How hot is too hot? We ask the CLOUD NINE experts at what temperature we should be styling our hair
This week, we welcomed CLOUD NINE to the LOOKFANTASTIC family, introducing professional hair tools to transform your daily routine.
Catching up with Marie Nieuwoudt, CLOUD NINE's group education manager, we talk about the brand’s industry-leading technology and why it’s so important to tailor your hair styling routine to your strands: from lower temperatures (that can actually achieve better results) to the perfect product for your hair type.
One of CLOUD NINE’s biggest successes as a brand is their unique and educational Temperature Calculator. What are the main concerns of styling hair at too high a temperature?
“There’s a big education gap around hair health – heat styling at too high a temperature is one of the most common mistakes I see as a hairdresser. We launched the Temperature Calculator after a CLOUD NINE survey found that 55% of people don’t notice, change, or adjust the temperature of their heat styling tools – which just goes to show how many aren’t informed about the negative impacts of excessive heat.
Styling hair at the wrong temperature can cause unnecessary heat damage to the cuticle – leaving hair dull, brittle, and prone to breakage. The signs aren’t always immediately visible, so many heated tool users fail to make the connection with their styling habits. Over time, styling at a temperature that is too high for your hair can lead to dryness, a rougher hair texture, increased split ends, more frizz, tangling, and even greasiness as your scalp tries to deliver extra moisture to your thirsty strands.”
So, how does the Temperature Calculator work?
“The Temperature Calculator is a tool that educates and engages users about the benefits of styling at the right temperature for their hair’s unique combination of needs. Users answer quick questions about their heat styling habits, hair texture, colour, and condition to find their bespoke temperature, recommended tools and haircare tips.”
That sounds great! Do different hair types affect the temperature we should be using?
“All hair types can handle a certain amount of heat – it’s just important to understand your hair’s unique needs. A common example is dry hair. For this, you first need to get to the bottom of the causes of your dryness. Certain hair types are just naturally more prone to dryness than others. These hair types also have bigger cuticle gaps, which means they lose moisture easily. However, they are also much more resistant to straightening, so require a little extra heat. As long as you’re treating your tightly curled or coiled hair to regular conditioning and moisturising treatments, you can heat style it at between 110 and 190°C – depending on whether it has been dyed or bleached - and as always, use heat protection.
Another common cause of dryness is previous damage. If your hair has been styled at the wrong heat for your hair type, it needs extra TLC. Keep the temperature low, around 120°C to 150°C, to style gently and bring your hair back to life. Revive Mode™ is your best friend – it uses Axial Vibration™ technology to vibrate the plates, feeding hair between with minimum friction and limited heat exposure, helping you keep the temperature low while still providing gorgeous long-lasting results.”
What are your top product recommendations for dry, damaged hair?
“This hair type needs a lot of care to nurture it back to its shiny, glossy best self. Heat protectant is a must when straightening or curling. I recommend the CLOUD NINE Magical Potion, which is formulated to nourish, condition, and banish the appearance of frizz while also helping to protect from heat.
Dry, damaged hair shouldn’t be left wet for long periods. This is because when saturated, the strands are even more prone to breakage. CLOUD NINE’s Airshot Pro Hairdryer is ideal for blow drying at a gentler heat. Its Variable Temperature Control and Ceramic Mineral-Infused Heating Element allow you to keep the temperature low while achieving results that really shine.
To style dry, damaged hair into perfect curls or sleek and straight, opt for the CLOUD NINE 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro. Its unique curved ceramic plates are infused with CLOUD NINE’s signature mineral, sericite, and are designed to handle your thirsty strands with extra care. Revive Mode™ lets you style at lower temperatures, with impressive results.
For an intense moisture boost, try using CLOUD NINE Magical Remedy as a weekly hair mask treatment. It repairs, protects and strengthens, nurturing dry and damaged strands back to health."
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And finally, what are your top tips to safe hair styling?
"Choose a tool with temperature control.
Professional hair stylists and hairdressers always choose heated styling tools with temperature control so they can adjust the heat from client to client. Take a leaf out of their book and put the power in your hands. I always recommend CLOUD NINE products, not only for their fantastic quality, but because they’re genuinely better for your hair health. With Variable Temperature Control ranging from 100 to 200°C and cutting-edge Revive Mode™ technology, you get gorgeous results without risking heat damage, giving you the confidence to feel unstoppable.
Know your perfect temperature – always.
There are plenty of misconceptions about heat damage, but one constant truth is that no two people have the same hair. While the needs of the hair change throughout different stages, one thing remains constant: the importance of using the right temperature for your hair. The Temperature Calculator isn’t just a one-trick tool – it should follow you on life’s hair journey, helping you adapt your approach to heat styling to your hair’s changing needs. I like to think of it as an expert in your pocket, guiding you to keep your hair health on track.
Treat your hair with TLC
I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to be kind to your hair. Most people treat their hair quite roughly, and this is something you definitely want to avoid when heat styling. Make sure you’re choosing products and routines that you know are good for your hair. CLOUD NINE tools are designed specifically to promote healthy heat styling. Every feature has gentle handling in mind, from the sericite-infused ceramic plates, which help to lock in moisture and banish frizz, to Revive Mode™."
My large family of mainly women has made me passionate about all things beauty from a young age: from routines passed down from my grandmother, to trying the latest products and trends. After training as an MUA at MAC Cosmetics, my love for makeup has now evolved into making sure my skincare creates the perfect canvas for any look. I love anything that can make my base feel fresh & bright while accentuating my features – Bobbi Brown's Face Base is my holy grail at the moment!
