In a world where everyone is addicted to their favorite curling iron or straightener, the need for protecting hair from the heat has become essential.
One of the most popular products on the market today is heat protectant spray, but can it actually do more harm than good? We looked into it.
Everything you need to know about heat protectant spray
Before we get to some potential problems, let’s go over what heat protectant spray is and what it does.
When we style our hair with straighteners, curling irons, and blow-dryers, we are exposing our scalp and strands to an unnatural burst of heat that can cause damage. Some of this damage results in split ends, scalp irritation, frizzy hair, or even hair falling out due to stress. This makes it all the more important to fortify the hair properly.
It must be said that hair protectant spray doesn’t stop heat damage, but it does work to minimize it at much as possible. Using a water base, the spray wraps itself around your hair strands and hardens to form a protective layer. It can cover a large surface area, and when it is rubbed further into the hair with your hands, it can reach all the important spots and give you a good chance of avoiding the worst common heat damage.
Sounds great, so what’s the problem?
As with most haircare products, nothing is perfect. While heat protectant spray is a great tool for strengthening your hair as much as possible, it can lead to some problems if it is used incorrectly or too much.
The most common of these problems is inducing dryness. Much like a traditional hairspray, overusing it can turn your hair into a straw-like state, where all of the healthy moisture and oil becomes trapped by the spray itself, leading to awful dryness. The same principle applies to heat protectant spray. This can, in turn, cause the same type of damage heat can, leading to an annoying and ironic situation.
Moderation is key
The way to avoid this potential harm is to do the sensible thing and only use heat protectant spray in moderation. The spray should only be applied before you specifically use hot styling items. Do not spray your hair constantly throughout the day, and don’t use it to protect yourself from the sun. Always follow the clear instructions on the packaging to get the best out of the spray.
Final word
In conclusion, a heat protectant spray can do wonders to fortify your hair from heat damage, but it should also be used in moderation.
Take the time to evaluate your hair type and styling routine before buying a spray to make sure you actually need one.
If you take the plunge, the benefits outweigh the risks, and you can look forward to being able to style your hair relatively stress-free. Good luck!
