HOW IMPORTANT IS A HEAT PROTECTANT?
Let me see if I got this straight. You want to know how valuable heat protectant is, correct?
Actually this is like a life and death question for your hair. This is all the more true if you have locks that tend to be on the finer side. (Which suggests you might benefit from reading this article “Desperately Seeking Help for Fine Hair Hairstyles?” found on TerrificTresses.com, but I digress.)
Also seems to me if you have to ask that's not exactly a good sign you're a hair styling know-it-all, that's for sure.
I point that out not to be snarky, but more because using hot styling tools on unprotected hair is like a death wish for any shiny, smart- looking, stylish mane.
That holds true no matter how infrequently you resort to using a flat or curling iron or blow dry your hair.
As a rule of thumb, applying a heat protectant spray or serum is always a good idea before letting any hot styling tool anywhere near your head. Otherwise you are opening yourself up to serious damage the your hair shafts delicate as they are.
Of course it's ultimately up to you. It's your hair. You’ll have to live with the results if you abuse it.
It’s just that most styling pros would recommend you strongly consider using heat protectant every time you switch on any hot styling tool. (I realize I am kinda beating a dead horse here but please indulge me because it’s important.) Even if it is just once, twice, or three times a month such products must be used right before you apply any heat to your hair since there is no such thing as damage-free hot styling.
I mean some of these tools can hit 400 degrees F or higher. If you've ever burned yourself by accidentally touching the heated surface you know they are hot. Really hot. Your hair feels the same about it. Which is why it’s smart to only use enough heat to achieve the look you are seeking. Just because the tool can hit 400 degrees doesn’t necessarily mean you need 400 degrees, know what I mean?
Warning: Any steam rising off your hair when flat ironing etc. isn't a
good sign. Rather it's a hair disaster in the making. That steam says
your hair isn't as perfectly dry as it should be. Any hot styling tool
used on even slightly damp strands risks fraying the shaft as the
steam is released. This creates weak spots and encourages breakage.
Which reminds me, remembering to only use hot styling tools on 100% dry hair would be a good second takeaway here.
Now these heat protectors, whether spray, balm, or oil all work to lock away the natural moisture into your hair so it won't get as dry and frazzled. Yes, you read that right, "as dry and frazzled". Because again there is no such thing as damage free hot styling even if you take precautions. Heat protectants are the only way to keep the damage to you your hair to a minimum. Well, unless you decide to swear off hot styling tools forever which I personally think is next to impossible.
Of course if you don't believe me, maybe Tresseme can persuade you. Oh and if you linger over the reviews you'll discover another important lesson in hair care. That is no product, no matter how well it may work for most, works for everyone.
Hint: If you insist, consider using a flat iron consisting of ceramic
plates. This type of straightener will seal in your hair's moisture
reducing the potential effects of the heat on your hair.
Another good idea if you're addicted to styling tools is to give your hair a break. You might see this referred to as a "hot tool holiday". Such hot styling tool free days will give your mane a chance to do some natural recovery. Or at least expose it to less abuse. Which surely can't hurt. And who knows, such a break from all that heat may just help you enjoy healthier, more manageable hair.
One more and we're done. Naturally moisturizing your hair will help it better withstand the heat of flat irons and the like. Look for masks that contain coconut or jojoba oils. Even homemade masks will help to replenish moisture your strands have lost. Helping them to feel softer and look better too.
Anyway, seems I got a bit off track here. Sorry about that. But all these points involve ways to protect your hair even if you only hot iron your hair once in a blue moon. They are all the more vital to follow if you're a little hot styling tool junkie.
Actually this is like a life and death question for your hair. This is all the more true if you have locks that tend to be on the finer side. (Which suggests you might benefit from reading this article “Desperately Seeking Help for Fine Hair Hairstyles?” found on TerrificTresses.com, but I digress.)
Also seems to me if you have to ask that's not exactly a good sign you're a hair styling know-it-all, that's for sure.
I point that out not to be snarky, but more because using hot styling tools on unprotected hair is like a death wish for any shiny, smart- looking, stylish mane.
That holds true no matter how infrequently you resort to using a flat or curling iron or blow dry your hair.
As a rule of thumb, applying a heat protectant spray or serum is always a good idea before letting any hot styling tool anywhere near your head. Otherwise you are opening yourself up to serious damage the your hair shafts delicate as they are.
Of course it's ultimately up to you. It's your hair. You’ll have to live with the results if you abuse it.
It’s just that most styling pros would recommend you strongly consider using heat protectant every time you switch on any hot styling tool. (I realize I am kinda beating a dead horse here but please indulge me because it’s important.) Even if it is just once, twice, or three times a month such products must be used right before you apply any heat to your hair since there is no such thing as damage-free hot styling.
I mean some of these tools can hit 400 degrees F or higher. If you've ever burned yourself by accidentally touching the heated surface you know they are hot. Really hot. Your hair feels the same about it. Which is why it’s smart to only use enough heat to achieve the look you are seeking. Just because the tool can hit 400 degrees doesn’t necessarily mean you need 400 degrees, know what I mean?
Warning: Any steam rising off your hair when flat ironing etc. isn't a
good sign. Rather it's a hair disaster in the making. That steam says
your hair isn't as perfectly dry as it should be. Any hot styling tool
used on even slightly damp strands risks fraying the shaft as the
steam is released. This creates weak spots and encourages breakage.
Which reminds me, remembering to only use hot styling tools on 100% dry hair would be a good second takeaway here.
Now these heat protectors, whether spray, balm, or oil all work to lock away the natural moisture into your hair so it won't get as dry and frazzled. Yes, you read that right, "as dry and frazzled". Because again there is no such thing as damage free hot styling even if you take precautions. Heat protectants are the only way to keep the damage to you your hair to a minimum. Well, unless you decide to swear off hot styling tools forever which I personally think is next to impossible.
Of course if you don't believe me, maybe Tresseme can persuade you. Oh and if you linger over the reviews you'll discover another important lesson in hair care. That is no product, no matter how well it may work for most, works for everyone.
Hint: If you insist, consider using a flat iron consisting of ceramic
plates. This type of straightener will seal in your hair's moisture
reducing the potential effects of the heat on your hair.
Another good idea if you're addicted to styling tools is to give your hair a break. You might see this referred to as a "hot tool holiday". Such hot styling tool free days will give your mane a chance to do some natural recovery. Or at least expose it to less abuse. Which surely can't hurt. And who knows, such a break from all that heat may just help you enjoy healthier, more manageable hair.
One more and we're done. Naturally moisturizing your hair will help it better withstand the heat of flat irons and the like. Look for masks that contain coconut or jojoba oils. Even homemade masks will help to replenish moisture your strands have lost. Helping them to feel softer and look better too.
Anyway, seems I got a bit off track here. Sorry about that. But all these points involve ways to protect your hair even if you only hot iron your hair once in a blue moon. They are all the more vital to follow if you're a little hot styling tool junkie.