How much is too much

[MsSharee06]

Whats the maximum amount of times you think you can apply heat to your hair without causing any damage to your hair?

 

[ShaniKeys]

Twice a month I think. I personally only use direct heat on my hair once a month (high temperature), and I'm trying to reduce it, it's not easy though, I'm addicted to flat ironing but my ends hate it

 

[longhairdreamzz]

Sadly, I do it everyday...I can't help it!

 

[Afrikaisi]

I honestly think it depends on the person. Sorry I don't use heat at the present time, I keep my hair braided.

 

[TaraDyan]

I used to put heat on my hair every single day (flat iron, then curling iron). As a result, I got fried, crispy, see-through ends. Now, I only get my hair flat ironed once a month and my hair is thriving. I always make sure I use a heat protectant though.

 

[SouthernTease]

NEVER!!! Or once every 3 months

 

[Chromia]

I don't apply direct heat to my hair. I haven't used a flat iron or curling iron since February. I dry my hair with rollersets under a hood dryer, and I use heat protectant for that.

 

[kiesha8185]

I used heat 3-4 times since January. I might drop down to maybe twice a year for the remainder of my hair journey

ETA: Before LHCF, I used heat every 2 weeks. I blowdried with a brush AND used a curling iron to straighten with carrot OIL . My hair broke/shed a lot, but my hair wasn't thin, and looked healthy.

 

[Mestiza]

I don't use direct heat on my hair.

 

[ShiShiPooPoo]

I'm a ex heat-a-holic. I love heat. I get excited when I see a stylist using the oven instead of the flat iron. "Flat irons are for wimps" I used to say. I used to blast my hair EVERYDAY @370 degrees and never had any real problems but I do see a difference since I don't blast it anymore in terms of silkiness and strength. It just FEELS good.

 

[Miss*Tress]

I only use a soft bonnet dryer for DCs and roller sets.

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

I think you can get away with using heat once per week.

I wanna say maybe twice with heat protectant, but I'm not sure and I'm scared to test it out.

ETA: I use heat, on average, every 2-3 weeks or so. Most times I'm just too lazy so I wash and go.

 

[silverlotus]

I rarely use heat on my hair, as in once every 3 months or more.

I would say once a month might be ok. Any more often than that is definitely pushing it, IMO. It all depends on your hair tho.

 

[Moroni]

Well, since I'm a newbie, there's probably a lot more I have to learn. Having said that, I think the answer depends on the intensity of the heat and its source; the type of protective products used, as well. It's possible to burn your precious hair with a flat iron that's too hot in one use.

For the past 6 months, I use direct heat only every 8 to 10 weeks, when I get a relaxer, and my hair has blossomed. Unfortunately for me, everytime I have tried to roller set my hair, I have a lot of breakage (probably poor technique....I need some serious help with that!), but I won't even attempt to blow dry it myself again....too much hair all over the floor. I need some tutoring in flat ironing, and so much more......

 

[blue_flower]

I think it depends on the level of heat you use. If you use a high setting frequently, then that would cause damage. I'd say once a month. For a low setting, 2-4 times a month.

 

[HoneyA]

I don't ever use heat. I am thinking of flat ironing in December though after my trim, if I don't chicken out...

 

[IMFOCSD]

I use heat once a week. I want to cut back on heat. I blowdry on a cool setting or I airdry then flat iron.

 

[LovelyZ]

once per week. I rollerset my hair and flat iron my roots as a part of my weekly regimen and my hair has been very healthy.

 

[KhandiB]

You Can Do It!!!!

Believe me .. I used to do it too.. But you can ovecome it!!

Sadly, I do it everyday...I can't help it!

 

[remnant]

I have my heat period usually every 3 to 4 months
once a month is enough

 

[AmilLion]

My hair only see heat from a hood dryer when conditioning and rollersetting and that's once a week.

 

[♦K.O♦]

Sometimes I go months, other times I go weekly. I am currently on a weekly kick. My tangles get crazy otherwise.

 

[lana]

I know what my hair can handle. But honestly if you use heat ONCE on the wrong temperature (too high) you can FRY your hair - damage it forever so that it has to be cut down to the healthy part.

So the best thing to do is if you are going to use heat, try to use it sparingly, on the lowest heat setting to get the results that you desire. Also, use a heat protectant every single time.

These tips work for me.

 

[lollyoo]

It depends on heat source-
I deep condition and rollerset bi-weekly no problem hair thrives.
If I blow dry or flat iron once, I always notice a breakage and dry ends.
so I only blow dry or flat iron may be once or twice a year- its just got to be a special event.

 

[Misseyl]

I use heat almost after every wash, it could be hooded dryer, flat iron or curling iron.. I need something to get my hair straight after washing. Sometimes if I have a new relaxer I'm able to dry using a pony then roll my hair and it gets straight but not always.

Now, I would love to learn how some people with 4a/b hair can get their hair straight w/out using heat...

 

[Cichelle]

I think the answer varies depending on the type of heat, skill, hair type and etc.

I don't know how much is too much on my own hair and I don't intend to find out. I haven't used heat (besides a hooded dryer for henna treatments) in years. I think using flat irons or blow dryers about once every year or two sounds good to me. Several years ago, I used a blow dryer regularly. My hair was stuck at BSL back then. But I was abusing it in other ways, too.

 

[changedlife]

I used to apply heat in my hair once a week. Now I do only for trims which is once in three months, proud of myself! Whenever I apply heat I know that I am damaging my hair.

 

[dlewis]

Every couple of months for me. Last time I used heat was in August.

 

[ClassicBeauty]

I think it depends on whether you are relaxed, natural, or colored. My personal theory is that you can't use heat, chemicals, and color. You must only pick one (or none at all), or it's really hard to keep your hair healthy. (That's just my own personal opinion.)

With that being said, I am a natural who uses heat about every other week to rollerset and flat iron.

 

[darkangel25]

Two to three times a year is the most for me.