top of page
Writer's pictureShe's SINGLE Magazine
Apr 114 min read

Does Heat Protectant Spray Actually Work?

by RankCastle Publishers, Sponsored Posts

Using heat to style, dry, and treat hair is as normal for most people as brushing their teeth. It’s an ordinary part of life that can make people feel extraordinary. From hair dryers to straighteners, all these items use heat to manipulate hair's form and dry it quickly. Exposing hair to extreme heat regularly can cause damage. That’s where heat-protective sprays come in. Designed to combat heat damage, many people have raised the question, “Does heat protectant spray actually work?”


Yes, certain heat protectant sprays do a phenomenal job of protecting your hair against heat by adding a protective layer over the hair. This makes it resistant to extreme heat for a duration. However, they don’t provide complete protection, so safe styling practices are suggested when using heat on your hair.


WHAT IS A HEAT PROTECTANT PRODUCT?

Heat-protective sprays create a protective layer over each strand of hair, preventing the cuticle from being exposed to heat and reducing the chances of your hair getting damaged when using heat tools like hair dryers and straighteners. Heat protectants come in many forms, including oils or creams that can be rubbed into hair. Others are sprays that you apply lightly over the hair.


HOW CAN HEAT DAMAGE YOUR HAIR?

To really grasp how effective heat protection is, it’s good to get an idea of how heat can damage your hair. Exposure to high or consistent heat changes the shape of your hair keratin strands, converting α-keratin to β-keratin. This causes your hair to lose its elasticity and gradually become weaker and more prone to damage.


HOW DOES HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY WORK?

By providing a protective coat over your hair, heat protectant sprays make hair more resistant to heat, but there’s science behind it. They’re comprised of ingredients that work together to provide your hair with what it needs to withstand high heat applied to it. These include thermal protection, moisture lock, cuticle smoothing, conditioning agents, and friction-reducing ingredients.


Ingredients like PVP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer and Quaternium-70 all work together to add a layer of thermal protection, while other ingredients like glycerin or other humectants bind and attract moisture to the hair, stopping it from getting dry and brittle.


The outer layer, known as the cuticle, can become raised and damaged through heat styling, resulting in frizz and a dull appearance. Many heat protectants contain silicones, like dimethicone or cyclomethicone, which coat the hair and smooth down the cuticle. This also ensures that your hair maintains a shinier and smoother look.


Aside from its protective qualities, most heat-protective sprays also have conditioning agents that repair and strengthen your hair. Ingredients like panthenol, keratin, and various oils can penetrate the hair shaft, offering additional nourishment and helping to repair existing damage. This will reinforce your hair's natural ability to defend itself and improve its overall health.


Finally, using hair styling tools like hair straighteners or curlers can cause friction on your hair, especially when your hair is dry. Heat protectant sprays often have lubricants in them that ensure your hair is well lubricated to reduce friction and improve the performance of hair styling tools.


WHAT ARE SOME COMMON INGREDIENTS IN HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY?

Ingredients in heat protectant sprays will vary from brand to brand. That said, you’ll find some standard ingredients in most heat-protectant sprays.

  • PVP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer

  • Quaternium-70

  • Hydrolyzed wheat protein

  • Silicones


There are also heat-protective products that utilize natural ingredients that provide your hair with certain health-promoting properties and protect it from heat. We’d suggest looking for products that also contain the following ingredients:

  • Coconut oil

  • Grapeseed oil

  • Argan oil

  • Shea butter

  • Almond oil

  • Abyssinia Seed Oil

  • Jojoba oil



WHEN SHOULD YOU USE HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY?

Heat protective spray should generally be applied before using any heat tools that function with heat. For instance, you’d apply the protectant spray before using a hair dryer or straightener.


HOW DO YOU USE A HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY?

Certain heat protectant spray brands will come with their own instructions on how they need to be applied and used. However, here are some common steps to follow to ensure you get the best results:

  • Use your fingers or a comb to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends and moving upwards.

  • Apply a leave-in conditioner to your damp hair to provide an additional moisture layer.

  • Use a comb to divide your hair into sections and secure each with hair clips for easier management.

  • Apply your heat-protectant serum or spray to one section at a time, ensuring coverage from root to tip.

  • Use a paddle brush while blow-drying each section for even heat distribution.

  • After styling, apply a shine spray to add an extra moisture barrier and enhance your hair's glossiness.



SIGNS OF HEAT DAMAGE IN HAIR

It’s pretty easy to spot when your hair is damaged due to using heat tools. Some common signs of heat damage include:

  • Split ends

  • Dullness

  • Dryness

  • Brittle strands

  • Breakage

  • Curls that don’t bounce back

Heat protect sprays are designed to protect your hair from heat when you use tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curlers. While there are some super effective heat-protective brands, there are also some that don’t work as well. So, be sure to check reviews and ingredients before choosing a spray.

bottom of page