Sometimes you just can’t help yourself when it comes to using hot tools. It breaks up the monotony of your regular shmegular, day to day hairstyles. Like honestly, beachy hair waves every once in a while never hurt anybody- so believe me, girl, I get it. And nowadays there’s so many different hot tools out there to try. But, if there’s one thing that I could go back and tell my younger self, it would be, if you can’t put the hot tools down, then you’d better pick the heat protectant up. So as your honorary hair stylist and guide, I’m here to give you the low down on heat protectant for hair. Here’s what you should know:
What Exactly Is Heat Protectant?
Well, it’s just as it sounds!
Heat protectant is a style prepper. It protects your strands from extreme heat exposure. Although, it’s not guaranteed to protect your hair 100%.
However, it prevents major damage to the hair cuticle. Don’t believe me? Check out the viral toast experiment video.
How It Works
Thermal protectors create a protective barrier around the hair cuticle, shielding from the harmful effects of direct heat. They slow down heat conduction.
Many that are on the market contain ingredients like the following:
- humectants to preserve moisture,
- amino acids & keratin to strengthen hair
- natural oils and antioxidants to support healthy hair.
The Benefits of Heat Protectant For Hair
Did you know that your hair is made up many bonds? But, repeated use of hot tools (among other things like chemical services) can break those bonds. And in doing so, this alters the natural curl or wave pattern of you hair. Queue the ramen noodle hair.
The damage is irreversible once these bonds are broken. So, if you are trying to avoid a big chop and grow your hair long and strong, check out some of the benefits of a heat protectant.
#1. Preserves Natural Hair Pattern
Like I mentioned above, this is probably the most beneficial thing that heat protectant offers. Ultimately, it’s protecting the external and internal structure of the hair shaft.
Using a heat protectant maintains elasticity in the hair. This allows your waves, curls, or coils bounce back to their original state once the hair is washed properly.
#2. Smooth & Frizz Free
A dry looking blowout is one of the deadliest hair sins you could make. Heat protectant coats the cuticle layer to fill in any gaps, resulting in a smooth and frizz free style.
#3. Locks In Moisture
Using heat of any kind sucks the moisture right out of the cuticle. That’s why your stylist should be recommending a heat protectant to help your hair hold onto as much moisture as possible during the heating process.
#4. Shields From Damage
No one likes the smell of burning hair. And the appearance? Forget about it. You’ll need your heat protectant to add strength into your hair preventing further breakage or split ends. Some thermal protectors are even designed to keep hair safe from UV rays and other environmental stressors. This is especially great if you have color treated hair, spend lots of time in the outdoors, chlorine, or salt water.
#5. Increased Shine
Sometimes after the use of hot tools, hair can look dull and lackluster. Using a heat protectant pre and post styling can give you the salon look without the cost.
Different Types of Heat Protectant For Your Hair
It’s no secret that hair comes in different textures, patterns, and density. From pin straight, to loose waves, to coarse coils, thankfully there’s a heat protectant for any and all types. If you’re unsure about your hair type or texture, check out my blog post about planting the seeds for healthy hair. This is important to know when choosing the right heat protectant for your hair.
Generally, heat protectants are applied section by section. And on damp hair. This is always done before blow drying your hair. However, sprays are also misted on dry hair sections before using hot tools. Serums are also used after for sheen, smoothness and humidity protection.
Currently, there’s three different types that you can find on the market. Scroll down to read more about them:
Heat Protectant Creams For Hair
Cream based heat protectants are great for hair that is medium to coarse in texture. Apply to damp hair to support smooth and sleek blowouts.
Heat Protectant Sprays For Hair
Sprays are great for finer hair as they won’t weigh down your tresses.
They’re also a good lightweight option to apply to dry hair for a little added protection before using hot tools.
Heat Protectant Serum For Hair
Serums are a versatile product. They are used on damp hair, pre-blowout, for a sleek look. And they can also be used post styling. This reduces potential damage from environmental stressors, shielding from things like humidity or UV rays. I prefer to use them on dry hair as a style finisher. But they work well for dry, thick, and coarse hair as a pre-styler as well.
Now you can see what having a heat protectant for hair is such an important step in many hair rituals. Want to save yourself some time and money? Look for a leave in conditioner that contains heat protection for your strands. A product that multitasks is a must have for everyone!
Make sure to follow me on Pinterest and stay tuned for more hair secrets to come in the following weeks!