What causes hair to burn or smoke during styling?

• A. Too much product or excessive heat
• B. Using a cold iron
• C. Using a light moisturizer
• D. Not using heat

Answer: (A)

Excess heat and product buildup together create the conditions that make hair burn or smoke. Hair contains moisture, and when heat is too high or left on a section too long, that moisture turns to steam, the cuticle can lift, and the strand may scorch or smolder. Using too much styling product can trap heat or form a flammable layer, so the heat builds up where the product sits. To prevent this, use the lowest effective temperature, apply only what you need, and keep the iron moving rather than lingering in one spot. A cold iron and not using heat don’t reach the temperatures that cause burning, and a light moisturizer doesn’t create the overheating or flame risk that high heat with product does.