The question that is frequently asked before straightening or curling is: "Should I use a protective treatment before using a hot tool on my hair?" The answer is "Yes"! It is preferable, before any exposure to heat from plates, to protect your hair!
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Why use a heat protectant before using an electrical appliance?
The effects of heat on our hair
When it is excessive and repeated from the iron, it can damage the outer protective layer of the hair: the cuticle. It then becomes rougher, weakens and eventually breaks.
Thus, before using a straightener, curling iron, or other heated plates, using heat protectant products helps counteract their harmful effects on the hair.
How do heat protectants work?
They come in the form of a spray, cream, or serum and once applied evenly to all of the hair, they help limit the effects of dehydration. Say goodbye to brittle hair!
Heat protectants are heat resistant, they strengthen the outer layer of the hair and act as a shield against the high heat of a curling iron or hairdryer.
They help to facilitate hair straightening, eliminate frizz, and some even offer, in addition, a repairing action on the internal structure of the hair.
How to use these treatments?
- If you use a spray, spray on washed and towel-dried hair, then blow-dry your hair before using your straightener or curling iron.
- For serum, distribute the product evenly from ends to lengths on your damp hair before straightening.
- If you opt for a cream, apply it to towel-dried hair, then dry it completely. Once dry, you can straighten it. For greater effectiveness, the concentrated treatment can be used in addition before straightening.
Other tips
In addition to the protective treatment, other actions can be adopted to maximize the chances of keeping a smooth and strong hair fiber!
- In terms of frequency, it is not recommended to use the iron too often (4 times a week maximum!).
- Opt for ceramic plate irons: they are now the most common, they allow heat to be distributed evenly and facilitate the glide of the hair, whether it is fine or curly.
- The temperature of the iron should not exceed 200°C for wavy hair, and can even go down to 80°C for fine hair. Indeed, the more excessive the heat, the more the risks of weakening increase!
- 1 or 2 passes over the entire length are enough for it to take shape (straight or curly).
- On damp or wet hair, heat causes water to boil and evaporate, which can lead to cuticle breakage. It is therefore essential to apply the iron when they are dry!
Hair protection: different possibilities
To protect them from the heat of the straightener, we have seen that they exist in several forms, here are some examples.
Spray
The Italian brand Inebrya offers a protective spray from the STYLE-IN range. You can spray it all over your hair, whether it is dry or damp. This spray will prevent the dryness that the straightener can cause, but it will also be effective in counteracting static electricity.
Thermo-protective serum
From the Beautélive brand, it is to be applied to damp hair, before drying your hair. You can also apply it as a finish, for more shine and softness to your hair. It is based on flaxseed oil and aloe vera.
Steampod Milk
We cannot overlook the products for the Steampod, especially for the very latest Steampod 4.0. You have the choice between a smoothing milk for fine or thick hair. In addition to protecting them from heat, they will also penetrate into the core of the hair to repair and nourish it.
Smoothing cream
Smoothing milk
FAQ
🔥 How to choose a good heat protectant?
Q: What criteria should be considered? A: Choose a product that:
- Contains moisturizing ingredients (keratin, argan oil)
- Is suitable for your hair type
- Protects up to 230°C
- Does not contain drying alcohol
Q: How to apply it correctly? A: Spray the product on dry, detangled hair, 15 cm away, before using the straightener.
⚠️ What are the mistakes to avoid when straightening?
Q: What are the main mistakes? A: Absolutely avoid:
- Straightening when damp
- Neglecting heat protection
- Using a dirty straightener
- Roughly pulling on the scalp
- Straightening too frequently
🌡️ At what temperature should I use a straightener?
Q: What temperature according to my hair type? A: Recommendations:
- Fine: 150-180°C
- Normal: 180-200°C
- Thick/curly: 200-230°C
Q: Why limit it? A: To prevent damage, split ends, and permanent breakage.
