If you style your hair with heat you know how damaging it can be to your strands if you don’t protect them. We’re telling you how to use heat protection spray ahead.
How Heat Protectant Spray Works
Frequent heat styling weakens and breaks down your hair’s protein bonds. High temperatures strip hair of its moisture and damage the cuticle. This makes your strands more susceptible to frizz, split ends and breakage. So what does heat protectant do? When you apply a heat protection spray to your hair, it forms a protective polymer coating that helps to slow down heat conduction and distribute the heat more evenly. So hair heats up gradually, lessening the shock for less hair damage. Heat protectants use ingredients like humectants (panthenol and propylene glycol), to hydrate and block frizz; amino acids (keratin), to strengthen hair; and natural oils to protect and seal the cuticle.
When and How Often to Use Heat Protection Spray
So when should you apply it and how long does heat protectant last? You should apply heat protectant to your hair before using any hot tool including flat irons, curling wands and hot rollers. And should I use heat protectant before blow drying?, you’re likely asking. Yes! You should apply it every time you heat style your hair, whether your hair is damp or dry, from roots to ends- even if it's just a touch up on second-day hair.
Applying Heat Protectant Spray Correctly
Use enough product to be sure your hair is evenly coated with a light layer of product. But don't overdo it. Too much can leave hair feeling weighed-down. If your hair feels weighed down with just a thin coat, try a lighter weight product format.
- Section your hair into quadrants, two toward the front and two toward the back
- Spray the heat protectant from about six inches away
- Next, comb through using a wide tooth comb to detangle
- Let the product sit in your hair for a few minutes, allowing it to soak in, creating the protective barrier around your hair shaft
What is Heat Protectant Spray?
Heat protectant spray is a non-negotiable in your routine if you use heat to style your hair. Heat styling is one of the biggest causes of dry hair, breakage and split ends, so if you use hot tools regularly, you could be doing some serious damage to your hair. But a heat protectant forms a barrier between your hair and hot tool, locking in moisture and slowing the penetration of heat, and allowing it to distribute it evenly.
Additional Advice to Prevent Heat Damage
When it comes to how to use heat protection spray there are some things to keep in mind to help prevent damage to your strands. Choose professional-grade hot tools with safety features and made from high-quality materials. They’re worth the investment. Combine a heat protectant with other styling products, they’ll work together for even better results. Use tools with adjustable temperature settings, and keep it under 400°F. Fine or damaged hair requires the lowest setting. The thicker and stronger your hair, the higher the temp can be. Limit contact and exposure by keeping your tool moving frequently. It’s better to use a cooler tool longer, than a hotter one and save time. Use heat no more than twice a week, and stop immediately if you start to notice damage.
Choosing the Right Heat Protectant Spray
There are different types of heat protectant products and just like with all hair products, using the right one for your hair type and texture will give you the best results. The most common thermal protection formulas come in spray, cream or serum form. So which is right for you? A good rule of thumb to follow is the thinner your strands, the thinner the consistency should be of your product.