Handle the Heat
While applying heat protectant before styling your hair can often feel like an extra step that is tempting to skip, it’s crucial for protecting your hair from heat damage, which can leave hair dry and dull and cause breakage. Read on for tips on how to protect your strands and prevent damage using heat protectant.
How Do Heat Protectants Work?
Heat protectants work by protecting the cuticle of the hair and creating a barrier against damage caused by blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons and other hot tools. Heat protectant products come in various different formats, including creams, sprays, oils, and serums, and are applied prior to using heat on the hair.
Which Product Is Right for Me?
With a variety of heat protectant products on the market, there are many options to choose from. Each formula will be slightly different and cater to different hair types, such as wavy hair, or hair concerns like frizz. There are also variations in whether the product should be used on dry or wet hair, as well as products meant specifically for color-treated hair. It’s helpful to read the product description and instructions and pick a protectant that best fits your hair type and styling routine.
Another important factor to consider is the amount of heat protection the product provides – try to use a product that guards against up to 450° to ensure maximum protection. Aim for even coverage of your hair to optimize effectiveness. You can section your hair while applying the protectant, and run a comb through your hair after applying to help distribute the product.
How Can I Prevent More Damage?
While heat protectants work to prevent and reduce damage, any heat exposure can compromise hair. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using low or medium heat, using heat tools sparingly, and only having the heat tool on the hair for a second or two.
If you think you may have heat-damaged hair, it’s not too late to start repairing your hair and protecting it from further damage. Hair masks and leave-in conditioners, especially ones that focus on bonding, which will strengthen hair, are a great option to repair damage and get silky strands. It’s also important to get your hair trimmed regularly, which will remove any split ends from the bottom and minimize future damage.
Heat Protectant How-To
- Choose a product meant for your hair type and styling routine
- Make sure it protects up to 450°
- Distribute product evenly through hair before styling
- Keep hot tools on low or medium heat
Meet the Author
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in integrated marketing communications, with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude and IMC Student of the Year. Following Winthrop, Kristen earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, Kristen leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
