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A woman with silver-streaked hair cupping warm water at a stone basin, a towel and a wooden brush beside it

Skin & hair · 5 min

Give your hair a week off heat

No hair dryer, straighteners or curling tongs for a week, or for one day a week. Let your hair dry the way it grows.

5 minutesFrom the library, free to readFour steps
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Heat styling is part of many people's daily routine, and it can leave hair dry and brittle over time. A break from heat, for a week or one day each week, lets you see what your hair does on its own, and gives it a rest.

The steps

Four small steps,in your own time.

  1. Choose a week, or one day a week, when you do not need your hair to look a particular way.

  2. Wash as usual, then press out the water gently with a towel or an old cotton t-shirt, instead of rubbing.

  3. Let it air dry. Comb it into place while damp, or try a loose braid or bun while it dries for soft waves.

  4. At the end of the week, notice how your hair feels. Decide whether to keep a heat-free day each week.

The reason

Why it helps

High heat can damage the outer layer of the hair, making it dry, frizzy and more likely to break. Reducing how often heat is used gives hair a chance to stay stronger. Air drying also saves time and energy in the morning.

A gentle variation

If you cannot go without a dryer, use the lowest heat and speed setting, keep the nozzle moving and a hand's width away, and stop while the hair is still slightly damp. A heat protection product may also help.

Neighbours setting a long table in a green garden

WE · TRIBE

Try itwith someone.

If a teenager in your house straightens their hair daily, suggest a heat-free day together, with a new braid or style to try. Comparing notes makes it more fun.

Make it a plan in HIVELIVE, with WE

Try it today

This week, choose one day to let your hair air dry with no dryer or styling tools.

Add it to your day

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