Does Heat Protectant Work for Hair?

In the dead of summer, humidity can wreak havoc on your hair. Your once sleek and shiny locks are now a frizzy, sweaty mess. You've tried everything to tame the heat, but nothing seems to work. Desperate for relief, you turn to heat protectant products. But do they really work? We did some digging to find out.

What is a heat protectant?

A heat protectant adds moisture to the hair and creates a protective barrier. It reduces moisture loss due to heat applied to your hair shafts. It prevents hair breakage and damage. Blow-dryers and hair straighteners also cause heat damage, so this product minimizes that damage as well.

Leave-in products that protect your hair from heat damage are called heat protectants. They come in a cream, spray, or oil form and can condition your hair, reduce frizz, and enhance shine.

Does it work?

Yes, it works, PVP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer, quaternium-70, and hydrolyzed wheat protein have all been independently investigated and found to be effective as heat-protecting ingredients. When you use a heat protectant on your hair, it forms a barrier between the hair shaft and the heat styling tool. This barrier helps to prevent moisture loss and the transfer of heat to the hair shaft. The product also coats the hair with a layer of protection that helps to reduce friction. This can help to prevent breakage and damage.

What happens if you don't use a heat protectant?

When you style your hair, it comes into touch with the heat from a styling tool. The heat strips away the natural or artificial color pigments from your hair without any heat protectant sprays. It dissolves the keratin protein that gives your hair its strength and bounce. As a result of this, your hair cuticle opens up, causing frizz.

Benefits of heat protectant

Following are the benefits of heat protectant:

1. Prevents moisture loss

One of the biggest benefits of using a heat protectant is that it helps to prevent moisture loss. When you apply heat to your hair, it can cause the water inside the shaft to evaporate. This can lead to dry and brittle hair. The heat protectant forms a barrier between the heated styling tool and the hair shaft, which prevents the water from escaping. It also coats the hair with a layer of protection that helps to reduce friction. This can help to prevent breakage and damage.

2. Reduces frizz

Frizzy hair is a common problem in humid weather. The heat from the styling tool combined with the humidity in the air can cause your hair to frizz. The heat protectant forms a barrier between the hair shaft and the heated styling tool. This helps to reduce the amount of humidity that is able to penetrate the shaft. It also coats the hair with a layer of protection that helps to reduce friction. This can help to prevent frizziness.

3. Enhances shine

The heat from the styling tool can cause your hair to lose its shine. So, heat-protectant helps to reduce the amount of heat that is transferred to the hair shaft. It also coats the hair with a layer of protection that helps to reduce friction. This can help to prevent shine from fading.

4. Damage control

It is possible to prevent hair cuticle separation with heat protection spray before styling your hair. Lowering heat conduction and protein loss maintains the smooth texture of your hair during heating.

5. Easier & effective hair styling

Some of the ingredients used in heat protection sprays get activated on the application of heat during styling. These activated compounds make your hair get styled easily at lower temperatures. They also help in maintaining your hairstyle for a longer period while protecting your hair from heat damage.

How to use heat protectants

Following is the step by step guide on how to use heat protectants:

1. Choose the right heat protectant

Not all heat protectants are created equal. You need to choose the one which is best suited for your hair type. If you have curly hair, you will need a different product than if you have straight hair.

2. Apply it to damp hair

The best way to get the most protection from your heat protectant is to apply it to damp hair. This will help the product to form a barrier between the hair shaft and the heated styling tool.

If you are in a hurry and don't have time to wet your hair, you can apply the product to wet or dry hair. However, it will not be as effective as if you had applied it to damp hair.

3. Use a generous amount

You need to use a generous amount of the product in order to get the most protection. You should apply it to the entire hair shaft, from the roots to the tips.

4. Comb it through

Make sure to comb the product through your hair in order to ensure that it is evenly distributed.

5. Style your hair

Now you can style your hair using your favorite heated styling tool.

6. Repeat as needed

You may need to reapply the product if you are going to use your heated styling tool multiple times. Make sure to reapply it every time you use the tool.

How do I find the best heat protectant for my hair?

Consider the following factors when selecting the best heat protectants for your hair:

1. Your hair type

Depending on your hair type, you'll need to select a heat-protective product. People with very dry and frizzy hair might benefit from heat-protecting creams, whereas people with extremely oily hair may prefer heat-protecting gels. Heat protection sprays that are tailored to your specific hair type can also be used.

2. Your hair texture

Choose a heat protection spray that is non-greasy and light in weight if you have thick hair. Oil-based sprays are heavier for people with fine hair. If your hair is colored, avoid heat protection sprays that will damage it.

3. Ingredients used in the spray

Choose a heat protection spray made with high-quality and nutritious ingredients at all times. Make sure the product does not include any hazardous or irritating chemicals such as sulfates or parabens.

Natural heat protection sprays

You may use any of the following as your home-made heat protectant spray if you want to stick to a natural hair care regimen:

1. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a natural heat protectant that helps to prevent hair damage. It also has a hydrating effect, which helps to keep your hair healthy and shiny.

2. Shea butter

Shea butter is another natural ingredient that can be used as a heat protectant for your hair. It is known for its conditioning properties, which help to keep your hair soft and healthy.

3. Green tea

Green tea is a natural antioxidant that can be used as a heat protectant for your hair. It helps to prevent damage from the sun and other environmental pollutants.

4. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that is known for its healing properties. It can be used as a heat protectant to help soothe and protect your hair from damage.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural ingredient that helps to restore the pH balance of your hair. It can also be used as a heat protectant to help prevent damage.

When using any of the aforementioned ingredients as a heat protectant, make sure to mix them with water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to your hair before using any heat styling tools.

How much heat protection should you use?

The amount of heat protection you need to use depends on the type of heat styling tool you are using. If you are using a curling iron, for example, you will need more heat protection than if you are using a flat iron.

Generally speaking, you should use at least a dime-sized amount of product per section of hair that you are heat styling. If you have long hair, you will need more products. Make sure to apply the product evenly from the roots to the tips of your hair.

Can you use heat protectants every day?

Yes, you can use heat protectants every day if you desire. However, it is important to note that overusing any type of heat protection product can lead to greasy hair.

If you find that your hair is becoming greasy after using a heat protectant, try using a lightweight spray or cream. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of product you use each time you style your hair.

How long does heat protectant last in your hair?

The duration of heat protection in your hair depends on the type of product you are using. Some products last for hours, while others may only last for a few minutes. If you are using a homemade heat protectant, make sure to apply it every time you style your hair.