Hair tongs (or curling irons) are one of the most versatile styling tools available. Whether you want bouncy curls, loose waves, or voluminous texture, they can help you create salon-worthy looks. However, frequent use of high heat can take a toll on your strands. Over time, curling with tongs without proper care can lead to dryness, split ends, and irreversible heat damage.
The good news is you can still enjoy heat styling without compromising your hair’s health. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips on how to protect your hair while using tongs, so you can style confidently and keep your hair strong, shiny, and beautiful.
Why Heat Protection Is Essential
Hair is made up of proteins and moisture, and applying direct heat weakens the bonds that hold the hair shaft together. When you apply heat above 180°C (350°F) — which most tongs easily reach — it can dry out your strands, making them prone to breakage, frizz, and split ends.
Heat damage is often cumulative, meaning the signs appear over time: dullness, brittleness, and a loss of elasticity. That’s why implementing a solid heat-protection routine is essential, especially if you tong your hair regularly.
1. Always Use a Heat Protectant
A heat protectant is your first and most important defense. It creates a lightweight barrier on your hair strands to shield them from high temperatures and reduce moisture loss.
How to apply it correctly:
- Spray or apply a small amount evenly from mid-length to ends. Avoid applying too much at the roots to prevent buildup.
- Let the product dry for a minute before applying heat. Using tongs on damp protectant can cause sizzling and reduce effectiveness.
- Choose a product with added nourishing ingredients like argan oil, keratin, or vitamin E for extra benefits.
Pro tip: If your hair is color-treated or chemically processed, opt for a protectant designed for damaged or weakened hair.
2. Make Sure Your Hair Is Completely Dry
Never use tongs on wet or even damp hair unless the tool is specifically labeled “wet-to-dry.” Applying direct heat to moisture-rich strands can cause the water inside the hair shaft to turn into steam, which expands and damages the hair from within.
Use a blow dryer on low to medium heat, or let your hair air-dry fully before styling. If you’re short on time, rough-dry the roots first, then use a round brush to smooth and dry the ends.
3. Use the Right Heat Setting for Your Hair Type
Not all hair requires the same temperature. Many women make the mistake of using maximum heat, assuming it will create longer-lasting curls. In reality, you only need as much heat as your hair texture demands.
General guidelines:
- Fine or thin hair: 150–160°C (300–320°F)
- Normal or medium hair: 160–180°C (320–356°F)
- Thick or coarse hair: 180–200°C (356–392°F)
If your tongs have adjustable settings, always start with a lower temperature and increase only if needed. Less heat means less risk of long-term damage.
4. Section Your Hair
Working in sections not only makes curling easier but also reduces the time your hair is exposed to heat. When you take too much hair at once, the tong may not distribute heat evenly, forcing you to go over the same section multiple times.
Clip your hair into small, manageable sections and curl one at a time. This improves efficiency and gives you better, longer-lasting curls with minimal damage.
5. Don’t Hold Tongs Too Long on One Section
One of the quickest ways to damage hair with tongs is by leaving them on a section for too long. You generally only need to hold the tong in place for 5 to 10 seconds, depending on the temperature and your hair thickness.
If you find yourself re-curling the same section over and over, try lowering the size of your section or using a setting spray designed for heat-styled curls to help them hold better.
6. Deep Condition Regularly
Using hair tongs can strip natural moisture from your strands. Replenish hydration and repair damage by incorporating deep conditioning treatments into your weekly hair care routine.
Look for masks containing nourishing ingredients like:
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Keratin
- Silk proteins
These help restore shine, improve elasticity, and fortify hair that’s exposed to frequent heat styling.
Final Thoughts
Hair tongs are an excellent tool for achieving stylish, voluminous looks—but they must be used with care. By following these expert tips, you can enjoy beautifully styled curls while keeping your hair strong and healthy. From choosing the right products to managing heat levels and adopting a protective routine, small changes make a big difference in preventing long-term damage.
For more hair styling tips, product recommendations, and tutorials, explore our full blog or book a consultation with one of our professional stylists.