For the Straightener Obsessed: Here are the Best Heat Settings for Your Hair Type

Here’s the truth: If you’re as addicted to your hot tools as we are, you’re probably at risk of damaging your hair.

That being said, there are plenty of simple things you can do to keep your hair healthy like using a heat protectant, or simply learning about heat settings.

Using the right heat setting for your hair type can be your saving grace, so here’s our quick and easy guide to heat styling that leaves every hair type super glossy and healthy.

You’re welcome. 

Keep it lowkey when heat styling fine and processed hair

If your hair is naturally fine, you need to treat it with the utmost care to avoid breakage. This is doubly true if your hair has become ultra-fragile due to processing. 

If you’ve bleached, relaxed, or permed your mane, your hair cuticle is already open or damaged and heat styling can definitely further this damage. 

When you're styling fine, processed hair with heat, 350°F/175°C is a safe bet. Anything over 370°F/190°C could potentially cause damage to your hair. 

HOT TIP: Prepare delicate or damaged hair with a top-notch heat protectant like the ghd Straight & Smooth Spray - Normal/Fine Hair.

Here's one of our favourite hair styling options that sticks to low temperatures while still achieving impressive results:

Take it easy when you heat style colour-treated hair

Toning the heat down a bit can help your hair colour last longer, as heat styling tends to compromise your already damaged cuticle further. 

Turning down your heat settings to temperatures below 390°F/200°C can make a major difference in keeping your locks looking vibrant, especially with red shades that are notoriously prone to fading.

HOT TIP: Look for hydrating heat-protectants that are formulated specifically for coloured hair like the Shu Uemura Colour Lustre Thermomilk .

If you have colour-treated hair we recommend tools like this that stay at the optimal temperature:

These are our styling tips for normal hair types

Even if you have a fairly normal hair typer (not too oily, not too dry) hairdryers, flat irons, and curling irons can all still be hard on your hair and create damage.

Unless your hair is exceptionally thick and hard to style, keep your heat styling tools under 400°F/200°C.

HOT TIP: Keep normal hair types silky smooth with a classic heat protectant like the evo icon welder heat protection mist, which by the way, smells absolutely delicious. 

Style smart when heat styling natural and textured hair

If your hair is ultra-dense, curly, or thick, you need a lot of heat to penetrate it. Start out by styling just above 400°F/200°C. Once you get your hair styled, reduce the heat to 356°F/ 180°C.

HOT TIP: Smooth and soften unruly tresses try a serum style heat protectant to tame your mane like the Pureology Smooth Perfection Smoothing Serum. This serum will work perfectly with your Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener.

Get more of the best hair straightener know-how in these handy little guides...

• Our Top 5 Tips for Choosing a Hair Straightener

• From Flat Irons to Hair Straighteners, Here’s the Difference Between Your Favourite Hot Tools

• PSA: You Can Use Your Hair Straightener as a Curling Iron, and Here’s How To Do It

• Addicted to Your Hair Straightener? Here’s How to Prevent Damage

• Should I Buy a Wide or Thin Hair Straightener?

• The Best Type of Hair Straighteners (and Why)

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