Heat Protectants, What’s the Fuss?

Every now and then, we all like to like to add a little flair into our lives.  This can be achieved by trying a new fashion trend, switching to a bold nail polish, or simply changing up your hair. I’m all for a quick hair change!  

Whether it be a bomb blow out, a sleek flat ironed look, or a few twirls of a curling wand*, heat styling can give you a new look in a hot second, literally.  But before you break out the flat irons*, let’s discuss heat protectants. Are they really necessary?

Let us define what a heat protectant is, exactly. A heat protectant is easily defined as a product used to shield your tresses from damage when using heat styling tools, such as a blow dryer* or flat irons*.  

The product creates a barrier between your hair and the heat being emitted from the styling tool.  When shopping for a heat protectant*, silicone is a key ingredient that the product should contain.  The silicone coats the hair, preventing it from reverting while supplying a protective layer of defense against the heat.

Cyclomethicone and dimethicone are found in many heat protecting agents, and other hair products such as conditioner.  The properties of these silicones aid in adding shine to your hair, easing the detangling process, and allowing moisture to absorb into the hair shaft.

With all of the benefits of heat protectants, one might wonder why someone wouldn’t want to use them when heat styling.  While the choice of products that one uses is typically a personal preference, I have to say that I recommend the use of a heat protectant* before heat styling.

Why you ask? Heat damaged hair is not only an unsightly result of using heat in your hair, but it can cause split ends that will work their way up the hair shaft, causing more damage than good. There are products that you can use to strengthen the damaged hair, but the heat has already left irreversible damage. Heat protectants are beneficial for all hair types, and those that are relaxed, or natural.

The time to find a good heat protectant is not after you’ve styled your hair with heat, it’s before. To keep your hair healthy, vibrant, and full of life, you want to use products that are going to defend each strand before, during, and after the heat styling process.  

You can start protecting your hair as you wash it by using products fortified with silicones, and following up with another layer of heat protection before beginning to style. Being proactive in shielding your hair from heat can save you inches of lifeless, damaged hair, and time trying to hide them.

For someone with natural hair, rocking your hair in its natural state can become complicated by strands of straight hair, cascading through your curly texture.  Someone might be thinking, “Well, my hair is already damaged, I’ll just wear it straight.” NO! Continuing to straighten heat damaged hair is only going to make matters worse.  

One reason that a heat protectant* is important is because as you style your hair with heat, you’re weakening it. First the blow dryer*, then the flat irons*. Your hair needs a barrier to combat the straightening process.

Another reason is that heat dries out your hair. Applying a heat protectant* to your damp hair before drying can help to seal in moisture and add shine. For added shine, and protection, add a light layer of a heat protectant to your hair after drying it, before flat ironing or curling.

A simple way to avoid heat damage is to abstain from the use of heat styling tools. Not using heat to style your hair will ultimately keep your hair safe from irreversible damage to the strands of your hair.

Another option is to allow a professional to straighten your hair. If you are uncomfortable straightening your own hair, or you just don’t feel like it, look for a trustworthy stylist near you. On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, check out my four top heat protectants!

1. Chi Silk Infusion: Strengthens and protects hair from use of heat styling tools, builds strength, and improves shine.

2.  Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum: Lightweight formula shields hair from heat damage, promotes manageability for use of heat tools, and finishes with a smooth polish.

3. Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray: Defends hair against heat, enhances flexibility, and leaves hair shiny and soft.

4. Giovanni 2 Chic Avocado and Olive Oil Ultra Moist Super Potion: Protects hair during heat styling and humidity, and rebonds the hair to prevent splitting.

All of these products are easy to find at your local pharmacy or beauty retailer. Be sure to read the product label for directions and adjust your heat tools to a temperature setting that is is right for your hair.

By taking the necessary precautions, you can rock that bouncy blow out and not worry about damaging your hair. So go ahead and grab your flat irons* or make an appointment, and rock that healthy, heat protected hair without fear.