Do you apply product to your hair before you blow dry or curl it, or do you skip it and just hope for the best? I see a lot of damage that comes from skipping this one step, and it's an easy one to fix.
This page/post contains affiliate links, including through ShopMy and Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What heat protectant actually does
Products with heat protection create a thin barrier and helps distribute heat more evenly, so your hair is less likely to get scorched by your tools. Think of it like sunscreen: it lowers the damage, but it doesn't remove the risk. Styling temps and technique matter too in protecting your hair from heat (more on that below).
Who needs it
Anyone who styles their hair with heat. Seriously… If you use a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron even a couple times a week or month, you need to be using it. And not only does it protect your hair from heat, a lot of these products also double as leave-in conditioners or styling aids so you’ll get a smoother, longer lasting style too.
How to use it (this is where most people go wrong)
Apply it to damp hair before blow drying, distributing it evenly from mids to ends. You don’t want to use too much which can make your hair feel greasy or weighed down, but you want to use enough product that it will coat your hair.
The mistake i find my clients making with heat protectants, is using a liquid spray on dry hair. Those are not as effective, in my opinion, because they re-wet the hair which can make it susceptible to damage if you go straight in with your hot tool, and also because they dont give enough coverage.
There are heat protectants that are made specifically for dry hair (for before curling or flat ironing) that are in the form of an aerosol spray — but most products on the market are made for wet or damp hair so be sure to pick the right ones if you are going to use on dry hair only! See my product recs below.
Types of heat protectants (& my top picks)
Spray (liquid): lightweight, great for fine hair and for layering with other products. Use on wet, towel-dried hair for best results.
Kenra Blow Dry Spray
A staple in my own hair routine and in the salon. Really helps speed up blow drying time and gives a smooth finish. Smells amazing.
Cream or lotion: more moisture, great for thick, dry, or curly hair. Use on wet, towel-dried hair.
Kerastase L’incroyable Reshapable Hair Lotion
If you love a good blow out, this one is great for locking in your style. Plus, it reactivates with heat on 2nd day hair, giving you longer lasting heat protection and hold. Smoothing, lightweight, protects from heat.
Oil or serum: adds shine and smoothness—best as a finishing layer, not as main heat protection source
Olaplex Shine Serum Oil Mist
Lightweight oil to lock in shine, with heat protection for touch ups
Spray (aerosol): best for second day hair when refreshing hair with a curling iron or flat iron.
Moroccan Oil Perfect Defense
Use on DRY hair before curling. One of my all time favorite products, i always have this on hand at home and in the salon. Gives me extra insurance if I’m heat styling 2nd or 3rd day hair! Smells amazing
Check the label to make sure it's made to protect from heat, since not every styling product does.
Turn the heat down too
Heat protectant helps, but temperature matters just as much. As a general rule:
Fine, color-treated, or damaged hair: lower heat, anywhere from 280-350°F
Thick, coarse, or very resistant hair: you can go a little higher, but you don’t need the top setting. In the salon, i never use more than 360 on thick or coarse hair.
If you have to go over the same section again and again, usually your technique needs a tweak, not more heat.
The takeaway
Heat protectant is the insurance for your hair that you've invested in, especially if you pay for color. Not using it can make your color or toner fade faster too. Use it every time, on damp hair, and keep your temps in check. If you touch up your style with heat in between washes, i recommend using a serum with heat protectant before styling, or an aerosol one made for dry hair.
Want my full list of heat protectant product recommendations? Check it out here.
