Whether it’s from styling tools like flat irons, blow dryers, or curling wands—heat damage is real. But don’t worry, with the right care, your hair can recover and even come back healthier than before!
In this blog, we’ll help you:
- Understand your hair porosity
- Choose the right essential oils
- Learn about heat protectants
- Rehydrate with masks (from our first blog)
1. Step One: Know Your Hair Porosity
Before applying any product, it’s important to know your hair porosity—how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture.
How to Test Porosity:
Take a clean strand of hair and drop it into a glass of water.
- Low Porosity: Floats on top for a while → cuticles are tightly closed.
- Medium Porosity: Sinks slowly → healthy cuticle structure.
- High Porosity: Sinks quickly → damaged or open cuticles.
2. Match Oils to Your Hair Type & Porosity
Low Porosity Hair (resistant to moisture):
- Needs: Lightweight oils that penetrate easily.
- Best Oils:
- Argan Oil: Adds shine without weighing down hair.
- Grapeseed Oil: High in antioxidants, great for sealing in light moisture.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Softens hair and improves manageability.
Medium Porosity Hair (balanced):
- Needs: Nourishing oils to maintain moisture and health.
- Best Oils:
- Jojoba Oil: Closely mimics natural scalp oils.
- Coconut Oil: Strengthens and prevents protein loss.
- Olive Oil: Great for moisture and scalp health.
High Porosity Hair (prone to frizz and damage):
- Needs: Heavier oils that seal moisture and repair cuticles.
- Best Oils:
- Castor Oil: Promotes thickness and fills in gaps in damaged hair.
- Shea Butter Oil: Creates a protective barrier.
- Avocado Oil: Penetrates deep and repairs brittle strands.
3. Heat Protectants: What to Use Before Styling
If heat styling is a must, protect your hair with these heat protectant products:
Top Heat Protectants (Natural & Store-Bought):
- Aloe Vera Gel + Argan Oil: Natural barrier for up to 300°F heat.
- Leave-in Sprays: Look for ones with silicones like dimethicone (they coat and protect the strand).
- DIY Mix: 1 tbsp grapeseed oil + ½ tbsp aloe vera gel + a few drops of essential oil = homemade lightweight protectant.
Store-Bought Recommendations:
- Tresemmé Heat Tamer Spray
- CHI 44 Iron Guard
- OGX Heat Protect Spray with Argan Oil
- Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal Protectant Spray
Pro Tip: Always apply heat protectant to slightly damp or dry hair before using heat tools.
4. Rehydrating Damaged Hair: Oils + Hydrating Masks
Once your hair is heat-damaged, your focus should shift to repair, moisture, and sealing in hydration.
Oils for Repair:
- Warm Coconut Oil Treatment: Helps repair protein loss and adds deep hydration.
- Castor Oil & Olive Oil Mix: Massaged into the scalp and hair to stimulate regrowth and restore thickness.
Hydrating Masks (from our First Blog):
Refer to:
- Aloe Vera + Flaxseed + Rice Mask: Deep conditioning and repair
- Banana + Honey + Olive Oil Mask: Softens and nourishes
- Egg + Yogurt + Tea Tree Oil Mask: Rebuilds structure and soothes scalp
Use these masks 1–2 times a week and follow up with your matched oil to lock in moisture.
5. Weekly Hair Repair Routine for Heat-Damaged Hair
Here’s a basic weekly schedule:
| Day | Routine |
| Mon | Apply lightweight oil (Argan/Grapeseed), braid hair overnight |
| Wed | Hydrating Mask (choose based on hair need), rinse, apply leave-in conditioner |
| Fri | Scalp massage with castor oil or coconut oil, leave overnight |
| Sun | Wash day: Use sulfate-free shampoo, apply deep conditioner, then use heat protectant if styling |
Final Thoughts
Heat styling doesn’t have to ruin your hair—as long as you give it the care and nourishment it needs. Understand your porosity, use the right oils, protect before heat, and rehydrate after. With time, consistency, and love, your hair will bounce back stronger than ever.