Did you know…
Protection is one of the key things when you style your hair using hot devices. I’m not joking – it’s not moisturising, smoothing, curl-defining or shine boosting – it’s protection.
Why do we have to protect our tresses while heat styling?
What comes of lovely shiny gorgeous curls if the hair gets dry, brittle and damaged gradually? Heat isn’t good for hair, therefore, curling, straightening and drying the hair with a curler, dryer and flat-iron are the top home treatments which ruin our hair. The more often we use heat styling, the worse and more prone to splitting the hair gets. As simple as that.
How to safeguard the hair from thermal damage then?
Thankfully, we’re not doomed to failure because we can effectively guard our tresses. How? For example setting the cool airstream while blow-drying or using no-heat curling methods such as rollers, braids, etc.
Still, I think applying a thermal protection product – e.g. oil, spray or cream – is the best solution. We apply such a protector before hot styling so that the heat doesn’t cause damage to our hair.
Which heat protectants are the best?
There’s a good deal of products to choose from. I had problems with finding the right one, getting fooled by a nice packaging or promised miraculous effects and ending up with heavy and sticky strands.
I don’t want you to feel disappointed as much as I did. Let me share features of the best products for heat protection:
- they have a short ingredient list and are formulated without “bad” alcohols
- they protect the hair from heat styling damage and UV rays
- they don’t weigh hair down thanks to light texture (spray-on)
- they are enriched with hair-strengthening ingredients such as proteins
My Favourite Heat Protectants for Hair
A few of the products which I had a chance to try fulfil all of the above criteria, and I want to share the results. Here’s a list featuring the best heat protectants which not only protect the hair but also nourish it and make the hair styling routine easier!
#1 Nanoil Heat Protectant Spray
Nanoil’s thermal protection spray is definitely my number one.
I love its light texture and wonderful smell. We spray this mild mist all over the hair and can be sure it’s safe even when a hot device gets super hot (up to 220 degrees Celsius). When I compare it to many different styling products, it excels because it has some amazing ingredients: damage-repairing silk proteins and hair-friendly silicones which ensure smoothness and easy styling. That’s why Nanoil’s spray isn’t just an excellent protector but also a revitalising and beautifying product which has a very good price and looks exclusive.
Enter the official website – nanoil.co.uk
#2 Balmain Thermal Protection Spray
A thermal protection spray by Balmain is worth noting too.
Straight from Paris, this protective formula is designed for all hair types, protecting against 220 degrees Celsius as well as conditioning, moisturising and boosting shine. Balmain Thermal Protection Spray is rich in hair-enhancing silk proteins and pro-vitamin B5 which adds gloss and helps maintain optimal hydration levels. The product looks simple and the liquid has a lovely pink colour. Definitely the price is what you won’t like – it’s one of the most expensive heat protectants for hair.
#3 Kemon AND 13 Heat Spray
I also recommend Kemon AND 13 Heat Spray.
It has a good price, the proper size, and light consistency. This hair mist is made for hair styling with high temperatures. It protects and eases styling routine without weighing hair down, plus stops dryness and brings out the healthy shine. Naturally, you must be careful not to apply too much product – I overused it once and had to shampoo immediately. The spray from a popular Italian brand works well when used sparingly.
#4 Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Flatliner
You can also try Schwarzkopf OSIS+ Flatliner.
When I first looked at this product, it made me think of a fire extinguisher! A metallic bottle with a large spray nozzle and big, red writing definitely catches the eye. What’s inside? Glycerin for optimal hydration in hair, plus polymers which shield against the damaging effect of heat. This spray also helps keep the hair frizz-free and manageable, reduces breakage and boosts shine. It does that provided that your hair is in good condition – it doesn’t go well with all hair types.
#5 Kerastase Chronologiste Thermique Regenerant
A thermal protection oil from Kerastase works well for heat styling too.
This is one of the most popular picks for heat styling. I saw it at the salon and figured I had to give it a try. I didn’t see any ‘wow’ effects on my tresses but I’ve heard it’s great for many girls. The elegant, black bottle houses hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and innovative molecule – Abyssine – which ensures thermal protection. Kerastase Chronologiste Thermique Regenerant also improves the texture of hair and adds manageability. No spray applicator is the only thing I don’t like – it comes with a pump and must be spread evenly with the hands.
How to use heat protectants on hair?
Let’s say you already got yourself the dream product, now you need to know how to use it for the best effects. That’s not complicated. Before taking hold of a dryer, curler or flat-iron, use your protective spray or oil. Most of such products can be used on dry or wet hair so it’s up to you when you apply it.
Can we use oils for protection from heat?
Given that there are many vegetable oils with protective properties, do we really need special products for thermal protection?
It’s a bit complicated. For example, argan oil has anti-heat damage properties and is known for its repairing effect. It’s a popular ingredient in hair products. However, oil alone is much weaker and may weigh hair down. A good heat protectant spray works much better, is more effective, and leaves the hair fresh.
That’s all for today. Let me know if the post is useful. 🙂
