The doctor explained that the hair shaft consists of three main layers:
The outer layer (epidermis or cuticle): acts as a protective layer.
The middle layer (cortex): It consists of scales linked together by fats, and makes up more than 80% of the hair's mass, ensuring its strength and elasticity thanks to keratin.
The inner layer (the core): contains the natural pigment and contributes to the elasticity of the hair.
"The airflow temperature during drying can reach between 40 and 120 degrees Celsius, which disrupts the nature of the keratin protein and destroys the anchoring bonds, thus causing the hair to lose its strength and elasticity," said Bilash.
She added that excessive heat damages the skin's lipid layer, leading to moisture evaporation and the separation of skin cells. As a result, hair becomes weak, brittle, and prone to tangling. Regular exposure to hot air also disrupts the scalp's moisture-oil balance, causing irritation, dryness, and dandruff.
To minimize these negative effects, the specialist recommends the following:
Use heat protectant products before styling your hair.
Choose a medium temperature setting and keep the hair dryer at least 15 cm away from your hair.
Allow the hair to partially dry naturally before styling.
Use hair masks and moisturizing conditioners regularly, applying them only to the hair.