Do heat protectants really work? In this blog, I will go over why heat protectants really work and which ones you should buy!
I know your stylists have probably said at one point or another in time, that you REALLY need this heat protectant! And they probably tell you all of the great things about a heat protectant and why you need it. But the question remains… do heat protectants really work?
I love hot tools and based on my past blogs, I’m sure you already know that. But with lots of heat comes lots of damage. That is why I always use a heat protectant. In fact, most of the products I use are actually heat protectants. IGK Good Behavior, Colorwow DreamCoat Spray, Kenra Blowdry Spray, and Olaplex No.7 are just a few products I love that are ALL heat protectants.
What is heat protectant?
Heat protectants are essentially the barrier between your hair and the hot tool being used. Typically they come in a spray, serum, or cream. Not only do most heat protectants help protect against heat, but they also can tame frizz, and make everything shiny and manageable.
A lot of heat protectants can also reduce drying time when you blowdry your hair. Some heat protectants can also be high-hold products that can make your style last all day!
You want to use heat protectants ideally when your hair is a little damp or wet. This allows your hair to quickly absorb the product. Do not style your hair wet.
Why do you need a heat protectant?
As mentioned, heat protectants are key in maintaining healthy hair and protecting it from heat. Not only are heat protectants great for being that barrier between the hot tool and your hair, but they are great for maintaining your color. Not to mention, some heat protectants even give you UV protection! AKA sunscreen for your hair!
When your hair gets hot, the cuticle opens up and the color can slip out much quicker. Because there is a protective barrier, it can help prolong your color. Just think about it, after you burn something, does it look as pretty and luscious as it did before? Nope!
And I know when you put your iron on 450 degrees, you think it’s getting the job done quicker. I promise it’s just making it worse. In reality, you are melting your hair and removing the shine and elasticity from your hair, leaving it brittle and dull. This is why heat protectants are important!
Do heat protectants really work?
YES, YES, YES! I beg of you, please get one! Or two, or three, I don’t really mind. The bottom line is you need to use one. If you feel like your hair is past the point of no return, there are a couple of things you can do!
Number one, invest in K18, ASAP! The K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask is a restorative, intensive treatment that repairs, strengthens, and improves the elasticity of the hair within 4 minutes, all while softening and detangling hair. This helps REVERSE damage in your hair.
Number two, get frequent trims. If your hair is long, get trims every 8-10 weeks and if your hair is mid-length, every 6-8 weeks. If your hair is short, get trims every 4-6 weeks. This quite literally nips the problem in the bud. Cut off the dead and damaged hair before it splits!
Number 3, get a heat protectant. Any will do, but I really love all of the products below!
All of my favorite heat protectants!
IGK Good Behavior – This is a heat-protective blowout spray that mimics the smooth, frizz-free results of a keratin treatment. 100% agreed their hair looked like it got a keratin treatment at a salon. I use this every time I get out of the shower. If I am looking for sleek Kardashian hair, THIS is what I use. You can use it on wet or dry hair too!
Moroccanoil Perfect Defense – Moroccanoil Perfect Defense is a weightless, dry aerosol, heat protective spray. This nourishing, argan oil and vitamin-fueled formula re-hydrates the hair while protecting against the damaging effects of heat styling up to 450⁰F/230⁰C. It is so lightweight that I can use it on all my clients!
Olaplex No. 7 – Olaplex No.7 is a highly-concentrated, weightless reparative styling oil. It dramatically increases shine, softness, and color vibrancy and minimizes fly-aways and frizz. Provides heat protection of up to 450°. I love this on wet or dry hair. It is super lightweight so it is great for fine hair!
Kenra Hot Spray – Kenra Professional Platinum Hot Spray gives the ultimate thermal protection with long-lasting, firm hold. Uniquely formulated to prevent thermal damage while permitting a clean release from styling tools. Provides ultimate thermal protection with long-lasting, firm hold and is uniquely formulated to prevent hair damage from heated tools and harmful UV rays. It also has a hold of 20, so I love this for clients that have stubborn hair that won’t hold a curl.
Moroccanoil Protect and Prevent – Remember when I said sunscreen for the hair? Not only is Protect and Prevent the best UV protectant around, but it helps your hair color last longer between appointments, preserving the sense of confidence you gain from salon-fresh color. Protect & Prevent Spray helps keep hair color from fading or becoming brassy by protecting it from daily environmental factors that weaken the hair.
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