DOES STRAIGTNER CAUSE DANDRUFF?
If you’re dealing with wavy or curly hair and just want a change in your look, a straightener can become your best friend. Especially when your actual friends gasp in wonder when they see your new straightened hair. But often times, a straightener can be the reason for that itchy sensation creeping up your scalp.
Do straighteners damage hair and scalp?
Do straighteners damage hair and scalp?
A straightener uses heat to relax your hair strands out of their existing shape, allowing them to naturally flow downwards. But this heat can damage the moisture barrier on your scalp, allowing the moisture to escape. This leaves you with an excessively dry and itchy scalp after straightening hair. Scratching can break the damaged skin and further compound the problem that you’re facing.
Now when it comes to your hair strands, excessive heat treatment can entirely change the characteristics of your hair. Heat damages the cuticle of your hair strand and allows the moisture to flow out. This exposes the inner layer, the cortex, to heat related damage. Combine this with the pulling action of straighteners and it can strip your hair strands right to the innermost layers.
Some symptoms of heat damaged hair are split ends, excessive frizz, hair starting to look dry and brittle. They might even break or tangle easily, and damaged hair can also cause excessive shedding or hair loss.
Dandruff
The drying out of your scalp due to heat treatment, is generally associated with dead skin cells flaking off. But this is not dandruff and it is important to know the difference. Dandruff is caused by the fungus Malassezia Globosa, which feeds on the excess oil found on your scalp. It is generally associated with red scales, severe itching and white flakes. Hair straighteners do not directly cause dandruff on your scalp, but they can aggravate an existing condition.
When your scalp loses the moisture and dries up, your body sends a signal to the sebaceous glands to produce more oil in order to protect your scalp. Combine this with sweat, dirt, pollution and other external irritants, it is prime ground for the fungus to gain a foothold. Thus, it is vital for you to use your hair straightener correctly unless you want to search for answers on how to reduce dandruff.
Tips to straighten your hair without damage
- Keep it at a low temperature setting and be patient with your hair.
- Do not use the straightener on wet hair, as those are prone to damage.
- Be gentle and don’t pull on your hair. Using force can lead to breakage.
- Regular use of a good conditioner allows your straightener to slide down easy.
- If your hair is already dry, avoid heat treatment.
- Always buy a good quality straightener.
- You could also try a heat protection spray before you straighten your hair.
- Don’t use the hair straightener too often.
Whatever you try, know that you are raising the temperature of your scalp and hair, which can lead to issues like a sore scalp after straightening hair. Create a healthy regimen to truly avoid heat damaged hair.
How to take care of your hair and scalp?
- Essential oils like Argan oil work as heat protectors, nourishing your scalp and hair.
- Aloe Vera is known for its moisturising properties and can prevent excessive drying. It is also known to be an effective dandruff treatment.
- Use warm or cold water to wash your head. Avoid hot water on a hot head.
- Reduce the usage of your hair straightener and hair blower, allowing your scalp to recover.
- Apple Cider Vinegar, when diluted in water, can restore the health of your hair and also act against dandruff after smoothening.
- Shampoos and conditioners, including leave-in, can help reduce the stress from hair treatment and keep your hair soft.
- Avoid products with harsh chemicals which can possibly scar a dry scalp.
- Getting a hair trim can rid you of the split ends and damaged hair, allowing your growth to be stronger.
- Include Omega 3 and Anti-oxidants to your diet for better hair protection.
If you take care of your hair, no form of heat treatment can cause you any suffering. Many times, it’s just basic hair etiquette that goes out the window. Bring care back to your hair and you’ll see the difference. Use products like the Head and Shoulders Active Protect 2in1 shampoo and conditioner, which can rid your scalp of germs and open up your hair strands. Or try the Head and Shoulder Supreme Scalp Soothing shampoo with Argan oil and Aloe Vera, which is a combination of nature that your scalp needs.
The simple fact is that if you want a straightened hairstyle, you need to put in the work before. Just randomly using a straightener on your hair can be the cause of multiple headaches. Knowing what to do and what not to do, can help you finally bring out those poker-straight tresses.
