Heat Styling Without Damage: The Bombshell Way
Michael BruninaShare
If you love a polished blowout or sleek finish, this one’s for you.
We’re not here to tell you to quit your blow dryer or flat iron — because that’s not realistic, and it’s definitely not necessary. Heat styling doesn’t ruin hair. Improper heat styling does.
When you understand what actually causes heat damage — and how to prevent it — you can style regularly while keeping your hair healthy, shiny, and strong.
This is exactly how our stylists approach heat styling across all Bombshell locations.
Why heat styling isn’t the real problem
Heat tools themselves aren’t the enemy. Damage happens when:
— Hair is soaking wet, forcing prolonged heat exposure
— Temperature is too high for the hair type
— The same section is passed over repeatedly
— Heat protectant is skipped or applied incorrectly
Control these factors, and heat styling becomes safe, predictable, and sustainable.
The heat-safe routine Bombshell stylists swear by
This framework is used daily behind the chair — whether you’re visiting us in Midtown Albany, Delmar, or Troy.
Start with the right hair condition
Never blow-dry dripping-wet hair.
Gently towel-dry or air-dry until hair is about halfway dry. This reduces total heat exposure and prevents the “cooking” effect that leads to breakage.
Prep while hair is damp — not dry
Heat protection must be applied before heat touches the hair.
Once hair is dry, products sit on the surface instead of absorbing — which means less protection and more buildup.
Salon-approved heat prep favorites you can shop directly from Bombshell:
— Davines MELU Hair Shield – lightweight heat protection ideal for regular blow-drying and flat ironing
— Davines OI All In One Milk – a blow-dry primer that speeds drying time, improves softness, and adds shine
— Davines OI Oil – seals the cuticle and adds controlled shine after styling
— Color Wow Dream Coat – humidity protection and glass-like smoothness for heat-styled hair
(All perfect for internal linking.)
Use the correct temperature for your hair type
More heat does not equal better results.
— Fine or color-treated hair — low to medium heat
— Medium or wavy hair — medium heat
— Thick or coarse hair — medium to high heat
Always start lower than you think you need. You can increase gradually if necessary.
One intentional pass beats repeated passes
Multiple passes at medium heat cause more damage than one slow, controlled pass at slightly higher heat.
Why?
Because total heat exposure time matters more than temperature alone.
Blow-dry with intention
Direction matters.
Always blow-dry downward, following the cuticle, using gentle tension with a brush or your hands.
This smooths the hair shaft, boosts shine, and reduces frizz — the opposite of damage.
Give hair strategic breaks
If you heat style often, aim for blow-dry-only days a few times per week. Save curling irons and flat irons for when you really want that polished finish.
Your hair responds quickly to even small changes.
Common heat styling mistakes we see
These habits are responsible for most heat-related damage:
— Using heat on soaking-wet hair
— Applying heat protectant to dry hair
— Repeated passes over the same section
— Skipping heat protection because hair “feels fine”
Heat damage is cumulative. It shows up months later as dullness, breakage, and split ends.
Products that actually protect hair from heat
No single product fixes everything — but the right ones make a real difference.
— Davines MELU Hair Shield – essential heat protection without heaviness
— Davines OI All In One Milk – cuts dry time and boosts manageability
— Davines LOVE Smoothing Perfector – controls frizz during blow-drying
— Color Wow Raise the Root – adds volume without heat stress
— K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask – strengthens hair damaged from past heat styling
Technique matters most, but smart product choices make styling safer and easier.
What your hair is telling you
Dry or rough after styling
You may be skipping moisture prep or using excessive heat. Add a leave-in to damp hair and lower your temperature slightly.
Flat or limp
Hair may be too wet when blow-drying or weighed down by product. Use less product and allow partial air-drying first.
Sticky or coated
This often means product is layered on dry hair. Reset with a clean wash and apply leave-in only to damp hair.
Frizzy or rough ends
Ends are the most fragile part of your hair. Focus heat protection here, avoid repeated passes, and stay consistent with trims.
Healthy hair and heat styling can coexist
You don’t need to give up heat styling to have healthy hair — you just need the right routine.
Save this guide.
Screenshot it.
Come back to it anytime.
And if you want help customizing a heat-safe routine, our stylists are always here for you at:
— Bombshell Midtown – Albany
— Bombshell Uptown – Delmar
— Bombshell Collar City – Troy
Healthy hair isn’t about restriction.
It’s about styling smarter.
