Hair Tools That Cause The Most Damage To Your Hair (And How To Prevent It)

It can be challenging to pinpoint the cause of hair breakage and damage, but according to Penny James, certified trichologist and founder of Penny James Trichology Center, bad styling and hair care habits could be ruining your hair. During an exclusive interview with Glam, James revealed, "The curling iron and flat iron do the most damage." While this might seem obvious to some, James explains precisely what it is about styling tools that lead to fried strands. 

"The reason is people take to bigger sections [and] what happens is the outer layer and under layer are affected by the extreme heat and often burn the cuticle, but the inner part of the large section has not been affected," James tells Glam. That said, curling irons and flat irons aren't the only tools responsible for hair damage. James also warns folks about the dangers of certain hairbrushes and, even more surprisingly, sun exposure.

While curling irons and flat irons have been go-to styling tools for decades, round-brush blow dryers have completely stolen the show. These multifunction hair tools create the most effortless blowouts, so it's no wonder why they've become so popular. However, round brushes are still styling tools, so they can also cause dry and frizzy strands, per trichologist Penny James. Thankfully, it's possible to achieve a bouncy blowout and be mindful of hair damage while styling with a round brush. Here, James suggests taking "smaller organized sections to avoid damaging your hair."

Heat styling tools aside, constant sun exposure is another common culprit for frayed cuticles to watch out for. Therefore, James recommends taking precautions to protect your hair and scalp while basking in the sun. "If you are outside a lot, wear a hat or sun protection on your scalp and hair," she shared. Frequent swimmers should also note that the chemicals in swimming pools pose a danger to healthy locks. "Chlorine in swimming pools damages the hair, causing the hair to become brittle and tangle easily," says James. To prevent chemical damage, saturate your hair with clean, cold water before jumping in the pool to close your hair cuticles, or wear a swimming cap. Additionally, rinse off the chlorine as quickly as possible.

At this point, you're probably wondering if it's possible to avoid damaging your hair with styling tools. Learning how heat and chemicals can wreak havoc on your strands is useful, but it's not like you can leave your strands au naturel for the rest of your life. Rest assured, maintaining a balance between styling and taking breaks will help stop frustrating hair breakage for good. "Our hair is a fiber. We need to be gentle with our hair," trichologist Penny James reminds us during an exclusive conversation with Glam.

According to James, there are several things you can do to tip-toe around hair damage while using styling tools. "Learn from your hairstylist the correct tool to use for your hair type," James suggests to Glam, which might involve swapping your old styling tools for high-quality alternatives that are less likely to damage your cuticles. "You will know when your hair has had enough," she adds, and recommends keeping an eye out for telltale signs, such as dry, dull, and coarse strands. "Now it is time to show your hair some love. Apply hair mask hair treatment to your hair once a week to keep it hydrated. Try and use a heat protectant before blow drying," James also suggests. These hair care tips are bound to revive limp or stringy hair, so you can get back to your voluminous blowouts and barrel curls in no time.