Guide: How to use heat protection for hair

Welcome to our article on heat protection for hair. If you use styling tools such as straighteners, curling irons or blow dryers on your hair, it's important to protect it from heat damage. We've all experienced it – that horrible feeling when you've used heat styling on your hair and you can feel, that it has become dry, frizzy and damaged. Although heat styling can give your hair a beautiful and smooth look, it can also cause permanent damage to your hair if not properly protected.

Fortunately, there is a way to protect your hair from damage from heat styling – by using heat protection products. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about heat protection for your hair, from how it works to the best products on the market.

How does heat affect hair?

When you use hot styling tools on your hair, it can lead to damage to the hair's surface and keratin layer , which can make the hair dry, brittle and damaged. This can lead to split ends, frizz and loss of shine. In addition, it can also lead to a breakdown of the proteins in the hair, which can make it weaker and more vulnerable to further damage. Damage from heat styling is often caused by repeated exposure to high temperatures. The heat from a flat iron or curling iron reduces the overall moisture in the hair, making it more susceptible to environmental factors such as moisture and wind, which can cause further damage.

In addition, chemical treatments such as color or bleaching can become even more damaging when combined with heat styling tools. To prevent this type of damage, it is important to use a heat protection product before any type of thermal styling, as well as to limit how often you use heat tools and never exceed their recommended temperature settings. If possible, let your hair air dry instead of using heat tools, and try not to brush or comb your hair when it's wet, as this increases breakage and split ends.

Spraying heat protection in the hair

How does heat protection work?

Before we get down to recommending the best heat protection products, it's important to understand how heat protection works. When you use heat styling on your hair, you expose it to high temperatures, which can damage the hair strands and make them dry and frizzy. Heat protection works by creating a barrier between your hair and the heat so that your hair is not exposed to direct heat.

Most heat protection products contain ingredients that form a protective film around the hair strands so that they are not directly exposed to the heat. In addition, some products also contain ingredients that help prevent moisture loss and protect against free radicals that can further damage your hair.

Heat protection is a form of hair care that helps protect your hair from heat from styling tools. Most heat protection products contain ingredients such as silicone, keratin, argan oil and other protective oils.

How to use heat protection for your hair

Before using your heat styling tool, apply heat protectant to your hair. Spray the product evenly all over the hair, making sure to cover all areas that will be exposed to heat. Use a comb to distribute the product evenly and avoid spraying too much product on the same area.

Once you have applied heat protection, you can now use your styling tool as usual. Remember to adjust the temperature of your tool to the recommended temperature for your hair type. For example, fine hair will require a lower temperature than thick or curly hair.

How do you choose the right heat protection for your hair?

There are many different types of heat protection on the market, so it can be difficult to choose the right one for your hair. First of all, it is important to choose a product that is specifically designed for the type of heat styling you use. If you use a hair dryer, choose a heat protectant that is specially formulated for hair dryers. Similarly, if you use a straightener, choose a heat protector for straighteners.

In addition, you must take into account the needs of your hair type when choosing a heat protection. If you have thick, curly hair, you may need more intensive heat protection than someone with fine, straight hair. Additionally, consider whether you want a heat protectant that also helps add moisture and care to your hair, or whether you just want one that protects against heat.

The best heat protection

Other tips to protect your hair from heat

In addition to using heat protection, there are other steps you can take to protect your hair from heat:

Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner formulated to protect and strengthen hair.
Use a moisturizing hair mask once a week to add extra moisture to your hair.
Avoid using hot styling tools on wet hair as this can lead to further damage.
Let your hair dry naturally as often as possible and avoid using hot styling tools on a daily basis

The science behind heat protection for hair

Heat protection is essential to prevent damage to hair caused by hot styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons and blow dryers. These tools can reach temperatures up to 200-230°C, which can cause significant damage to the hair strands, including loss of moisture, weakening of the proteins in the hair and hair breakage. The science behind heat protection focuses on minimising this damage by creating a barrier between the hair and the heat.

Scientific evidence

Research has shown that regular use of heat protectants can reduce the amount of damage that occurs when using hot styling tools. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science demonstrated that products with silicone-based ingredients effectively reduced hair damage at high temperatures. In addition, several studies have shown that heat protectants containing hydrolysed keratin can improve hair strength and elasticity.

What are The Benefits of Heat Protection Sprays

Heat protection sprays contain ingredients that coat each hair strand. It creates a barrier against heat damage. Heat protection sprays offer a range of benefits for your hair, especially when using hot styling tools. Here are the primary advantages:

Reduced Split Ends: Heat dries hair, leading to split ends. Heat protectant sprays lock in moisture, preventing these pesky split ends.
Shinier Hair: Heat can make hair dull. Heat protectant sprays contain ingredients that add shine to hair.
Less Frizz: Heat can cause frizz. Protective film from the spray helps smooth the hair cuticle, resulting in smoother, frizz-free strands.
Easier Styling: Heat protectant sprays can make hair more manageable. This allows for easier styling and long-lasting results.
Stronger Hair: Heat weakens hair, making it prone to breakage. Heat protectant sprays shield hair. It reduces breakage.
Vibrant Color (For Colored Hair): Heat can fade hair color. Some heat protectant sprays are formulated for color-treated hair.

By using heat protection spray regularly, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair that's easier to style and manage.

How To Use Heat Protection Spray For Straightening Hair

Here's how to use heat protection spray specifically for straightening hair:

Wash and condition your hair. Clean hair absorbs products better.
Towel-dry your hair. Don't apply the spray to soaking wet hair, aim for dampness.
Shake the heat protectant bottle well.
Section your hair. This ensures even application.
Spray from mid-shaft to ends generously. Straightening irons focus on these areas the most.
Comb through your hair to distribute the product evenly.
Let your hair dry partially. Aim for about 80% dry before using the straightener.
Use a lower heat setting on your straightener if possible. This minimizes heat damage.
Straighten small sections of hair at a time. Multiple passes are better than overheating one section.

Different Types of Heat Protectants

Heat protectants come in various forms, each with its own benefits:

Sprays: These are popular and easy to use. They work well for most hair types.
Creams and serums: These are good for thick or coarse hair that needs extra moisture.
Leave-in conditioners: These offer heat protection along with detangling and frizz-fighting benefits.

The best type for you depends on your hair type and styling needs.

What Is The Best Heat Protection Spray?

Unfortunately, there's no single "best" heat protection spray for everyone. The best choice depends on your specific hair type and needs. Here's how to find the perfect match for your hair. Look for these key ingredients in your heat protection spray:

Silicones: These are the workhorses of heat protection, forming a protective film.
Natural oils: Some sprays contain oils like argan oil or coconut oil, which add moisture and shine.
Amino acids: These help strengthen hair and improve its elasticity.

When choosing a heat protectant, avoid products with high alcohol content, as it can be drying.

Also, consider the following before buying your heat protection spray.

Hair Type: Fine hair might benefit from a lightweight spray, while thick hair might need a creamier formula for extra moisture.
Heat Styling Habits: If you use very hot tools frequently, look for a spray with high heat protection (over 400°F).
Desired Benefits: Do you want added shine? Frizz control? Color protection? Choose a spray formulated for your specific needs.

Here are some resources to help you find the best heat protectant spray:

Reviews: Read online reviews from people with similar hair types to yours.
Salons: Consult your hairstylist for recommendations based on your hair's condition.
Drugstore vs. Salon Brands: Both offer effective options. Experiment to find one that works for you within your budget.

Remember, the most important thing is to use a heat protectant spray every time you use heat styling tools.

Frequently asked questions about heat protection

Are straighteners harmful to hair?

You must always be aware not to use heat styling too often. But in small amounts it can be fine. However, it is important to ensure that heat protection is always used when using them. Heat protection helps protect the hair from being damaged and brittle due to the high temperatures of the straightener. These injuries can include split ends, breakage and dullness. When using a straightener, it's also important to keep in mind the type of hair you have so you don't overdo it with the heat; finer or damaged hair may require a lower temperature setting than thicker or healthier hair. In order for your hair to stay healthy and beautiful, it's best to use your straightener sparingly and always follow up with a moisturizing product to help counteract dryness caused by the heat.

Stratightner hair

How many degrees should I set my heat styling to?

When you use a heat styling tool such as a straightener to style your hair, the optimal temperature is between 150 and 230 degrees Celsius (302-446 degrees Fahrenheit). However, depending on the thickness and health of your hair, this interval may need to be adjusted. Finer or damaged hair may require temperatures closer to the lower end of the range (150-180 °C/302-356 °F), while thicker or healthier hair may require higher temperatures up to 230 °C/446 °F.

However, the optimal heat for your straightener or curling iron for most people is around 175 to 190 degrees. It is important to ensure that you do not set the temperature too high as this can damage your hair.

Is hair oil heat protectant?

Yes, hair oil can be heat protectant, depending on its composition. Some hair oils contain ingredients that form a protective barrier around the hair, helping to prevent damage caused by heat styling tools such as hairdryers, flat irons and curling irons.

Oils like argan oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil have natural properties that can help protect hair from heat. These oils can reduce heat damage by creating a protective film around the hair shaft, minimising moisture loss and protecting the hair structure.

However, it's important to follow the product's instructions, as some hair oils may not be heat-protective and you can cause a lot of damage to your hair if you use heat styling without proper protection.

Can you use heat protection on wet hair?

Yes, you can use heat protection on wet hair. After washing and towel-drying your hair, spray the heat protection product evenly throughout your hair, from roots to ends. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product and then dry your hair as usual with your hot styling tools. This helps protect the hair from heat damage and keeps it healthy and strong.

Product recommendations

Heat protection is so important for your hair that it's important to find one with plenty of protection. We've seen many horror stories of heat-damaged hair over the years, which we'll try to help with our product recommendations.

Heat protection spray with UV protection

We've developed a powerful heat protection spray that protects up to 220 degrees, so your hair is protected when using straightening or curling irons. It also contains UV protection, which is especially important in the summer when hair is exposed to a lot of UV rays that can dry out and damage the hair. It also contains Aloe Vera, Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin, which help to moisturise and condition the hair. It helps tame frizzy hair and protects colour. What also makes it special is that it's silicone-free.

Nourishing hair serum with heat protection

If you often experience dry or frizzy hair, we can definitely recommend our Repair & Care hair serum. It's packed with moisturising ingredients such as Inca Inchi Oil and Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, which help to hydrate, condition and strengthen the hair. In fact, the ingredient Gluadin® WLM Benz helps reduce damaged hair by up to 80%. The hair serum is heat protective and can therefore also be used for heat styling. It should be applied to wet hair and is therefore ideal for those who blow-dry their hair a lot.