How to choose heat protection for hair?

Many girls use hot tools to style their hair. As a result, many of us eventually have to deal with the fact that hair dries out, splits, and breaks. Naturally, the first step in preventing this is to select the appropriate care, but heat protection is equally crucial. We are going to discuss this today. Specifically, what heat protection is, how to use it properly, what to watch out for, and how to avoid common blunders.

I was searching for information on protecting hair while using heat styling tools a long time ago. All I could discover at the time was that using a hairdryer to straighten, curl, or dry hair is not recommended as damaged hair cannot be avoided. With time and personal experience, I came to the conclusion that the beast is not as terrifying as it is portrayed to be.

What is thermal protection? First of all, it is a silicone film that does not allow moisture to evaporate from the hair when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, moisture remains in the structure, and the hair does not break and dry out as much. In general, from my point of view, I can compare thermal protection with thermal paste in a computer processor, which also does not allow the latter to overheat, a small lyrical digression But of course, not all products are equally good, not all are universal. In my hair collection, there are quite a lot of thermal protection products, a wide variety of variations and for different styling.

Thermal protection for a hair dryer.

Everything is at its most basic here. You can use a spray, a cream, or nearly any silicone leave-in product that you love. There are still some hazards, though.

• Spray – sprays can be with or without fixation. The former often contain alcohol and, despite the fact that they protect, they can dry out thin and fragile hair, especially bleached hair. But there are also sprays with an abundance of silicones, they are usually two-phase, so with proper care they should not dry out. I would recommend this type of heat protection to girls who have more or less healthy hair, but I don’t trust them.
• Cream — cream has a denser structure than spray, but it is the most reliable. Creams also come in different varieties: there are heavy and weighing ones, and there are light ones like fluid. Light fluids are the best option for fragile hair — they won’t dry it out and will protect it as needed when exposed to a hair dryer.
• Oil leave-in products — this category includes all of our favorite leave-in products. They usually don’t contain many silicones, but they are perfect for a hair dryer. This is something between a spray and a cream.

What products do I use for a hair dryer?

Keen Hydro 2-phase Spray.

Details provided by the manufacturer: This moisturizing two-phase spray is great for conditioning damaged or dry hair, as well as hair that has had a perm. It is suitable for all hair types. A special formula enhanced with wheat proteins and UV protection shields hair from the sun’s damaging rays and the effects of salt water. Hair gets elastic, smoothed, and combable.

Use: Give it a good shake before using. Use on wet hair that has been slightly towel-dried. Don’t rinse.

Although I do not use sprays as heat protection, this does not mean that this method does not have a place to be. This spray from Keen is two-phase, contains a sufficient amount of silicones. Over time, it does not dry out hair, but you should not expect the promised moisturizing from it – the effect is purely cosmetic. Does not make hair greasy, the aroma is very pleasant fruity, the aroma does not remain on the hair. Softens well and makes combing easier. Such a spray can be an excellent addition to protection from an iron or curling iron, but only an addition – as a first layer of protection, followed by something else.

Cost: 600 rubles Score: 4

Constant Delight 12in1

Details provided by the manufacturer: Rapidly powerful spray mask. doesn’t need to be rinsed. The product, which was created using natural ingredients, actively addresses issue areas. The "12 in 1" hair elixir has 12 beneficial effects at once: it repairs hair on its full length, shields it from heat damage, nourishes and hydrates weaker hair, makes combing easier, contains UV filters, shields against harmful environmental factors, makes it easier to style unruly hair (light hold styling), saturates the keratin structure of the hair, gives it a radiant shine, reduces frizz, helps prolong the color intensity of dyed hair, and avoids split ends.

Application: Using a comb or your hands, distribute 7–10 drops of the elixir along the length of the hair. Style your hair instead of rinsing.

This is a thin cream-colored liquid. It is ideal for fine hair, hard to overdo, and resistant to damage from a hair dryer. I personally do not notice a styling effect, despite the manufacturer’s claims to the contrary. It is simple to apply to the hair, and I really enjoy the sweet, fruity scent. softens, doesn’t burden, and doesn’t eventually dry out hair. It’s easy to trust to keep my hair safe every day. It takes about four dispenser presses for my hair.

Cost: 400 rubles Four plus

Kaaral Baco Liquid Crystals.

Details provided by the manufacturer: The product has a strengthening effect and shields hair from heat by sealing the cuticle and providing protection during blow-drying and ironing. Constant use has left hair healthy, lustrous, and restored. developed using cyclopentasiloxane, the lightest silicone-like ingredient.

Application: For natural shine and heat protection, apply to damp hair.For long-hair flexibility and to preserve the water balance of colored hair, apply a small amount evenly over the entire surface of dry hair. split ends are sealed.

Thick liquid crystals that resemble gel and have a nice perfume aroma. They give the appearance of having very smooth, soft hair when applied with a hair dryer. Avoid drying the ends as it can be difficult to use them excessively. gives the hair a smooth finish without adding weight. They contain silk proteins in addition to silicones, which produce the illusion of silky hair. I just need to press twice for my hair. Fits both thick and thin hair types.

Cost: 1,300 rubles Four plus

L"Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil disciplining oil.

Details provided by the manufacturer: The texture of the disciplining oil for unruly hair is melting. The oil is quickly absorbed by the hair, nourishing and restoring it without adding weight. Suggested for practical application.

Application: It nourishes and facilitates easier combing when applied before styling. It adds shine to the hair after styling.

Right now, this hairdryer product is my favorite. If I don’t intend to use a straightening iron, I trust it every day. The consistency is liquid rather than greasy, and the aroma is incredible—oriental. Hair shines brightly and gets smoother, without getting heavy. Excellent thermal protection for a hairdryer and the perfect oil for frizzy hair. Fits both thick and thin hair types. It takes two presses on the dispenser for my hair.

Cost: 1,400 rubles Score: 5 All of the products I currently use or have used with a hair dryer are listed here. Naturally, after using a moisturizing spray, they are all applied to damp hair. It’s safe to begin drying a few minutes after applying. Because my hair takes a long time to dry (8–9 hours naturally), I prefer to use a medium temperature and high power dryer. I have been doing this daily for a very long time.

Heat protection under a flat iron.

As you are aware, a flat iron has a far greater potential to harm hair structure than a hair dryer. I therefore wholeheartedly believe thick and smoothing creams in this regard (apart from one product, but more on that later). Using a spray or light fluid under a flat iron as heat protection is the biggest mistake. Your hair will not be as protected by your spray, regardless of how much it costs. Another group of mass-produced goods that aren’t worth shielding hair from ironing is this one.

All heat protection products are applied immediately before styling. That is, if you have washed your hair and are going to dry it, and then straighten it, apply it immediately to damp hair. It is much easier to distribute the product this way and it will not evaporate while you dry your hair with a hairdryer. But if you wash your hair at night, it is better not to apply anything at all (except for a moisturizing spray). It is better to apply it in the morning, 10 minutes before in the morning. This way a fresh layer of the product will thoroughly protect. Also, heat protection in no way replaces care. It is not care at all, it is a silicone barrier.

What products do I use under the iron?

Kaaral Style Perfetto Crema Straightening Lotion.

Details provided by the manufacturer: A very light cream for straightening hair that has active heat protection. The cream, which is based on water, doesn’t weigh down even the finest hair. preserves and safeguards hair’s hydrolipid balance when using heat tools or a hair dryer. Hair is condition and has a long-lasting glossy, smooth appearance because a protective film is applied to the cuticle surface. makes the process of straightening safe and simple. not a factor of fixation. Application: Before using a hair dryer or other heated tools, apply a small amount of cream to damp hair. It will remain straight until your next hair wash.

I recently purchased this cream to replace my favorite Kaaral Pink Up (which you can read about here). The cream has a medium-thick consistency, smells like lemon. Easy to apply once you get used to it. At first, there may be difficulties with the right amount, but this can be solved with practice. You need to apply this cream by stretching it with your palms along the strands. It is absorbed quickly enough, making it easier for the iron plates to slide along the strands. Smoothes and weighs down decently. Gives shine to the hair. And in fact, it protects them. I can safely use the iron every day (if it weren"t for my laziness) and my hair stays in excellent condition the whole time. By the way, the consumption is more than economical – it lasts me more than a year, but once a year I throw it away and buy a new one, since the expiration date after opening ends and the cream starts to dry out a little. Along with Pink Up, these creams are my favorites. I always come back to them, no matter what else I try. Among the minuses, I can say that due to the abundance of silicones, the cream is not so easy to wash off, that is, it accumulates in the hair. But this can be easily fixed if you thoroughly rinse the entire length, which I do periodically. By the way, the cream has now been released in a brighter and more attractive design, but the composition has remained the same.

Cost: 800 rubles Five plus

Kerastase Discipline Keratin Thermique.

Details provided by the manufacturer: Protective milk to keep mischievous hair smooth and in control. Control over curl formation and humidity resistance for the hair’s lightness and smoothness when moving. Thermo-printing effect: creates a beautiful shine, smoothes hair, and makes laying easier. The hair is disciplined and made to flow by Keratine Thermique.

Use the product as much as a small nut in terms of application. Apply to towel-clean hair. Carry the product down the hair’s length and into the ends. A hairdryer or other hair styler should be set up. Unfathomable attention.

Kerastasis cream … oh, how did I once dream about it. It has a thick consistency, the aroma of expensive perfume. I, as you probably already understood, from a series of disciplines. As my practice has shown, it needs to be applied a lot, much more than for example a caral, otherwise it makes hair dry and untidy in appearance. However, if you do not skimp with the quantity, then it will prove himself in all its glory. Hair is not just easier to straighten, it is almost perfectly straightened. I almost never straighten the ends especially hard, after all, they are more susceptible to the harmful effects of hot temperatures, so with it they straighten themselves as if by themselves. One easy movement of the iron and an even canvas of hair is ready. This has a downside – the volume of the hair goes away greatly, they do not become greasy, but they acquire the appearance of a single material so much that it seems to the eye that there is half as much hair. It is simply pointless to take such heat protection and use it under a hair dryer, it will not show any effect. When applied to dry hair, it works just as poorly.

Cost: 2,600 rubles Four plus

L"Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil Seve Protectrice.

Details provided by the manufacturer: For dry and damaged hair, Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil Seve Protectrice – Thermal cream is recommended. defense up to 240 °C! Applying to damp or dry hair is advised. The cream provides defense against the damaging effects of a hot iron. Each hair is covered in a dependable protective layer by the composition’s highly nourishing black cumin oil.

Application: After your hair has been cleaned and slightly towel-dried, carefully apply the Mythic Oil heat-protective cream. Comb your hair to ensure that the cream is evenly distributed throughout the length of your hair. Next, move on to styling and drying.

I can describe this cream as the most weighting of my creams. It is very thick, has a pleasant oriental aroma, like the entire line. It is a little problematic to distribute it over the hair, because of its thickness it does not stretch well, but I have long been accustomed to it. It also accumulates in the hair over time, which is solved by a good rinsing of the length (without SHGO, with regular shampoo). In my opinion, this cream is needed by girls who specifically lack weighting of the hair. It protects perfectly, it can be used simply under a hair dryer – then the hair turns out heavy, smooth, soft. And of course you can and should use a straightening iron. The effect is not as polished as with Kerastase, but also less sleek. I like to use it in windy weather, because heavy hair does not get tangled and flutter in the wind. It is very economical, you only need a little bit for one application of the product.

Cost: 1,300 rubles Four plus

Lanza Keratin Healing Oil Hair Treatment.

Information from the manufacturer:

The next generation healing keratin oil contains an unrivaled blend of keratin protein and a phyto-complex to restore very damaged hair. Rare and unique Abyssinian oil, coffee bean oil, acai fruit oil, babassu oil restore the internal strength and integrity of the fiber, increase density and provide softness. The keratin restoration system reconstructs the internal structure of even very damaged, bleached hair. A powerful remedy restores hair health and radiant shine up to 260% (!). Instantly and completely absorbed, providing triple UV and maximum thermal protection up to 260 degrees. Adds shine and gloss to hair. Prevents color fading, including on cold blondes, unlike pure oils. Improves hair"s ability to resist twisting and braiding. Indispensable in winter, when hair loses moisture more intensively.

Application: To achieve smoother hair and cut down on drying time by 55%, apply prior to blow-drying. Use a straightening or curling iron to apply to dry hair and take advantage of the up to 260 degree thermal protection!

And here it is, a product of unexpected consistency – oil from Lanza. Why I trusted it to protect my hair from a straightening iron? Firstly, there are 5 types of silicones, secondly, coffee bean oil, which, according to the manufacturer, is excellent natural thermal protection for hair up to 260°! The oil has a slightly noticeable scent, I would call it salon-like. It is quite liquid, spreads easily. Despite the manufacturer"s recommendations, I don"t like it at all under the hair dryer. I apply it to dry hair and straighten it after 2 minutes. Then the oil provides protection, shine, smoothness, friability of hair. But at the same time there is no weighting, greasiness, the oil does not take away volume. It does not dry out over time, but seems to restore on the contrary. It is enough to look at the composition, which is abundant in oils and extracts and we can say that this is not just thermal protection or silicone oil, this is real care.

Cost: 1,400 rubles Score: 5

Selecting a flat iron’s thermal protection is actually quite simple; all you have to do is consider the material. Five silicones work well, but more work even better (take 7-8, for instance). And for me right now, Kaaral is my choice.

Thermal protection for a curling iron.

We have now arrived at the most challenging category. While curling irons heat up each section of hair fairly strongly, heat protection for them needs to do two things: first, provide excellent protection; and second, not weigh the hair down so that the curls straighten out too soon. Applying heat protection under the curling iron should be done right before styling, just like it is under the iron. Right now, I only have two products for myself. Since I don’t often do curls, I’ll be honest and say I didn’t really look for them.

What products do I use under the curling iron?

Kaaral Style Perfetto Natural Hold Control.

According to the manufacturer, this product is perfect for thin, lifeless hair as well as curly, unruly hair. Its formula is resistant to moisture and has a high heat protection factor.

Application: Take a small amount and rub it into your palms, then evenly distribute it throughout the length of your damp hair. Now let’s get stylistic.

The fluid has a very liquid gel consistency and the scent of men"s cologne, which fortunately does not remain on the hair. The product immediately shows the presence of fixation – it sticks to your hands. It is easiest to apply to damp hair, then dry it with a hairdryer and you can start curling. The fixation is strong, but very elastic, that is, the curls are “alive”. I stab each curl with a small clamp, while it is still hot, it also affects the durability of hairstyles well. After the fluid I do not need varnish. There were times when I twisted the curls every day for two months – so thanks to fluid my hair was not injured, even the tips remained in excellent condition.

Cost: 800 rubles Level: 5

Matrix Total Results Heat Resist.

Information from the manufacturer:

designed specifically for moisturizing, nutrition and protection of hair from harmful thermal exposure (up to 230 degrees). This product not only provides hair protection, but also makes it very flexible and plastic, and also gives the hair excellent smoothness and spectacular shine. Matrix Iron Timer Smoothing Lotion helps smooth out the hair cuticle, fill porous areas of the hair and retain the necessary amount of moisture in it, and also gives the hair vitality.

Matrix Iron Tamer lotion has a soft consistency, is easy to apply to hair, does not make it greasy or weigh it down.
Application:

Matrix Heat Resist Iron Tamer smoothing lotion should be applied to damp or dry hair, distributing the product along the entire length of the hair with a comb. After that, you can start styling your hair with any thermal tool.

Although the lotion is called smoothing, but in my personal opinion, it is perfect for curling irons. Firstly, it does not weigh down the hair, secondly, it has a light fixation. The consistency is like a liquid cream, the aroma is sweet – reminds me of chewing gum. Easily distributed on both damp and dry hair. But if you overdo it on dry hair, it can stick the strands together. The fixation is not the same good, like Kaaral, but the composition works to protect against hot devices, and that"s exactly what we need. After styling, you can go over your hair with hairspray and not worry, the lotion itself will not straighten the curls (as a cream could do). Consumption is not very economical.

Cost: 800 rubles Score: 4

Result:

I’m one of those girls who wants to have gorgeous hair and style it without worrying about doing damage. I hope all of the products I’ve mentioned here will be helpful to you as well as to me.

• Any leave-in product that contains silicones is suitable for a hair dryer
• For short or thin hair, you should choose products that do not weigh down
• Nothing will protect hair when using a straightening iron better than cream
• Products that smooth out are not suitable for curling irons
• You need to apply heat protection before styling

CD 12in1	Kaaral Baco	L"oreal oil	Kaaral cream	Kerastase	L"oreal cream	Lanza	Kaaral fluid	Matrix
Weighting	–	–	–	+	+	+	–	–	–
Softening	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	–	–
Shine	–	+	+	+	+	–	+	–	–
For thin hair	+	+	+	+	–	–	+	+	+
Takes away volume	–	–	–	+	+	+	–	–	–
Smoothes fluff	–	–	+	+	+	+	+	–	–
Accumulates	–	–	–	+	+	+	–	–	+
Under a hair dryer	+	+	+	+	–	+	+	–	–
Under a flat iron	–	–	–	+	+	+	+	–	+
Under a curling iron	–	–	–	–	–	–	+	+	+

Using the proper heat protection is crucial to maintaining the health of your hair when using heat styling tools. Seek for products with nourishing ingredients like oils or proteins to strengthen your hair, as well as protection against high temperatures. To ensure that your locks stay shiny and free of damage, choose a product based on your hair type and styling habits. You can enjoy styling your hair without worrying about heat damage if you use the proper heat protection.

Images sourced from: protvoivolosy.ru, geografya.ru, haircolor.org.ua, and kremys.ru

Beautiful hair to all!

• Matrix Total Results Heat Resist Iron Tamer – Heat-protective smoothing lotion for hair Matrix

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