Dire straights

Q) “I blow-dry and iron my fine hair straight every day, and I’m worried about the damage I might be doing. Is getting it chemically straightened a safer option? Or will it make my hair fall out?” – Bh member, M.R…

A) “Excessive straightening and blow-drying can definitely cause damage to your hair. Excessive blow-drying in particular can cause problems like breakage and loss of elasticity, making your hair more prone to frizz as it strips the hair of its natural moisture. Additionally, hair straighteners can cause damage to the hair follicle, especially if you are using one with metal instead of ceramic plates.

“There are ways to help minimise damage when using these tools, such as using a heat protective product [try L’Oreal Professional Tecni Art Hot Style Iron Finish, $24.45 – Editor], but I recommend limiting the use of heat once a week. If you are using hot tools on your hair every day, I’m sorry to say it, but they will invariably cause damage.

“Which leads me to your question about a permanent solution.

“I would definitely recommend permanent straightening for your hair. Not only will it make your life easier, it can also help repair the damage that has been done by excessive blow-drying and straightening!

“It is most vital, though, that the operator who applies the chemical system to your hair is well versed in the technique. You may have heard people say that chemical straightening can damage the hair, but this is not true if you have a stylist who is well trained in applying the chemicals.

“At my salon, we use two main straightening techniques: Thermal Reconditioning and the Latino Hair Straightener.

“Thermal Reconditioning is a chemical straightening technique that originated in Japan. It does exactly what the name suggests – it ‘reconditions’ while straightening, which is exactly what you want if your hair is damaged from the excessive use of heat tools.

“The other miracle worker [currently only available at Pierre Haddad Hair Management in Sydney – Editor] is the Latino Hair Straighter. This technique uses pure protein to help repair all types of damage and is the only hair straightening system that can be used on any hair type, including fine or fragile bleached hair.

“Both techniques are fantastic and will deliver silky and shiny straight hair, but for your hair type I would recommend Latino Hair Straightening. However, your hair definitely will not fall out from chemical hair straightening, as long as it’s performed properly, as the product is not applied to the scalp area. ” – Hairdresser, Pierre Haddad