What do you think is the most damaging?

[MakeLoveNotWar]

What do you think (or know) is the most damaging to your hair?

[Gumball]

Severe heat, heavy bleach, and harsh brushing through wet hair can all be big damage contributors.

[spidermom]

The most damaging thing I can think of is a curling iron because I always left that thing clamped onto my hair for a full count of ten, done as "one thousand one, one thousand ....". Oh, and perms. Actually, one perm was all right, but when I went back 2 years later to perm again, all the re-permed ends disintegrated on me. No kidding - I had to get a short cut almost immediately after the perm, and short, tightly curled har was beyond hideous on me.

[LittleOrca]

I think out of the three options, straightening and the curling iron (as well as a flat iron, even that silly instyler) are the most damaging to your hair. A blow dryer can be damaging, but many here use it on a low setting and several inches away from their hair. You can't hold a curling iron several inches from your hair and still expect it to curl. :lol:

[MandyBeth]

Whaaazzzz???? Why can't I hold the curling iron 12" away from my head and have it produce pretty curls? :)

Eh, hair dryer is the worst in my world, mainly because I won't use a curling iron or flat iron - why bother, my hair goes back to what it wants to do in 2 minutes anyways. But until the dryer broke down, I could be tempted to, at least once a week, use it for time saving - which granted, I then spent more time griping about my hair being crispy instead.

[SlightlySoprano]

I think the curling iron and the flat iron because its VERY VERY VERY HOT and its going directly on your hair! Blow driers you can lower the heat setting and it's not directly touching your hair

[Elainehali]

From the way my lovely roommate uses all of these I think the curling iron must do the most damage. You clamp it on the ends, wind it up...let it SIT then take it out.

With the flat iron they find a section and run it down the length.. then repeat. Seems like the hair wouldn't get as hot.

lol Look at me the 1a has no idea about flat irons.

[florenonite]

I think it depends on how each is used. As others say, the curling iron involves holding it, which would cause more damage. However, some people go over the same section of hair repeatedly with a straightener or blow-dryer (held close to the head), which could accumulate the same amount of damage.

Furthermore, curling irons tend to be a once-in-a-while treat whilst straighteners or hairdryers are more likely to be used daily or at least several times a week.

[LawyerGirl]

I'm voting "straightner" aka flat iron because I tend to go over the same sections more than once, and when I curl, I don't use a curling iron, but hot rollers... I figure if they are not too hot to touch, they can't be as bad as the flat iron.

[teela1978]

For me its the flat iron. I always used it a lot hotter than I would use a curling iron... and more often... and repeatedly over the same piece of hair... the flat iron is not good on my hair :)

[newbiewink]

For me it was the protein in my shampoo and conditioner... my hair was always breaking and snapping off no matter how carefully I brushed it.

[Roseate]

I vote flat iron; the combination of direct, hot heat and friction is just bad news.

That said, I used one once a week for years while growing my hair out to a reasonably healthy elbow length. Which just goes to show that coarse hair is good for something!

[burns_erin]

I chose all are equally damaging, but really it depends on how you use them.

[Elenna]

There is equal opportunity hair damage from curling irons, flat irons and blow dryers! It just depends on how they are used. The blow dryer doesn't get as hot, but still that's applying dry heat to hair.

In the grand scheme of things, I'm guilty of hair abuse. That is for daily blow-drying along with the curling-iron to straighten waves out, so hair went uncooperative and brittle. I'm a reformed character now!

[Fractalsofhair]

I'd guess a flat iron, since those can get up to 400 degrees, but for the record, a blowdrier made my hair break off horribly.

[ilovelonghair]

The most damaging thing I can think of is a curling iron because I always left that thing clamped onto my hair for a full count of ten, done as "one thousand one, one thousand ....". Oh, and perms. Actually, one perm was all right, but when I went back 2 years later to perm again, all the re-permed ends disintegrated on me. No kidding - I had to get a short cut almost immediately after the perm, and short, tightly curled har was beyond hideous on me.


Perm combined with bleach... my hair couldn't grow past bra strap length and it had millions of splits. Worst idea ever!

[Akiko]

For me, a flat iron was the worst. Next is a curling iron.

[JenniferNoel]

The flat iron boils hair between two searing hot plates (if it burns that badly to touch a plate, imagine what it does to the hair!), and the curling iron takes hair and burns it for ten seconds around the barrel. Ouch.
Modern hairdryers, however, have temperature control buttons and lower settings, and can be carefully used to prevent damage, and another factor with the dryer is whether or not you're ripping through your hair (fingers, brush, comb, anything) whilst blow drying.

[windinherhair]

Any of those used regularly is going to be damaging to your hair.

[ArienEllariel]

flat iron. I had one of those wet to straight ones. Very bad for your hair. :/

[otherarrow]

I'm not sure what actually does the most damage (probably but curling and straightening) but by the look of it, for me, it's the curling iron. I can't even begin to explain how unhealthy and nasty my hair looks whenever I curl it (not that I do that anymore lol I'm a good lhc'er:wannabe: )

[WavyGirl]

Straightener and curler are the worst for me because of the length of time they're in contact with my hair, the intense heat and the number of times I'd re-use them to get my hair "perfect". Oh, and I always got tangles and riping noises while using them as the edges would catch odd strands. Ouch!

The hair dryer can be drying but not to the same extent. The kindest thing I ever did for my hair was giving up heat and chemical styling.

[florenonite]

The flat iron boils hair between two searing hot plates (if it burns that badly to touch a plate, imagine what it does to the hair!), and the curling iron takes hair and burns it for ten seconds around the barrel. Ouch.
Modern hairdryers, however, have temperature control buttons and lower settings, and can be carefully used to prevent damage, and another factor with the dryer is whether or not you're ripping through your hair (fingers, brush, comb, anything) whilst blow drying.

How does the flat iron boil hair? Hair's not liquid! If used on wet hair, then yes I have heard that it can boil the water in the hair strand. However, if used on dry hair (as most are intended), there's nothing to boil.

[Liss]

I selected curling iron, but probably because I've never needed to use a straightener.
I remember being young and clueless and letting the iron sizzle my wet hair, and those were the days before fancy ceramic coatings etc.

[Laylah]

I think that straighteners and curling irons come out to a tie.

Flat irons are in contact with the hair for less time, but they go over more strokes and are typically used more often. Curling irons are held on for longer, but only need one stroke and are used less often.

[Duessa]

After living in the dorms I think its the straightener. Seriously, I've seen girls use it 4 times a day. I've also seen the most compensating being done for a flat iron. I mean, they blow dry, then they flat iron, then they curl a little some areas, then get mad and flat iron, then blow out, then flat iron, and each flat iron is held on each section for FAR LONGER than I think is needed, then they DRAG it down from root to tip. Its way too much for me to watch. I cringed even before I cared much about my hair. The same people wash their hair twice a day on weekends because they have to restyle to go out for the bar. Oh, and fyi, the weekend starts wednesday or thursday night and continues until monday morning.

[hazelnut]

Although I said that all three were equally damaging, I had been using a flatiron on my hair about every 1-2 weeks in my hair until I decided to go natural in April 2009. Even though I am natural now, my hair is still as damaged as the day I first began my natural journey. And the flatiron that I used to use was ceramic and it got up to 400 degrees. Now every time I pass by a flatiron in a beauty supply store I swear my eyes roll back in my head...... damn flatirons....:rolleyes:

[honeybrown1976]

Flat irons. I only use them 3-4x a year. Yes, you read correctly 3x-4x a year. I air dry my hair as well.

[curlylocks85]

I chose “all are equally damaging" because of personal experience.

I have had my hair chemically straightened, flat ironed, blow-dried, and curled. The results were tons of splits and damaged hair.

I did this repeatedly for 13 years. I have recently changed my ways and my hair is much healthier.

[formunkyfrommom]

as a hairdresser i gotta say flat iron and curling irons in that order....flat iron can come in heat settings up to 419 F which scorches the hair and that is the most common setting people use now a days....curling irons dont come as hot and it takes less hea to get a curl than it does to straighten a curl....blow dryers arent as bad as long as you are keeping the dryer moving and not leaving the heat on one section too long, perms an colour within the same week are a killer as well....also perming your hair and then getting bored and flat ironing it....killer bad

[sft88]

I think their all equal. That's why I don't do any.

[xoxophelia]

How does the flat iron boil hair? Hair's not liquid! If used on wet hair, then yes I have heard that it can boil the water in the hair strand. However, if used on dry hair (as most are intended), there's nothing to boil.

The composition of hair is usually around 13% water..

But I just like to think about it this way. If you had a nice silk shirt, would you iron it with an iron as hot as your hair iron? Would you do it 48-960 times? (once per month for 4 years-approx. 5 times per week for 4 years)

[Pumpkin]

I imagine that all are equally damaging. I say this because I have never used a straightening iron. But, I have seen what it can do for other people.

I am amazed the shine I have not by not using heat on my hair. Wish I would have realized this in the '80's when I had my big, teezed, hairsprayed hair!! :rolleyes:

[Hero]

Curling iron; because you keep it in your hair whereas with the flat iron you just run it through.

[Rhiannon7]

In my humble and non-expert opinion, All are equally damaging. since you are applying heat to the hair, changing the chemicals in some way by straightening or curlying. just feel all are damaging. that is why when i want curls i use cloth rollers and even in winter will use a fan to air dry my hair.

[snnej]

I think they are all equally bad for your hair. Unfortunately sometimes they are a must!

[Phalaenopsis]

Curling iron because you have to keep one strand in the curling iron for a while to get results.

I don't think blowdrying is as damaging as a straightener and curling iron.

[MerryKat]

My hair detests any kind of heat or chemicals.

[zen_oven]

I tend to think all of these are equally damaging, though perhaps the straightener and curling iron are a bit worse--hair right against hot metal or ceramic, yikes!

[nellreno]

For my hair, a curling iron is the worst. If I use it I have to hold it against my hair for a *long* time to actually get a curl, which fries my hair! But all three end up damaging my hair.

[frodolaughs]

I've never used any of these regularly--I literally used a curling iron once in 8th grade, and I keep my hairdryer in the art-tools bin--so I'm voting for cheese!

[Irishred]

I say the irons are the most damaging. Direct VERY hot heat. Also, Clamp irons would be worse than brush irons. A blow dryer used with care, should do very little damage, however, used harshly could be just as damaging as the irons.

I use a hair dryer especially in the winter, but try to be careful and gentle. I still notice more damage during this season. Have considered getting out my old brush curling iron but would only use it on my bangs, however, I have not done so.

[Wicked Princess]

The flat iron! I use the highest heat setting on this than with any other of the styling appliance options, though I admit I haven't used a curling iron all that much. :)

I used to flat iron my hair nearly every day, but the use of heat protecting sprays kept it from getting overly damaged. I've been 'cone free and heat free for nearly a year now, and my hair isn't very damaged...just gets dry more easily. If I were more bold...I'd take advantage of my oddly resilient hair! But since I wear it up so much, there's no point, haha.

[oceanwoman111]

I think the flat iron is the most damaging. I use one occasionally ,but I hate the way my hair feels later. It feels damaged for 3-4 days after use. It just isn't worth it.

I also think coloring your hair with unnatural products really take it's toll. I noticed as early as high school, that the girls I knew who consistently colored their hair, from a box or at the salon, had visibly dryer, duller texture and sometimes even thinner. You know how right after you dye your hair it's all pretty and super shiny then about two weeks later it's feeling a little rough. :disgust:

[Natalia]

What do you think (or know) is the most damaging to your hair?

Of the options posted i would go with curling iron and flat iron over hairfryer :p. With the previous you are pressing/draging your hair between to hopt peices of metal, at least with blowfrying you can try to be careful with the whipping/combing/heat.

[christine1989]

Well, I guess I am with the majority on this one! When I straightened my hair every single strand was a split end (and I mean that literally!) Now that I don't straighten I don't even have one! :)

[Vianka]

In my experience, the two worst things for my hair have been perms and razor cuts.

[Dreams_in_Pink]

i think curling iron does the greatest damage of all those options. It's because heat is concentrated on the whole strand; you wrap your hair around heated rod and hair touches heated surface for half a minute, while straightener glides down the hair. Blow-drier is the least damaging one IMO.

[Sissy]

I voted straightener and curling iron as I feel they are both equally damaging. A blow dryer, when used in a certain way, would not be nearly as damaging. Irons involve placing the hair in between metal/ceramic/whatever and burning it to get a desired style. A blow dryer can be set to cool option and used when hair is almost air dried to finish a style. Used in this manner, I don't think a blow dryer is too damaging.

[Benjamin_T]

For the sake & well-being of your hair, I'll advice against the use of any of those. (IMHO) :)

[lux_aeterna]

I'd say the flat and curling iron are most damaging, as you can still keep a wider distance with a blowdryer. ;)

[mira-chan]

How does the flat iron boil hair? Hair's not liquid! If used on wet hair, then yes I have heard that it can boil the water in the hair strand. However, if used on dry hair (as most are intended), there's nothing to boil.


The composition of hair is usually around 13% water..

But I just like to think about it this way. If you had a nice silk shirt, would you iron it with an iron as hot as your hair iron? Would you do it 48-960 times? (once per month for 4 years-approx. 5 times per week for 4 years)
To add to what xoxophelia said. The heat of the iron can denature proteins the hair is made of. Denaturing means changing the shape of the protein, which is a type of damage. Depending on the protein, the length of exposure and the environment around the protein, the protein may or may not fold back to the way it was. For the most part, unless the cell is living, it's permanent.

Egg whites changing from liquid to solid during cooking is a denaturing process for example. Thus not quite boiling like water but can be called that.

As for voting, I guess the irons. I have used none of the above.

[Henrietta]

In my opinion- Straightener and Curling Iron. About blowdryer... You can always switch "cold air" mode, so it's not that bad. But it has bad influence on our hair.

[Loreley]

I think straightener is the worst.

[PeonyGarden]

I went with flat irons and curling irons. I don't use curling irons because my hair is naturally curly - but I think the heat damage that those things put out is ridiculous. I voted the hairdryer the least damaging, mostly because I use it on cold with a diffuser. I suppose that the wind could cause tangling and be equally damaging though...

[Amy-Lee]

I believe the flat iron and curling iron can be equally damaging.

[Vacurlylady]

Any and all heat makes me nervous... that being said, I just had my hair done for photos with a photographer. The beautician used a straightener brush??? And a curling iron. One time in 3 years of growing. Does any one have any idea how much damage that is? I cringed the whole time, but I did know this was going to happen. It’s just in reality it made me crazy. I can’t say never again, because my mind changes, but I know it’s never going to be on a regular basis. 🙄

[purple_omelette]

If you use the cold setting on a hair dryer, it shouldn't be damaging at all! It's about the same as standing outside on a windy day :P Also, the heat used by a hair dryer is typically lower than that of a straightener of curling iron, as it also makes contact with your skin. A curling iron or straightener can give you burns, a hair dryer probably won't.

[Bat]

The most damaging thing for my hair is myself, dyes, heat, etc are just tools, I am the one responsible for my hairs demise

[Dark40]

I voted all of the above can be the culprit to damaged hair if not used properly and too often. Bleach and excessive heat definitely the most damaging to me.

[leayellena]

Any and all heat makes me nervous... that being said, I just had my hair done for photos with a photographer. The beautician used a straightener brush??? And a curling iron. One time in 3 years of growing. Does any one have any idea how much damage that is? I cringed the whole time, but I did know this was going to happen. It’s just in reality it made me crazy. I can’t say never again, because my mind changes, but I know it’s never going to be on a regular basis. 🙄

Braid your hair and look for split ends. they look like v or y. snip a bit under the split preferably with hair scissors from your local drug store if you don't have any hair scissors yet.

[kaylah]

I voted curling iron. That's what I did most of my worst damage with. Flat irons are fine to me, but when I "straighten" my hair it's just touching up a few swoopy bits in my otherwise straight hair. I imagine it's very different for other people with different hair textures.

[andreea_since95]

I voted "all are equally damaging" because I feel that heat has been the one thing that prevented my hair from growing longer.

[lapushka]

Only a straightener & curling iron.

A hairdryer is pretty safe, when used correctly, but that is all up to whoever's using it.

[GoatLady]

I don't use any of these.

[Fiorentina]

All are equally damaging

[angel-baby]

Straightener always felt the worst to me, since you're clamping your hair with heat on both sides and pulling through.
The curling wand I use doesn't have a clamp -I wrap my hair around it to give it its shape- and it somehow feels better to me.
I don't use heat much anymore.

Out of all of these, the blow dryer seems like the least damaging option.

[Glitch]

Straightener! 100000%. I would have also picked the curling iron but personally, since I have finer hair that curls in just seconds, curlers haven't caused me any noticeable damage over the course of my life. While my hair also straightens easily with heat, unlike curled hair, all the crinkles and waves matter in an annoying way, so straightening those out just causes so much more damage. Ever since I stopped straightening my hair, it has drastically improved and never gone back. The quality is incomparable. Hot hair dryers can be pretty bad too, but I've found that on cool mode it doesn't hurt.