Heat protectants are an essential step in shielding your hair from damage and locking in moisture. If you’re addicted to straightening and styling, it’s important to consider how a heat protectant can benefit the health of your hair. Heat protection can even improve the performance of your styling tools and hair products!
You’re likely asking, How does heat actually damage the hair? Basically, the intense heat of blow-dryers and hot tools weakens and breaks down the natural proteins in your hair. High heat also diminishes hair’s natural oils and moisture levels. This is why consistent heat-styling can leave your hair dry, damaged, and very brittle.
Heat damage can be particularly problematic for those with bleached and colour-damaged hair. Chemical processing weakens the hair structure and can cause split ends, frizz, and breakage. Continual heat-styling of treated hair can cause increased dullness, roughness, and inconsistent colouration in unprotected hair due to the deterioration it causes to the hair cuticle.
But before you ditch your straightener, check out our great solutions to these hot problems, including 4 impressive hair hacks. Hair protectant creams, sprays, and serums all have different benefits for your hair, depending on their formulations. For any at home heat protectant to work effectively, it must create a substantial barrier between your hair and the heat you’re applying AND restore lost moisture to the hair strand. Hair protectants can also detangle the hair, reduce snagging, and give you glossy results.
Understanding how different ingredients in hair protectants work can help you choose your approach to protecting your tresses. We’ve broken down a few for your benefit:
PVP/DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer: Many heat protectants employ Copolymers, which effectively form a continuous film around each hair strand to protect it from damage. Not only do these products provide flexible hold, but they also help distribute heat evenly, reducing the chance of damage and breakage.
Silicones: One of the most prominent ingredients in heat protectants is Silicone, often in the form of Dimethicone. Silicones create an effective barrier around the hair strands, help conduct heat effectively, and boost smoothness and shine. While hair protectants with Silicone may reduce frizz, they can also cause oily hair to look greasy and cause build-up over time. However, if you have dry hair products with Silicone can help boost your hair’s moisture and softness.
Sodium Bisulphate: This antioxidant ingredient is often included in heat protectants to minimise burning when you’re styling. Sodium Bisulphate works excellently in combination with other hair protectant ingredients and is a good heat protectant for straightening hair at high temperatures.
Hydrolysed Wheat Protein: If you’re after a more natural heat protectant without Silicone, this could be a great option for you. Hydrolysed Wheat Protein is attracted to the Keratin in your hair, working to rebuild and strengthen the fibres. While building an effective barrier around the hair, Hydrolysed Wheat Protein also boosts moisture and volume.
Along with an array of nourishing oils and natural proteins, these key ingredients work to protect both natural and colour-treated hair. So, If you’re obsessed with straightening your strands or creating beautiful volume and curls, explore our best heat protectants to support your hair, no matter its texture or type.
