Thermal caps are a sensation when it comes to moisturizing at home. However, be careful, as this accessory also has cons.
For lovers of good homemade hydration, a thermal cap can be considered essential. This is because, as many already know, the cap increases the results of hydration. However, this accessory has a right way to use it. Furthermore, we will list here the pros and cons of using a cap for hydration!
In fact, the thermal cap is an ancient beauty secret for women. Therefore, for a long time, thermal caps have helped in the hair beauty and hydration process. But is this trick still valid, even with all the modernities of today?
Furthermore, there are many types of caps that can be good or bad for your hair, depending on your hydration goals. Later on, we will see the differences between them and which are the best to use on a daily basis. Check out!
What is the thermal cap for?
The thermal cap, in general, serves to increase the heat inside the hair. This causes the cuticles and hair fibers to open, better receiving the content of moisturizers and hair products. Therefore, these caps have always been very friendly to women who love to moisturize at home.
In general, caps are no longer used as much, despite being a tradition passed down from generation to generation. The most common, which are easily found, are those with Styrofoam or aluminum insulation. However, some newer products do not need heat to penetrate the hair.
So, always before using a product, check if it requires heat to act. Furthermore, in beauty salons, professionals work with other types of techniques and caps to accelerate the hair hydration and bleaching processes.
Types of cap
As we have already said, today on the market there are the most varied types of caps and hair products. Therefore, paying close attention when choosing the ideal one for your hair is very important. Check out the 3 types of thermal caps, their differences and similarities.
1. Aluminum thermal cap
The most common and well-known cap is certainly aluminum. With a layer of aluminum around the entire cap, it is responsible for smothering the hair and keeping heat inside the region. This way, the hair fiber opens more easily to receive the products used. The recommendation for using this cap is simple.
Just apply the products to your hair, generally those that we buy in retailers and pharmacies, and wait for the time indicated on the packaging using the cap. As we will see below, it serves to isolate the temperature of the hair, along with the Styrofoam cap.
2. Styrofoam metallized cap
This cap, more reinforced than the common aluminum one, also contains Styrofoam. These two insulating agents serve to retain heat inside the hair and consequently, open the strands to receive the nutrients from each hydration. It is very efficient when used correctly.
They can be made of aluminum with Styrofoam or even plastic with Styrofoam: the effect is the same. Furthermore, this thermal cap can also be used with moisturizing products from common pharmacies and with homemade moisturizing recipes.
3. Electric thermal cap
The electric thermal cap, most commonly seen in beauty salons, is still a powerful ally in home-based hydration. It works as follows: when turned on, it releases ions into the hair, which will heat the head area. This has a positive impact, reducing hair loss and dandruff and helping to dilate the pores to absorb the product into the hair.
The recommendation is to use it for those cheap products that we buy at the pharmacy.
Benefits and disadvantages
As much as we already know this accessory, it has its pros and cons. Therefore, some benefits of thermal caps may be good, but the disadvantages also cause problems. Discover now some benefits and disadvantages of these caps.
1. Faster absorption
According to experts, wearing a cap helps in faster absorption of nutrients from hair products. This is because, as we already mentioned, the heat helps to open the hair fibers for the product to enter. This way, your hydration is boosted, saving you a lot of time.
2. Excessive heat
On the other hand, thermal caps, when used incorrectly, can cause excessive heat on the scalp. This can, contrary to expectations, damage the wires even more. Excessive heat from caps can steal moisture from your hair and even burn your hair. So be careful!
3. Some products do not require the use of a cap
Be alert! Some products, especially those of better quality, do not require the use of thermal caps. If you use the caps with these products, the result may be a rebound effect. Your hair will be dry or very oily. Therefore, carefully read how to use each product, seeing whether it requires a thermal cap or not.
Most frequently asked questions about using thermal caps
Despite being a well-known tradition, some doubts still arise regarding the use of caps, outside and inside the beauty salon. Therefore, Women’s Area answers all your questions, so you don’t have to worry about using this accessory to hydrate your hair like a professional!
Check these guidelines to avoid damaging your hair and use thermal caps correctly.
1. How long can I use the cap on my hair?
Firstly, you should check the type of product you are using on your hair. Read the label carefully and see how long the product requires. However, there are different times for the varieties of thermal caps out there.
Furthermore, electric thermal caps can only stay on your hair for 5 to 10 minutes after you apply the product. Additionally, you must wear a plastic cap underneath to avoid direct heat contact with the hair.
For the simplest aluminum and Styrofoam caps, you can leave them on for up to 20 minutes. This is because these caps are not a source of heat, but rather hold moisture inside them.
2. What are the differences between aluminum and Styrofoam caps?
Both caps have the same purpose: to keep heat inside the head. However, besides being made with different components, they do not have any very significant differences. Therefore, you can use any of these caps and the results will be very similar.
3. What can replace a thermal hair cap?
Despite being very useful, the thermal cap can be replaced if you don’t have any of these options in your home. At first, you can use a hot towel to wrap your hair and get the same hydration result.
This is because currently the products are modern and penetrate the hair fiber even without needing a heat source to do so. Furthermore, the hot towel is a source of heat, which can bring even better results for homemade moisturizers.
4. Can I use the thermal cap on all hair types?
Yes! The thermal cap has no restrictions on use, so it can suit all hair types. What matters here is choosing a hydration mask or any other product, very specifically for your hair type. This way, you optimize the results and your hair will certainly look wonderful.
Furthermore, always check beforehand whether the product you are going to apply to your hair requires the use of a cap for better results or not.
5. After all, what is the right way to use a cap?
Firstly, before applying any product to your hair, you must wash it well and remove excess water. This is because water prevents nutrients from entering the hair fiber if it is too wet.
Above all, to use the cap correctly you must use a simple plastic cap to avoid excessive heat on the hair, and leave it on for a maximum of ten minutes. In the case of the simplest caps, as already mentioned, you can leave them on your hair for up to 20 minutes.
After this time, your hair is at risk of dryness and the opposite effect. Therefore, the right way to use thermal caps is as we have already explained.
So, did you already know how thermal caps worked? Comment what your favorite type of cap is!
By the way, how about taking a look at this other article about hair hydration, what is it? Hair types, benefits and how to do it.
Sources: Women’s tips, Loreal Paris, All things hair, Extra Globo
Featured image: Loreal Paris
Images: Tô de cacho, Rádio aratiba, Magazine Luiza, Women’s tips, Cláudia Abril, Laces and hair, Beauty and fashion website, Monala, Queen’s hair, Magazine Luiza, Fala Dantas, Hail the bride
