How Straightening Irons Work

• Straightening irons are plugged in to heat up to around 400 degrees F. They are then clamped down onto small sections of the hair near the root and slowly pulled down, revealing straightened hair.
  
  

The Downside of Heated Styling Tools

• It is extremely important for hair to have a certain amount of moisture. When heat is constantly applied to hair, all of the moisture is dried out, and the cuticle, the outermost part of the hair, becomes damaged.
  
  

Picking the Right Straightener

• Although all heated tools cause hair damage to some degree, some styling tools cause less than others. Ceramic irons, for example, are designed to control the amount of heat applied to the hair.
  
  

Other Products Used to Prevent Damage

• In almost all stores where beauty items are sold, there are products designed for hair that is styled with heat. There are shampoos that claim to be activated by heat, as well as serums and sprays that are used to lock in hair's moisture before the straightener is even used.
  
  

When Hair is Already Damaged

• There is no way to undo damage already done to your hair. Severely damaged hair should be cut off, so healthy hair can grow in its place. You can also help damaged hair to appear less damaged by using leave-in conditioners.