8 tips to prevent heat-damaged hair

Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner are ideal daily heat-damaged hair products as they are gentle and provide all the nourishment your hair needs to grow strong.

Kick off your damage repair journey with a bit of at-home self-care. For a protein-rich at-home remedy, combine equal parts yogurt and honey and apply to hair. It’s known to restore your hair’s natural bonds and glossy look. Rinse using shampoo to remove any residue.

Traditional towel drying causes lots of friction which can damage your hair cuticle. For shiny, frizz-free locks, treat your hair to a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt and pat dry gently. For those of us with curly hair, we can scrunch it towards the scalp to encourage our curls to form.

Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to tease out your knots for less pain, more gain. Your hair is extra delicate when wet so take care. Start at the bottom and work your way up using gentle strokes. It’s a myth that brushing your hair a lot makes it healthier. Once the knots are out, you’re done.

We know how hard it is to go cold turkey on heat styling, but why not make it fun? At the weekend, play around with no-heat hairstyles like loose plaits, a low ponytail, or your natural texture. Choose a snag-free accessory to avoid snapping your strands on metal parts.

Always use damage protection like Dove Heat Protection Spray when heat styling. It seals in moisture and creates a barrier between the heat and your hair without sacrificing on style. Avoid using products with oil in before you heat style, as this will cause your hair to 'cook'.

If your hair is damaged, stick to a lower heat setting on your styling tools to give your tresses a rest. Hold your dryer further away from your hair and make sure you use the attachments that came with your appliance. Studies show this is as good for your hair as air drying. Guilt-free blow-drying? We like the sound of that.