Do You Really Need a Heat Protectant? | Best Tips for Healthy Hair
Do You Really Need a Heat Protectant for Your Hair?
Wondering if adding a heat protectant to your hair care routine is necessary? The short answer is yes. Hair is not naturally designed to handle heat, and while blow drying, curling, or straightening can give you the perfect look, they can also lead to significant damage. Without proper protection, heat styling can cause breakage, dryness, and brittleness.
Why Do You Need a Heat Protectant?
Heat styling dehydrates the hair, stripping away its natural moisture. A heat protectant creates a barrier between your hair and heat, locking in hydration and closing the cuticle. This protective layer shields the hair shaft from damage, allowing your hair to retain its health and shine even after exposure to heat.
Common Heat Protectant Ingredients: Should You Avoid Silicone?
Many conventional heat protectants rely on silicone to coat the hair, but silicone-based products aren’t always the best option. Silicones are petroleum-based, contributing to environmental pollution. They also form a hard layer on the hair shaft, which can be difficult/impossible to wash out. Overuse can smother the hair, leading to brittleness and breakage.
Beneficial Ingredients to Look For in a Heat Protectant
Instead of silicone, look for natural and effective ingredients that nourish and protect your hair.
Key ingredients to seek include:
- Humectants: Retain moisture within the hair, preventing dehydration.
- Amino Acids/Proteins: Strengthen the hair and protect it from damage.
- Plant Extracts: Protect and seal the hair cuticle while providing slip to avoid snags during styling.
- Antioxidants: Defend against heat-induced oxidation that can cause color fading and brassiness.
Our HoneyBlossom + Marshmallow Root UV + Heat Protectant features ingredients like hydrolyzed honey for detangling and moisture retention, quinoa protein for added strength, and sunflower powder for UV protection. These natural ingredients ensure your hair stays healthy and resilient even when exposed to heat.
Why a Heat Protectant Speeds Up Drying Time
When the hair cuticle is closed and smooth, hair dries faster and more evenly. A heat protectant helps to ensure that the entire length of your hair dries at the same pace, avoiding the uneven drying that leaves ends drier than roots. This not only saves you time but also minimizes the amount of heat exposure your hair endures.
Heat Protectants Also Guard Against Color Changes
Exposure to heat and UV rays can cause oxidation in the hair, which leads to yellowing and brassiness in blonde and grey hair, and unwanted orange tones in darker hair. A heat protectant that shields against UV light helps prevent these color shifts and keeps your hair looking vibrant.
Is a Leave-In Conditioner the Same as a Heat Protectant?
A leave-in conditioner can serve a dual purpose, providing both moisture and heat protection. Look for one with humectants and proteins to ensure adequate protection during heat styling. For fine hair, our LavenderMint + Wild Clover Hydrating Mist offers lightweight hydration and heat protection. For thicker, coarse hair or UV protection, choose the HoneyBlossom + Marshmallow Root UV + Heat Protectant.
How to Use a Heat Protectant Properly
To maximize the benefits of your heat protectant:
- Apply it before blow drying to reduce dry time and protect the hair from heat.
- Before using heat tools like a curling iron or straightener, ensure the heat protectant has dried completely.
- After styling, use a finishing oil or holding spray to reduce frizz and lock in your look.
Pro Tip: Never use heat tools on wet or damp hair, as the steam can burn your scalp and damage your hair.
Now that you know the importance of using a heat protectant, it's time to add it to your hair care routine. Protect your hair from damage, retain moisture, and maintain vibrant color with the right products.