What is the effect of using a curling iron at too high a temperature?

Using a curling iron at too high a temperature can cause heat damage to the hair. When hair is exposed to excessive heat, the structural integrity of the hair strands can be compromised. This results in issues such as dryness, brittleness, split ends, and breakage. Hair proteins, particularly keratin, can become denatured when subjected to high temperatures, leading to permanent damage that can affect the overall health and appearance of the hair.

While higher temperatures may create tighter curls initially and may seem to help curls last longer, they do so at the cost of hair health. Additionally, the idea that such heat could lead to a frizz-free look is misleading; damaged hair often becomes frizzy rather than smooth and shiny, as it loses moisture and becomes less manageable. Therefore, the emphasis on the dangers of using heat improperly underscores the importance of using the right temperature settings to protect the hair’s integrity while styling.