Everything you need to know about hair heat protector

Using the hairdryer to dry our hair or the hair irons to flatten out our curls lets us achieve a more sophisticated, smart look. Nevertheless, hair health experts warn that high temperatures (which can surpass 200ºC in some devices) can degrade the keratin and natural moisture that keeps our hair supple, making it become brittle and lose its shine. To avoid this problem, in cosmetic science hair heat protector has been developed as an indispensable ally that works by forming an invisible shield.

How to choose the right heat protector for your hair type

Not all hair has the same needs. The key to the product working effectively without “dirtying” or weighing down your hair is in the texture:

• Fine or greasy hair. The ideal choice here is a spray-on heat protector. The formula is lighter, usually aqueous, which does not add extra weight and therefore allows your hair to keep its natural volume. In any event, we recommend not applying it at the roots if you have greasy hair.
• Dry, thick or frizzy hair. Cream heat protector is the best option. These formulae are richer in conditioning agents which help to seal the hair cuticle and control frizz while styling your hair. Another key factor is the amount you apply. An excessive amount can weigh down your hair.
• Split ends or damaged hair. Heat protector in serum or oil format confers a shiny finish and extra nourishment. It is therefore ideal to apply locally (middle and ends), particularly on very porous hair.

How to use hair heat protector properly, step by step

In order to maximise the effectiveness of the product and guarantee full coverage, it is essential to know how to apply hair heat protector properly. Follow this routine:

1. Wash and condition your hair. Clean hair will help distribute the product better.
2. Towel dry. Remove any excess moisture without rubbing hard. Heat protector is absorbed better in damp (not soaking wet) hair.
3. Separate your hair into sections. Do not “blindly” apply it. Split your hair into 3 or 4 sections.
4. Uniform distribution. Spray or spread the product on from the middle to the ends. Use the right comb for your hair (or your fingers if you have curly hair) to ensure that the heat protector is distributed uniformly and there are no unprotected areas.

Benefits of hair heat protector

Other than working to shield our hair from the high temperatures of hairdryers or irons, do you know the other benefits of using hair heat protector if you use it continuously? By including it as another step in your routine, you will notice a real change in the health of your hair.

• Brushing without snagging. By sealing the surface of hair fibres, brushes and combs slide easily through your hair, thereby reducing accidental breakage when untangling your hair.
• Natural brightness. Smooth, sealed hair cuticles reflect light better, returning any lost shine caused by heat damage to your hair.
• Soft texture. It improves the flexibility of hair fibres instantly, getting rid of any roughness that is usually left behind after constant heat treatment.
• Frizz control. These products help to retain internal moisture, keeping your hairstyle under control and frizz-free for longer.

By protecting your hair from those external agents and conferring the required hydration, you will also make sure your hair does not weaken, thereby achieving a livelier look with more movement.

Spray-on, cream or serum hair heat protector

In addition to adapting to each hair type, each format confers different advantages depending on the finish you want to achieve and your lifestyle:

• Spray-on. This is the most convenient format for daily use. The spray-on mist means it is distributed evenly and quickly, which is ideal if you want a natural, lighter finish. Since it is water based, you will hardly notice it is on. Spray-on Hair Heat Protector, Keratin Hair Heat Protector, Heat Protector and Repair and Protect Oil are all good options.
• Cream. If you use a hairdryer to shape and style your hair, cream is the best choice. It helps to keep unruly hair under control and to make sure the brush slides through better, conferring extra body and making your hair more manageable.
• Serum. Unlike the others, serum not only protects your hair, but it “enhances” it instantly. It is perfect if you want to look like you have just come out of the hairdresser's, conferring a lot of shine and visibly sealed ends. A lot of serums can be used on dry hair too, for an extra touch of softness before straightening your hair. Take a look at Argan Serum and Glycolic Gloss Serum.

Looking after your hair doesn’t need to be difficult. The key is not skipping out this little step before turning on the hairdryer or hair iron. Ultimately, the secret to beautiful hair is not only the hairstyle you choose to wear, but keeping it healthy by protecting your hair fibres is just as important. So, choose your favourite product and protect your hair from heat!