What effect can heat styling have on hair?

Heat styling can cause breakage and damage to hair primarily due to the high temperatures involved in the process. When hair is exposed to heat, it can lead to the weakening of the protein structure in the hair shaft. The heat strips moisture from the hair, making it dry and brittle, which can result in split ends and overall hair fragility.

Frequent heat styling without proper protection, such as styling products designed to shield hair from thermal damage, can exacerbate these issues. This damage can accumulate over time, leading to noticeable deterioration in hair health, including increased breakage and reduced elasticity. Therefore, understanding this impact is vital for anyone involved in hair care and styling practices, particularly in the context of maintaining healthy hair.