We all want healthy and radiant hair, but are you really taking care of your it? Do you protect it from harsh weather conditions and heat styling tools? If your locks appear dull, it may be from heat damage – that’s where heat protectant comes in.
What Heat Protectant Does
The purpose of a heat protectant is to coat your hair and act as a barrier from high temperatures. That means that you need to use heat protectant to have healthy hair. Ideally, you should refrain from using a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron at all. If that seems impossible for your unruly hair, make sure you’re applying protectant before styling.
How Healthy Hair is Structured
Each strand of hair consists of an inner cortex (water molecules plus protein/keratin) and an outer cuticle appears shiny and soft if it is healthy. However, when applying high temperatures of heat to your hair, the water molecules in the inner cortex evaporate and disappear.
Without that protective layer of water molecules, the keratin and cuticle become bare and vulnerable to damage. Once this happens, your hair will be frizzy, de-hydrated and even more sensitive to heat. Any more damage will leave your hair unsalvageable and the only solution is to book a haircut appointment.
How to Use Heat Protectant
This is where heat protectant comes in for healthy hair. Although it does not fully prevent damage, it acts as a barrier to extreme temperature, like a jacket protecting you from the cold. Heat protectants exist in different forms, such as a spray, an oil, or a cream. Simply apply the product evenly through damp hair before using a hair dryer or heat tool and you’re good to go. Heat protectant can also be used with hydrating products to add extra hydration and shine.
If your hair is already damaged, don’t fret. Book a haircut appointment and discuss with your hairdresser how you want to revive your locks. Once you establish a hair routine with the right products, follow it. Before you know it, your hair will be as healthy as ever.