Ask Luke: How Often Can You Safely Heat Style Your Hair?

Heat styling is one of the quickest ways to transform your hair – from sleek polished finishes to effortless waves – but the question we hear a lot in salon is: how often is too often? The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. How frequently you can safely use hot tools depends on your hair type, condition and – most importantly – how you prepare and protect your hair.

Frequency isn’t actually the biggest problem. Damage is more likely to come from excessive heat, poor prep and bad technique. If you’re using the right temperature, protecting the hair properly and not repeatedly going over the same sections, most people can heat style two to three times a week with no major issues. Some hair types can tolerate more. 

Where people run into trouble is daily straightening at maximum heat with no protection. That’s when you start to see breakage, dryness and that dull, frazzled look.

As a general rule: 

• Fine or fragile hair should use lower heat and allow more time between heat styling sessions. Stick between 120 to 160C. 
• Coloured or bleached hair needs protection and conditioning before anything else – try between 160 to 180C.
• Thick or coarse hair can usually tolerate more heat (between 180 to 200C or higher), but shouldn’t be blasted unnecessarily. 

The beauty of our heat tools – whether The Multi-Tasker or Wavemaker – is that they all have adjustable temperature gauges, so you can choose what works best for your hair type. More heat doesn’t mean better styling, so I’d always recommend choosing stylers that give you options.

Another non-negotiable is heat protection. A good heat protector allows you to style more regularly without causing damage to the hair. True to its name, our Almost Everything Cream is perfect for moisturising and nourishing hair after heat styling (and can also be used as a weekly mask). I recommend applying to mid-lengths and ends when hair is damp or dry, then styling after.

If your hair starts to feel rough, straw-like, lacklustre or tangles easily, then you might be overdoing it. Instead, give the heat styling a break and focus on hydration and repair with the help of bond-building treatments, regular trims and weekly masks. You’ll notice a difference surprisingly quickly.

Ultimately, you don’t need to avoid heat styling to have healthy hair – you just need to be smarter with it. Lower temperatures, proper prep and good tools will protect your hair far more than simply styling less often. If you’re unsure what heat level or routine is right for you, ask your stylist – your routine should always be tailored to your hair type. 

To good hair days ahead,

Luke