is long and I found that when I was using it frequently my hair was much dryer and it broke easily.

[Toni]

Hi guys! Great question.

Any appliance that concentrates heat on your hair is going to takes its toll. Yet they can be used if one takes good care.

You must remember that the hair strands themselves growing out of your head are "dead". It's only the pulp under the scalp that is alive that sprouts out your hair. Since hair is already dead, you must take care not to damage it or it will dry out, split and break. Therefore the only remedy for it will be to cut the damage off.

Some hair is stronger than others and can take more abuse. Fine, fragile hair, hair that is already damaged, or vulnerable hair (hair that has been chemically treated) should never be curled with a curling iron everyday, nor should it be blown out and subjected to a blow dryer everyday. One would have to decide between the two not using heat from both if it can be helped. These hair types mentioned above are the worst case scenarios.

It is best to alternate styling (how hair is dried and curled) methods in between conditioning and shampooing. This is also why switching off shampoos should occur. You could find yourself using the same stripping shampoo, then applying heat from dryer to stressed hair being pulled during blowouts, then curled with highest heat on curling iron and what will you have? Dried, damaged, tangled hair.

Just use common sense following these guidelines. And most importantly, apply a product specified for heat protection prior to drying your hair.

[sheen]

I find that if you use a lightweight hair balm on your hair, it can help protect your hair and can also give your hair a better curl.

[redhead25]

I also havn't used a curling iron in years. I know a lot of people use flat irons, I also wonder if they aren't good for your hair. The only thing I do to mine is blow it dry every now and then. My hair won't keep a curl anyway.