Choosing heat-protective products for hair

Every time you use a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron, you are exposing your hair to heat. This can cause dryness, breakage, and split ends without the proper protection, giving your hair a lifeless, unhealthy appearance.

The purpose of heat-protective products is to form a shield between your hair and the extreme heat, minimizing damage and preserving the strength and luster of your hair. Selecting the best option can be overwhelming because there are so many to choose from.

We’ll walk you through the various kinds of heat-protective products, what to look for in a good formula, and how to use them for optimal outcomes in this article. Your hair can look its best whether it’s thick, fine, or colored. There is a solution for every type of hair.

What is heat protection

A product called "heat protection for hair" is made of complex polymers, silicones, and different sugars that, when heated, alter their texture to shield hair from extreme heat.

It is advised that all girls who use the following use heat protection:

• hair dryer;
• hair straightener – iron;
• styler;
• curling iron;
• hot curlers;
• all kinds of tongs that operate on the principle of heating.

Let’s take a brief look at the structure of the hair shaft to better understand how styling tools work on it.

Hair is made up of a base called a hair shaft that has numerous tiny scales covering it. The scales on healthy hair shafts fit snugly, preserving the ideal level of moisture within.

1. With significant exposure to high temperatures, the bonds between the scales are broken, opening access to the base.
2. The hair begins to lose moisture, which leads to dryness, brittleness, split ends and hair loss.

The protein called keratin, which is the foundation of the hair shaft, is also impacted by temperature. If the protein is exposed to even a slight amount of heat, it tends to degrade.

Thermal protection for hair is intended to reduce the harm that curling irons can do and to stop the issues mentioned above.

When the product’s volatile ingredients are exposed to heat, they evaporate and "carry away" some of the heat, leaving a film on the hair shaft that acts as a barrier between the hot tool and the curls. The product contains silicones that temporarily fuse the scales together to keep them from opening and facilitate the tool’s sliding across the surface.

Depending on the producer, the composition may also contain oils and vitamins. Thermal protection also helps with:

• giving softness;
• easy combing;
• giving volume;
• protection from UV radiation;
• fixation.

The following types of thermal protection products are available for hair:

• spray;
• cream;
• oil;
• lotion;
• mousse.

Occasionally the forms are mixed together to produce a cream-oil or spray-mousse mixture. All thermal protection products function in the same way, despite slight variations in composition and usage sequence.

• spray has a lot of advantages – it is easy to apply, the sprayer has small holes and allows you to use the product economically, it is easy to spread over the surface, but almost always contains alcohol – they cause dryness;
• cream – an excellent solution for dry and brittle hair, as it additionally moisturizes the surface of the shaft and makes the strands more manageable, but it is quite difficult to distribute it in an even thin layer;
• oils are well distributed, quickly absorbed into the hair shaft, moisturize and nourish the curls, but it is easy to overdo it. Excess of the product causes sticking and weighting;
• lotion is also well distributed, but is quickly used up;
• mousse usually does not contain alcohol, which is certainly an advantage. But if you use more than necessary, it will glue the hairs together and make them look dirty and greasy.

You have to select a product based on the features of a girl’s hair and what will be convenient for her.

We will discuss the so-called washable thermal protection products in more detail later. Thus, there isn’t a variety like that. Rinseable thermal protection is the term for products like masks, balms, and shampoos that have ingredients that help shield hair from further exposure to heat. Such products are less effective at protecting hair from temperature effects because, upon rinsing, the vast majority of the composition’s components are washed off.

How to choose

Identify the type of hair you have:

Knowing what type of hair you have is crucial because different types of releases work better for various hair shaft characteristics.

• For oily hair, it is not recommended to use oil and cream options – they will only emphasize the problem of oiliness.
• Dry hair requires compositions without alcohol, so as not to provoke the existing dryness once again.
• Normal hair type is the easiest of all – you can use any format of the product you like for thermal protection of hair.

Select the release form that works best for you:

Sprays, lotions, and mousses work well for oily hair, while mousse, cream, and oil work well for dry hair, according to hair type recommendations. Girls of the average type can wear any of the textures that are displayed. We suggest looking more closely at spray products because they are reasonably priced.

Name:

The product’s manufacturer ought to be a reputable one. This guideline is applicable to the selection of any product, as obscure producers frequently cut corners on compositions because they don’t care about their standing.

Level of protection:

A product’s maximum effective temperature is stated by some manufacturers. For instance, you should select a product with a protection level of at least this amount if you use a curling iron set to 230 °C to straighten your hair. If the product’s maximum temperature is 200 °C, then every degree above this will lower the protection level; if the difference is significant, this will negate the purpose of using thermal protection altogether.

How to use

Guidelines for applying temperature-sensitive hair protection products:

1. The product is used before each styling. The vast majority of products are intended for use on damp, but not wet strands. After washing your hair, dry the length with a towel and wait 5-10 minutes depending on the length and thickness of the hair, and then apply protection;
2. Never use heat protection on dirty hair – there is a high risk of "baking" the dirt and damaging the hair shafts;
3. If you use a spray, spray it from a distance of 20-30 centimeters. The resulting cloud of product will evenly cover a large area at once;
4. To make sure that each area is protected, after applying any heat protection – cream, spray, mousse, comb your hair with a large-tooth comb;
5. If you plan to use a curling iron, straightening tongs, crimping tongs and other heat styling devices, except for a hair dryer, then after applying heat protection you need to wait until your hair is completely dry and only then start styling. It is strictly forbidden to do this on wet or even slightly damp curls.

We will discuss temperature in more detail later. Although the temperature of a modern curling iron can reach up to 300 °C, you do not have to use it to its maximum capacity every time you style something.

Aim for an average temperature; most of the time, this will be sufficient for straightening or styling hair.

Best Heat Protective Products

The NAILS magazine editors concentrated on the following while choosing the top items:

• Promises of the manufacturer;
• Reviews of girls who have already tried the product;
• Brand reputation.

Nine products from the following brands were identified as a consequence of the analysis:

• Insight;
• Got2b;
• Estel;
• Kerastase;
• Ollin;
• Wella;
• GKhair;
• Giovanni;
• Artnaturals.

Insight, Heat Protection Shield for Hair

The purpose of Insight thermal protection spray is to shield hair shafts from high temperatures. The manufacturer provides two ways to use it:

• On damp hair after washing – for subsequent drying with a hairdryer;
• On dry, clean hair – for styling with a curling iron or straightening with an iron.

The scent of the product is nice but not overbearing, and it goes away a few hours after styling. The dispenser’s integrated sprayer makes sure that the product is distributed evenly throughout the hair surface.

It’s crucial to use caution when applying too much spray because it will cause your hair to become stiff and matted, giving the impression that it wasn’t thoroughly cleaned.

The primary drawback is the expensive cost for a comparatively tiny 150 ml volume.

Got2b, Straightening Spray for Hair Styling Iron

Schwarzkopf’s Got2b line of spray protects hair from heat damage and aids in straightening it. The manufacturer claims that hair smoothness can persist for up to four days. Since the product offers light fixation, additional styling product use is not required. Waterproof collagen, which gives hair luster and softness, is a part of the mixture. Apply to slightly damp hair, and use a comb to distribute.

Important: The heat protection spray will firmly stick your hair together if you use too much of it. Apply the spray sparingly to hair that is prone to drying out because it contains drying ingredients that may make the condition worse.

ESTEL, Airex Thermal Protection Spray

The ESTEL spray is meant to be used when using different types of curling irons or a hair dryer to style hair. Because it works on both damp and dry hair, you can use it right before using a curling iron to style your hair by waiting for it to naturally dry before applying the spray.

Use of the product is economical because of its handy dispenser, which creates a sizable cloud of spray. Simple to disperse. Although the product’s manufacturer did not specify the level of protection, we acknowledge that the maximum temperature falls between 200 and 220 °C because the product’s usage when lying with an iron is indicated.

The composition, which included a blend of silicones, water, fragrances, and polymers, contained no other beneficial ingredients. For this reason, the curls might appear a little stiffer than they were after using the product.

Kerastase, RÉGÉNÉRANT thermal care

Thermal protection in the form of a light cream is provided by the luxury brand Kerastase. has vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, which add extra nutrition and hydration. The thermal care product RÉGÉNÉRANT comes in a tube that has a pump dispenser. It’s consumed in moderation, but far more than the spray mentioned previously.

Features a UV filter and offers protection from temperatures as high as 230 °C, so in the summer it also serves as a product for UV radiation protection.

The curls are hydrated, pliable, and simple to comb after usage. When used methodically during the styling process, the length appears considerably better.

Ollin, Thermo Protective Hair Straightening Sp

The purpose of Ollin thermal protection spray is to shield hair shafts from heat-producing appliances and tools, such as straightening irons. The maximum exposure temperature of 200 °C is sufficient to style even the most difficult hair.

Enclosed in a spray-dispensing bottle. The product can be used sparingly—five to seven presses is sufficient for long hair, and if it is styled twice a week, it will last nearly a year. In addition, the shelf life following opening is one year.

The aroma is strong, polished, and salon-like, but it doesn’t seep into the curls. Polymers and silicones form the composition’s foundation. There were no additional ingredients discovered, such as oils, vitamins, or extracts.

Wella, Styling Oil Spray

Wella Oil Spray is a light fixation styling product. There is not much protection against temperature. Although the oil spray is suitable for blow-drying, the manufacturer does not specify the maximum temperature limit; therefore, the protection likely varies between 80 and 100 °C.

Only panthenol remains among the composition’s moisturizing ingredients; oils are absent for an unknown reason. However, because it contains alcohol, dry hair cannot use it. Benefits: after use, hair is softer and has a nice scent.

GKhair, ThermalStyleHer Cream Thermal Protection Cream

The GKhair cream comes in a compact 100 ml tube. includes keratin, amino acids, and jojoba, wheat germ, and argan oils. Appropriate for frequent use. shields hair from extreme heat and makes the strands crumbly and soft by smoothing the scales.

Because of its somewhat thick consistency, spreading the cream is not too difficult. It uses a small amount of product—a few pea-sized portions are sufficient for shoulder-length hair.

Although the level of protection is not stated, we can infer from the description and composition that the maximum threshold is between 200 and 220 °C. If this is a concern for you, it is best to check with the seller before making a purchase.

Giovanni, 2chic "Brazilian Keratin and Argan Oil"

Giovanni heat protectant works well with every kind of hair. helps smooth out curly hair, protects hair from styling tools, and makes the iron easier to use when straightening. Apart from its protective properties, the product also gives curls more shine and softness. both Moroccan argan oil and Brazilian phytokeratin are present.

The hair is supple and the dry ends appear more vibrant and wholesome after usage. Provides a slight fixation without adhering to one another or overpowering the styling. One of the drawbacks is high consumption, particularly in cases of long hair.

Suitable for use on damp or dry hair. In the first instance, towel-dry the hair after washing, apply product, and then use a hairdryer to finish drying. You don’t need to reapply the product if you need to style with an iron or curling iron after this.

Artnaturals, Thermal protection with argan oil

All types of hair can benefit from Artnaturals thermal protection, which is specifically formulated to nourish dry, damaged, and unruly hair. includes both shea butter and argan oil, which are both restorative. When using hot tools for styling, the masse complex helps to hydrate, nourish, and shield hair strands.

Apply to damp, clean hair. After that, you can either use a hairdryer or let your hair dry naturally in the air. Following that, you can begin straightening your hair with an iron or curling it.

The fine spray ensures uniform product distribution throughout the entire hair shaft, and the light texture prevents the heat protection spray from weighing down or sticking hair together.

The brands Estel and Ollin offer the best affordable heat protection products for hair under 500 rubles, based on the data we have gathered.

It’s worth paying attention to Artnaturals, Giovanni GKHailr, and Kerastase if you’re someone who uses curling irons, multifunctional stylers, and other appliances all the time. Their compositions are rich in useful ingredients, which is important for hair that is regularly exposed to polymers and silicones.

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To maintain healthy and glossy hair, it’s critical to select the appropriate heat-protective products, particularly if you frequently use hot tools like blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners. No matter how frequently you style your hair, these products form a barrier that lessens damage from high temperatures, helping to prevent split ends, breakage, and dryness.

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Product Type	Description
Spray	Lightweight and easy to apply, sprays protect hair from heat damage without weighing it down.
Cream	Thicker in texture, creams are ideal for dry or thick hair, providing deep nourishment along with heat protection.
Serum	Best for fine or frizzy hair, serums add shine and smoothness while protecting against heat.
Oil	Perfect for taming frizz and adding moisture, oils also shield hair from the heat of styling tools.

To keep your hair healthy and shiny, you must shield it from heat damage. You can style your hair confidently without worrying about long-term damage if you use the right heat-protective products.

Think about the type of hair you have and the amount of heat you plan to use when selecting a product. For fine hair, a light-duty spray may be ideal, but thicker hair may benefit more from a moisturizing and protective cream or serum.

Over time, purchasing a high-quality heat protector is a wise investment. After each style session, your hair will thank you with strength, softness, and a gorgeous finish.

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