When should you avoid using hot tools on hair?

Hot tools, such as curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers, can cause significant damage to hair if used at the wrong time or under unsuitable conditions. Using hot tools on hair that is wet or freshly chemically treated is particularly detrimental.

When hair is wet, it is in a vulnerable state. The heat from hot tools can lead to the hair shaft expanding and breaking due to the rapid evaporation of water. This can result in a phenomenon known as "hydrogen bonding," where the hair loses its structure and can become frizzy or straw-like.

Additionally, freshly chemically treated hair, whether it has been colored, permed, or relaxed, is also at an increased risk of damage when subjected to heat. The chemical processes alter the hair's protein structure, making it more susceptible to heat damage. Using hot tools on chemically treated hair can exacerbate breakage and lead to a loss of moisture, which is essential for maintaining healthy strands.

In contrast, clean hair, dirty hair, or styled hair can generally withstand heat application better than wet or chemically treated hair, as they are further along in the drying and setting process and typically have a more stable protein structure. Therefore, it is essential to avoid using hot tools in those specific scenarios