How to Choose the Best Heat Protectant for Hair
Styling tools have become a huge part of our everyday lives—from blow dryers, and flat irons to curling wands—and all that styling causes dry, damaged hair (the things we do for a good hair day, right?). So a good heat protectant spray for hair is definitely a must-have in our beauty kit.
But we don’t just want any heat protectant. What we need are those that are able to also repair our hair from damage. Do those exist? Of course they do!
So here’s a checklist of what to look for when shopping for your next go-to heat protectant spray.
What to Look For in a Heat Protectant for Hair
1. Keratin is your best friend.
Our hair is mainly made up of keratin, the protein that protects epithelial cells from damage or stress. It is no surprise that keratin is a common feature in most hair care products—particularly hydrolyzed keratin. It helps strengthen your hair by increasing moisture retention. This reduces breakage and keeps your hair feeling lush and lustrous. So for the best heat protectant, look for one that has hydrolyzed keratin in its ingredients list.
Editor’s tip: Start protecting your hair from heat while washing it with the help of TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo. It has KERA10 Protein Complex that can go up to 10 layers deep into your hair to nourish it. This shampoo also gives your hair 10 salon benefits in one wash. These include providing heat protection, strengthening your hair, making your hair smooth, soft, and shiny, detangling knots, and keeping frizz at bay.
For best results, pair TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Serum Conditioner. Aside from KERA10 Protein Complex, this conditioner also has oleo serum for added moisture and nourishment.
2. Always go for maximum hair protection.
It goes without saying that you definitely need a product that promises hair protection from heat styling. So, check to make sure that your heat protectant has silicones as part of its ingredients list to ensure that it will coat and help guard your hair against heat damage. Two of the more common silicones found in heat protectant sprays are cyclomethicone (which coats your hair in a moisturizing film) and dimethicone (which keeps hair smooth and prevents moisture loss).
3. Find a product that combats frizz.
When paired with the right flat iron, a good heat protectant not only protects hair from heat damage but also helps to combat frizz by locking in moisture and sealing the hair cuticle. So, pick a product that combats frizz to keep your hair smooth through the day (no matter the weather!).
4. The applicator matters.
When it comes to hairstyling, the applicator of a product matters. It determines how well the product is applied to your hair. For a good mist of heat protectant, look for a spray nozzle that dispenses the product evenly in a light mist. This way, it will coat your hair evenly without getting your strands damp.
Editor’s tip: Getting a quick blow dry before leaving the house? Use VO5 Express Primer Spray to protect your hair from heat while helping detangle your strands and reduce flyaways.
Hairstyles that Need Heat Protectant
1. Glamorously Straight Hair
Don’t forget to spritz heat protectant to your hair before using a hair straightener. With the flat iron coming in direct contact with your hair when straightening, imagine how much damage this heat-styling tool can do to your hair if you forget to spritz heat protectant. Always have a bottle of heat protectant on your dresser so you’re always prepared.
2. Slicked-Back Pixie Cut
Aside from a hairspray with medium to firm hold, a heat protectant that doubles as an anti-frizz product can also do wonders to a slicked-back pixie cut hairstyle. Spritz heat protectant to your damp hair before blow-drying to achieve this look.
3. Curly Side Part Hairstyle with Hair Clips
If you’re only curling sections of your hair, you still need to spray heat protectant on those sections so they don’t get damaged. Hold the bottle around 15 to 20 cm away from your hair when you spray so your tresses don’t get drenched with this product. Then, you can rock the curly side part hairstyle with healthier hair.
4. Flipped-out Short Bob
Blow dryers can also cause heat damage, especially when you hold the nozzle close to your hair, which is what you will do when creating a flipped-out short bob.
5. Long Hair with Curly Side Fringe
Going for big waves? Choose a heat protectant that’s big on protection, too! When styling your long hair with a curly side fringe, spray heat protectant generously on your hair before curling.
By choosing the best heat protectant for hair, you can have fun blow-drying, straightening, and curling your hair without worrying about extreme heat damage. This way, you’re free to rock any hairstyle you want.
Hot Right Now
