-  Source: Nutrafol Blog

Source: Nutrafol Blog

Thinning hair can be more susceptible to all kinds of damage — especially damage that comes from hair tools. “If hair loss is excessive, it may lead to visible thinning,” says Clairol Color Director James Corbett says. “It is normal to shed hair about 100 hairs a day.” If you’re losing more than that, you may start to see noticeable changes on your scalp.

The topic of hair thinning “can be a difficult conversation to have with some clients,” Corbett says, “even though I take a holistic approach to caring for my clients and their needs.” Corbett stresses that when his clients are really concerned about thinning hair and can’t determine why it’s happening, he advises them to see a medical professional to make sure their hair thinning isn’t a sign of a more serious problem.

Styling Tool Dos and Don’ts

There are many flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers on the market — and not all of them are created equal. Here are some features to look for:

Opt for ceramic. Tools with ceramic plates distribute heat more evenly and minimize damage to the hair. 

Temperature settings. Having an adjustable heat setting is also helpful, as greater temperature control can help to decrease damage as well. 

Stay below 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Hair loss specialists suggest keeping the heat between 200 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For hair that is thin or thinning, this can go a long way: “You want to preserve what the client has  left,” Corbett says. “Don’t burn it.”

And while all thermal tools can cause damage, some are more damaging than others. Corbett confirms that flat irons and curling irons can be especially hard on stressed hair. Not only that, they can also cause hair to look even thinner by compressing strands. This can “make the hair look finer,” Corbett says, “and not in the ‘Oh, she looks so fine’ kind of way.”

There’s not as much need to fear a blow dryer. “Just be aware of using a high setting,” he says. 

Make sure you educate your clients on at-home blow dryer use: High heat can damage the hair fiber. Ideally the air temperature should feel comfortable on the back of their hand. Another tip is to avoid direct contact between the blow dryer and the hair; keep a safe distance to avoid drying of the hair. 

Strong healthy hair is more resilient. Providing protection from the outside is important, but even more important is preventing damage from the inside out. 

Nutrafol contains ingredients to support a healthy antioxidant balance. The tocotrionols or vitamin E and resveratrol in Nutrafol work as powerful antioxidants, countering the damaging effects of thermal styling.

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