A common problem for those who have made the successful transition from artificial hair color to their natural gray, white, or silver strands is heat damage from styling tools. Gray hair is more prone to showing visible signs of thermal damage because there is no melanin, or pigment, left in the hair. Think of gray hair like a white T-shirt: every stain shows on white, but if the T-shirt was black, the stains wouldn’t be visible. The absence of melanin also means hair is less elastic, giving hot tools free reign to damage the protective layers of the hair by making it more prone to breakage. The extent of the heat damage that can occur depends on the density and texture of the hair. If your hair is more pepper than salt, the darker pigment acts as a layer of protection. 

WHAT DOES HEAT DAMAGE LOOK LIKE?

The most common form of heat damage is yellowing, which is caused when hot styling tools such as flat irons and curling irons are repeatedly used on gray hair. The heated plates and barrels degrade the hair protein, causing strands to turn yellow through oxidation. Other signs of heat damage include increased porosity, weakened elasticity, split ends, and frizz.

HAIR PROBLEMS CAUSED BY HEAT DAMAGE

  • Dryness that becomes excessive over time
  • Burning
  • Breakage
  • Product build-up that burns into hair

PROTECTIVE MEASURES: HOW TO PREVENT HEAT DAMAGE

Transitioning to your natural gray is a process that continues with proper aftercare. It’s essential to use hair products that contain natural heat protecting ingredients like Coconut Oil and Squalane found in our Go Gray product line as well as additional thermal protectants when styling with blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, or heated roller sets. 

Once you’ve cleansed and conditioned your hair, remove all possible moisture with a microfiber towel. Apply your thermal protectant before your styling products to hair that is at least 75 percent dry. Work into hair and begin heat styling. Remember, when it comes to styling tools, hotter does not mean faster or better results. In fact, you are more likely to cause lasting damage to your hair. When blow drying, make sure the dryer is at least six inches away from your head and is in constant motion. When using irons, set the temperature at 350 degrees or less, opting for one slow pass through each section of hair for minimal damage.