Which method should be avoided when styling damp hair?

Using high heat without a thermal protectant is indeed a method that should be avoided when styling damp hair. When hair is damp, it is more vulnerable and susceptible to damage from heat. High temperatures can cause the moisture within the hair shaft to evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness, brittleness, and split ends.

A thermal protectant creates a barrier between the hair and the heat, which helps to minimize damage by slowing down the heat transfer and keeping some moisture within the hair. Without this protective layer, high heat can significantly increase the risk of harming the hair structure.

In contrast, using high heat with a thermal protectant is a safer approach, as the product mitigates the impact of the heat. Low heat settings can also be effective for styling without risking damage, and air drying before styling helps the hair to dry more naturally, reducing the potential for heat-related damage altogether. Therefore, avoiding high heat styling on damp hair without a protectant is crucial to maintaining healthy hair.