4 types of Heat Protectants
“Heat Protectant” over and over we hear it from our hairstylist. Why is it that heat protectant is so important? What even is heat protectant? What does heat protectant actually do? If you love to style your hair with heat tools like flat irons, curling irons, or hair dryers, then using a heat protectant is an essential step to prevent damage and keep your hair healthy and shiny.
In this blog, I will explain the benefits of using heat protectants, how they work, and the different types of heat protectants available on the market. I will also provide tips on how to choose the right heat protectant for your hair type and share some best practices for using heat tools safely.
what is heat protectant?
Heat protectant is a hair care product specifically designed and formulated to protect your hair from heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers.
What does heat protectant do?
Heat protectants are designed to create a protective barrier on the surface of the hair that helps to prevent heat damage and keep the hair healthy and shiny. Even if used on a low heat setting, overtime, the high levels of heat that heat styling tools generate cause damage to the hair cuticle which then leads to split ends, breakage, brittleness, and other forms of hair damage. Therefore, heat protectants reduce the damage caused by the heat styling tools.
How is heat protectant used?
There are several different types of heat protectants. Therefore, depending on what kind, what brand, and what specific heat protectant you choose will determine how it is used. Typically heat protectant is used on damp hair before using hot tools or on dry hair before applying the heat.
different kinds of heat protectants
Spray heat protectant
Consistency: Lightweight
How to use: On damp hair spray 6-10 inches away from hair and distribute by combing your hair before styling
Hair type: Great for all hair types
Cream heat protectant
Consistency: Thicker and heavier than spray heat protectant
How to use: On damp hair before blow drying or air drying
Hair type: Medium to thick hair
Serum and oil heat protectants
Consistency: Available in both lightweight and heavier consistency
How to use: Can be used on damp or dry hair before styling. Apply on mid-lengths to ends.
Hair type: Depending on the consistency, great for all hair types
Leave-in with heat protectant
Consistency: Thick/heavy
How to use: Apply in shower after shampoo and let it sit for 5-15 minutes then rinse
Hair type: Medium to thick
This blog entry is based on general recommendations of heat protectants for different hair densities and hair types. For exact recommendations, ask your hairstylist on exact brands and products they would recommend.