{"id":174328,"date":"2022-04-06T09:00:38","date_gmt":"2022-04-06T16:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/?p=174328"},"modified":"2022-04-04T14:50:15","modified_gmt":"2022-04-04T21:50:15","slug":"best-heat-protectant-hair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/best-heat-protectant-hair\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Best Heat Protectant for Hair?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone loves the bouncy and glossy tresses of a fresh blowout. But with every dryer, curling rod, and flatiron, you risk damaging your hair\u2019s health. So is there any safe way to keep your signature \u2018do?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enter <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heat protectants<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, your hair\u2019s new best friend.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like sunscreen for skin, heat protectants block the damage that hot tools can wreak on your natural hair. However, not all products are created equal. Heat protection should be a priority before using any styling tool to prevent hair damage. Keep hair healthy and strong with our guide to this essential haircare step \u2014we\u2019ll explore what is the best heat protectant for hair and how to use heat protectant spray.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Do Heat Protectants Do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, you&#8217;re wearing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/claw-clip-hairstyles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">claw clip hairstyles<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to prevent damage and doing regular hair masks, but what about heat styling? If you can&#8217;t avoid using heat on your hair, it&#8217;s best to include heat protectants beforehand. Before diving into the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">best<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> heat protectants, it\u2019s important to ask just what <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> heat protectants.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider heat as the ultimate hair killer. High temperatures can denature your hair\u2019s structure, leaving you with damaged tresses. In either gel, oil, or spray form, a heat protectant will preserve your hair underneath those frying hot tools. Let\u2019s explore exactly how.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>How Heat Damages Your Hair<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are a few sweeps of the flatiron really that bad for your hair? The short answer is <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">yes<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human hair is made up of natural proteins that retain structure, strength, and moisture. In fact, up to 95% of hair consists of the protein keratin!<sup>1<\/sup><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The more intact your keratin, the more your hair shines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, high temperatures dismantle keratin molecules instantly. The result over time? A loss of strength and moisture. You might notice this through signs of heat damage like:<sup>2<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duller hair color<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greater susceptibility to breakage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brittle or frizzy textures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Split or frayed ends<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t freak out if you step outside on a sweltering day. Temperatures only become dangerous for hair around 300 degrees Fahrenheit.<sup>3<\/sup><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While most blow dryers stay under 140 degrees Fahrenheit, flat irons and curling irons both range up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, making them dangerous to use on natural hair repeatedly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line is, whether you have color treated hair or the healthiest strands out there, heat protection is your best friend. This may possibly be the most important and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/best-product-for-every-hair-type\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">best product for every hair type<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when heat styling.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>How Heat Protectants Work<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, how do heat protectants work their magic? By binding around hair strands, they block hot temperatures from melting those precious proteins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Every heat protector contains <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">active ingredients<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Whether manmade or natural, these ingredients create a film around your hair, slowing the spread of heat to prevent major damage. Some common active ingredients include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polymers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Silicones<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hydrolized wheat protein<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Octafluoropentyl methacrylate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quaternary 70<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind, heat protectants aren\u2019t 100% effective \u2014 they lower heat risk, but they don\u2019t eliminate it. Each product has a temperature limit, which you can find on the bottle. Also, you most likely won\u2019t be able to coat <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">every<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> strand on your head. Avoiding hot tools is the only sure way to prevent all heat damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Should I Look for in a Heat Protectant?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sure, you <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">could<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pick a random heat protectant off the shelf, but that formula might leave you with starchy strands or even minimal protection. Not every product is created equally to protect heat styling. As such, picking a quality heat protectant will save your tresses in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To find the best heat protectant, it\u2019s important to look for a few key components. Check the back of the box for these markers in your next heat protectant:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>High-temperature limits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 If you can\u2019t resist the flatiron, then a low-grade heat protectant won\u2019t cut it. Make sure your chosen product blocks temperatures up to at least 425 degrees Fahrenheit. That way, your hair can resist even the strongest curling iron.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Natural actives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Go clean with your beauty, and don\u2019t look back. Ditch the silicones and parabens for natural formulas that do the job equally well, like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/briogeo-rosarco-blow-dry-perfection-heat-protectant-creme-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Briogeo Rosarco Heat Protectant Creme<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A vegan and cruelty-free protectant, this creme uses hydrolyzed wheat protein and soy protein (alongside moisturizing rosehip and argan oils) to stop heat damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hair type-appropriate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Like any hair product, heat protectants should bring out the best of your natural texture! For curly hair, that might mean a moisture-sealing formula with oils or a gel texture. For fine hair, that could be a volumizing spray. Pick a formula that makes your hair type shine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nourishing ingredients<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 The best protectants don\u2019t only block the heat, they also leave your hair looking better! Seek protectants with nourishing and stylizing ingredients, like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/orlando-pita-play-atmos-shield-hair-protectant-treatment-spray\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orlando Pita Play Atmos-Shield\u00ae Spray<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With hydrolyzed keratin, argan oil, and fruit extracts, your hair will be safe <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shiny.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>How Should I Use Heat Protectants?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not just about the product\u2019s quality \u2014 to reap a heat protectant\u2019s full powers, you need to apply it correctly. Use these tips to keep your hair as shielded as possible:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dampness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Always apply heat protectants to slightly damp hair. This will help your hair absorb the product.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Amount<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 For creams or gels, use a dime-size or quarter-size of product to prevent buildup. For sprays, you can apply liberally.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Distribute<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Once applied, comb your heat protectant through the entirety of your hair. This will keep your hair strands as coated as possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, while including thermal protection in heat styling will prevent hair damage, it&#8217;s just as important to know how to use it. Using even the best heat protectant spray, gel, or oil doesn&#8217;t mean it&#8217;ll do its job unless you&#8217;re using it correctly and effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Healthy Hair (and More) With FabFitFun<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haircare doesn&#8217;t stop at the shampoo and conditioner you use, it also includes protecting your hair before a styling tool. Knowing how to protect hair from heat with a top-quality heat protectant can keep your locks shining for years to come. But the fun doesn\u2019t have to stop at haircare \u2014 with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/get-the-box\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FabFitFun<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you have a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs, including hair, makeup, skincare, and more!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sign up for a seasonal or annual membership, and you get access to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hundreds<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of high-quality products from top brands. We offer these must-haves via:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seasonal boxes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discounted Add-On items<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exclusive online store collection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access to members-only sales<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter your membership plan, you get guaranteed savings on every product. It\u2019s a savvy decision for the most stylish shoppers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Sources:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Science Direct. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair Keratin<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/hair-keratin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/hair-keratin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lab Muffin. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Do Heat Protectant Hair Products Work? <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u200b\u200b<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/labmuffin.com\/how-do-heat-protectant-hair-products-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/labmuffin.com\/how-do-heat-protectant-hair-products-work\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Cut<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. How Heat Protectants Work to Shield Hair From Heat Damage. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecut.com\/2021\/06\/how-heat-protectants-work-to-shield-hair-from-heat-damage.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CHeat%20protectants%20create%20a%20barrier,Esther%20Olu%2C%20a%20cosmetic%20chemist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.thecut.com\/2021\/06\/how-heat-protectants-work-to-shield-hair-from-heat-damage.html<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":"Everyone loves the bouncy and glossy tresses of a fresh blowout. But with every dryer, ...","author":7532304,"featured_media":174330,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[6,142,393],"tags":[],"thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/static.fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/31080726\/What-is-the-Best-Heat-Protectant-for-Hair.jpg","thumbnail_url_middle_card":"https:\/\/static.fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/31080726\/What-is-the-Best-Heat-Protectant-for-Hair-386x200.jpg","formated_date":"April 6, 2022","category_name":"Beauty","category_icon":"https:\/\/d3vodd1ws13xud.cloudfront.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/10113828\/beauty-1.svg","author_name":"The FabFitFun Team","trending":true,"sponsored":false,"random_color":"#9bb50a","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/174328"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7532304"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=174328"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/174328\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/174330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=174328"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=174328"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=174328"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}