If you’ve tried to make amends with your hair over the years with little to no success, don’t worry. We’ve tapped experts to give you the breakdown on how exactly to care for heat-damaged hair and to answer the ultimate question: Can it be fixed after all? Let’s get into it. These products are generally claiming that the look of damaged hair can be improved, which is true. Further, using nourishing ingredients can help to strengthen the hair fiber and prevent future damage. So while healing products aren’t a total scam, you should know that they’re not going to literally reverse the damage brought on by hot tools. If you find yourself reaching for the blow dryer or curling iron more than once or twice a week, though, then your hair is likely going to suffer from some heat damage. We asked consultant trichologist Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips at Philip Kingsley and Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon Amy Abramite to help us identify the signs of heat-damaged hair. Here, a few physical clues: “We can see damage occur with just one aggressive blow dry or chemical process,” she explains, “or it can be cumulative over time.” If you keep up with regular trims and remove the older, damaged hair, you will be left with hair that looks vibrant and reflects the light, Phillips says. Who doesn’t want that? Because damaged hair is more susceptible to future breakage, it’s important to keep it strong and resilient. Our pick? This leave-in treatment from Olaplex. You’ll want to stick to once a week for the first month and then pace yourself, opting for once or twice a month after that. This way, your hair will get a heavy dose of protein at first, but you’ll avoid overdoing it, which can have the opposite effect. If you want to learn more about protein treatments and shop our top picks, check out this story. These topical protectant formulas coat your strands with a buffering layer of nutrients that help absorb the damage that comes from hot tools. What’s more, heat protectants often contain smoothing ingredients that will make your style look even better. Not sure which product to choose? Here are 14 clean options to get you started. In order to make the most of your look, whether it be styled with hot tools or all-natural, layer on a bit of oil to your tips. “[Hair oils] will assist in smoothing the outer cuticle, which will enhance the appearance and vibrancy of hair,” Phillips says.
