BEAUTY
Is A Heat Protectant Really Protecting Your Hair?
By LESLIE LEON
The downside to using a curling iron or straightener is that too much heat can cause damage and weaken the hair’s keratin strands. This is why professionals recommend using a heat protectant beforehand to minimize damage, but does it actually work?
Heat protectant is essential in any hair routine because it creates a small coating around the hair, so heat conducts more slowly and less damage is done. Most heat protectants contain silicones which give you shiny, glossy strands; although, heat protectant only defends against up to 50% damage.
There are other protective measures aside from heat protectant spray, like lowering the temperature of your tools to around 150 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and doing weekly hair masks. Also, try to air dry your hair as often as possible and when you do use heat, avoid letting it sit on one section of hair for too long.