How to Repair Heat-Damaged Hair

If you're obsessed with your hair straightener or curling iron, it's time to set hot tools aside and readjust your routine before the damage is beyond repair. Some hot tools can reach a scorching heat of over 425 degrees, and constantly applying this heat directly to your hair can literally fry your hair off.

Don't worry -- you're not alone. Excessive heat is one of the most common ways to damage hair, and it's not always in your control. We're here to help you learn how to fix heat-damaged hair so you can get your hair back to where you want it to be. 

Here's everything you need to know:

How to Fix Heat-Damaged Hair: The Quick Answer

To repair heat-damaged hair, you'll want to fill your hair care routine with hydrating, nutrient-rich formulas specifically designed to target your concerns. Products like hair masks and serums can provide an extra boost of hydration. While getting regular trims, avoiding hot tools, and using a heat protectant can prevent future damage.

What Does Heat-Damaged Hair Look Like

Whether you have thick, fine, thin, curly, or straight hair, the damage will always look different, so it pays to know the warning signs. 

Split ends are the most common symptom of heat-damaged natural hair, and you'll know you have them when you see your hair's ends splitting in different directions. If you don't treat this issue, it can drive up the entire strand, leading to breakage, which can cause uneven hair strands and make your hair appear shorter. 

When your hair looks and feels funny or doesn't have the shape it once did, it's a telltale sign that you have heat-damaged natural hair.

If you have heat-damaged curly hair, you may struggle to return it to its natural shape. Heat removes moisture from your hair, which changes the entire composition of individual strands and causes your hair to lose elasticity.

Has your hair lost its once-incredible shine? Does it look and feel dull and dehydrated? These are telltale signs of heat damage. If you spend tons of time in the sun without protection or use hot tools daily to style, your hair will soon feel dull, dry, and listless.

Heat damage leads to split ends, breakage, and a coarse hair texture. If the bottoms of your hair feel rough and detract from your favorite hairstyles, it's time to get a trim. 

Heat damage can also cause your hair to feel rough and coarse. You may feel like your hair is tangled or weaker than before when you have a rough texture.

No one likes frizz and flyaways, especially when it feels these won't go away. Frizz and flyaways are common signs of exposing your hair to excessive heat, and if you continue to use your favorite hot tools to style your hair, the problem will only worsen.

What Causes Heat Damage to Hair

There are many reasons why you may exhibit signs of heat damaged hair. Some of the most common causes include:

Excessive Use of Hot Tools

Using blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners in moderation is best. If you're using hot tools on your hair every day, it can lead to split ends, dryness, and unwanted damage. 

No Heat Protectant

If you need to curl, straighten, or blow dry your hair, a heat protectant should always be used. A heat protectant is expertly formulated to protect your hair from damage caused by hot tools and other external factors — a must-have product for heat-damaged hair that will protect and prevent future damage.

Too Much Time in The Sun

Yes, the sun can cause signs of heat-damaged hair, too! Spending too much time in the powerful UV rays can lead to split ends, brittle stands, and unnecessary dryness. 

How to Fix Heat Damaged Curly Hair

Curly hair is extra fragile because it's harder for the natural oils on your scalp to disseminate down to the ends. Heat damage can lead to dryness, breakage, and dull curls, so focus on adding moisture to your lovely locks to maintain their beautiful natural shape.

If your heat-damaged curly hair needs extra TLC, it's time to revisit your hair care routine and give it a hydration boost. To prevent and repair the damage, use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner formulated with ingredients that strengthen and moisturize your hair.

A hair mask can breathe life back into tired, limp curls. These typically contain must-have nutrients and proteins lost through heat damage. Look for hair masks formulated with hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil. 

We recommend The Revolutionary Hair Care Trio, our popular hair care product that contains shampoo, conditioner, and the leave-in hair treatment. Together, these formulas hydrate, nourish, and combat damage for stronger, smoother, healthier-looking hair. 

How to Fix Heat-Damaged Straight Hair

People with straight heat-damaged natural hair are more likely to experience split ends and breakage, which can leave hair looking and feeling coarse, especially at the ends. 

If you love using your blow dryer or straightener to perfect your straight hair, don't worry. We get it! Hot tools are great for helping you achieve that flawless look and get a quick confidence boost. 

To protect your hair and avoid breakage or coarseness, consider regular hair trimming, which can eliminate breakage and maintain the visual appeal of your hair.

If you notice heat damage on your straight hair, try a hair serum -- these can seal split ends and adjust the visual appeal of your hair, allowing you to wear your hair straight without worrying about damage.

Our favorite go-to is The Hair Oil, a lightweight formula that combats visible signs of damage caused by over-styling and other environmental aggressors. Simply apply up to three drops to dry or towel-dried hair, and you'll notice a visual difference after just one use. Regular application can ensure your heat-damaged straight hair looks shiny and sealed. 

How to Prevent Heat Damage to Hair

Start by adjusting your routine if you want to learn how to repair heat-damaged hair. Small adjustments can have a significant impact and save your hair from ongoing damage. 

The best way to prevent heat is to stop applying it to your hair. Consider switching to heatless styles like braids, ponytails, or buns. You can also achieve heatless curls with DIY methods. 

If you love to blow dry your hair every morning, understand that blasting your hair will cause more harm than good. To maintain the integrity of your hair, switch to towel drying or air drying; if you absolutely need to blow dry, wait until your hair is at least 70% dry before proceeding.

A heat protectant is a must-have. Whether styling your hair or spending an entire day in the sun, a few sprays can save you a world of trouble. 

However, not every formula is the same. Look for products formulated with potent, good-for-you hair ingredients clinically proven to protect your hair from heat.

If you've tried everything and nothing seems to work, consider our Leave-In Hair Treatment, which contains multiple powerhouse ingredients that can protect against heat and repair damage caused by heat. 

The formula contains an expert blend of Neem Extract, Shikakai Extract, and Rambutan Extract. Together, these ingredients fortify your hair strands and actively protect against daily damage.

What the Data Says

Prevention is key to maintaining the natural beauty of your luscious locks. However, if you’re exhibiting signs of heat-damaged hair, we recommend our products, The Hair Oil and The Leave-in Hair Treatment, which undergo rigorous testing to ensure they deliver results. In our 12-week user-proven trials, 84% of the participants agreed that The Hair Oil helped repair their hair from heat damage. On the other hand, after using The Leave-in Hair Treatment for 12 weeks, 99% of the participants reported that their hair looked and felt renewed and restored. Consistent use of these products for heat-damaged hair can prevent future damage and maintain your hair's integrity. 

When to See a Professional

If the damage is beyond repair, we suggest seeking professional help from a stylist who can review your options and provide tips on getting your hair back to optimal health. 

The beauty of hair is that it grows back! If you damage your hair, consider starting over with a fresh new haircut, which is a great way to revive your hair health and boost your confidence. Your hairstylist can recommend how much you'll need to cut off to eliminate the damage. 

If your hair is salvageable, a stylist may recommend a keratin treatment. Keratin is a protein that helps strengthen each individual hair strand, repair damage, and prevent further heat damage. 

Combat Heat Damage With Augustinus Bader

In some cases, heat damage is inevitable. Whether it's a hot summer day or getting ready for a special occasion, you may want to curl your hair. Unfortunately, you can't always protect your hair from damage, but the right hair care products and formulas can maintain your mane and learn how to repair heat-damaged hair. 

Start shopping our collection of hair care essentials today.

Is heat damage reversible?

With the right products for heat-damaged hair, you can visually improve the appearance of heat damage and eliminate split ends, frizz, and dryness. 

How do I know if I have heat-damaged hair?

If your ends feel dry and brittle, you likely have heat damage. Split ends and constant breakage are also common signs to look out for.

Can hot tools impact my natural curl pattern?

Yes, consistent use of hot tools can impact your hair's natural curl pattern. We recommend using hot tools in moderation to preserve your hair's integrity.