You can start protecting your hair as you wash it by using products fortified with silicones, and following up with another layer of heat protection before beginning to style. Being proactive in shielding your hair from heat can save you inches of lifeless, damaged hair, and time trying to hide them.
For someone with natural hair, rocking your hair in its natural state can become complicated by strands of straight hair, cascading through your curly texture. Someone might be thinking, “Well, my hair is already damaged, I’ll just wear it straight.” NO! Continuing to straighten heat damaged hair is only going to make matters worse.
One reason that a heat protectant* is important is because as you style your hair with heat, you’re weakening it. First the blow dryer*, then the flat irons*. Your hair needs a barrier to combat the straightening process.
Another reason is that heat dries out your hair. Applying a heat protectant to your damp hair before drying can help to seal in moisture and add shine. For added shine, and protection, add a light layer of a heat protectant* to your hair after drying it, before flat ironing or curling.
A simple way to avoid heat damage is to abstain from the use of heat styling tools. Not using heat to style your hair will ultimately keep your hair safe from irreversible damage to the strands of your hair.
Another option is to allow a professional to straighten your hair. If you are uncomfortable straightening your own hair, or you just don’t feel like it, look for a trustworthy stylist near you. On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, check out my four top heat protectants!
1. Chi Silk Infusion: Strengthens and protects hair from use of heat styling tools, builds strength, and improves shine.
2. Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum: Lightweight formula shields hair from heat damage, promotes manageability for use of heat tools, and finishes with a smooth polish.
3. Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray: Defends hair against heat, enhances flexibility, and leaves hair shiny and soft.
4. Giovanni 2 Chic Avocado and Olive Oil Ultra Moist Super Potion: Protects hair during heat styling and humidity, and rebonds the hair to prevent splitting.
All of these products are easy to find at your local pharmacy or beauty retailer. Be sure to read the product label for directions and adjust your heat tools to a temperature setting that is is right for your hair.
By taking the necessary precautions, you can rock that bouncy blow out and not worry about damaging your hair. So go ahead and grab your flat irons* or make an appointment, and rock that healthy, heat protected hair without fear.