Heat Protectant 101: How to Protect Hair from Hot Tools

Blow-dryers, flat irons and curling irons make styling faster, but regular heat can leave hair dry, dull and more prone to breakage. A heat protectant is one of the simplest ways to look after your hair when you use hot tools. Here's what heat protectants do, how to use them and the options we carry.

What a heat protectant does

Heat protectants are designed to form a protective layer on the hair before heat styling. Depending on the formula, they may also condition, smooth frizz or help a style hold. Each brand describes its own heat-protection claims, including the temperature its product is tested to, so check each product page.

Types of heat protectant

  • Sprays and mists: lightweight and easy to distribute, good for fine to medium hair.
  • Lotions and creams: add smoothing and control, good for thicker or frizz-prone hair.
  • Oils and serums: add shine; some include heat protection.

Options we carry

Check each product page to confirm the brand lists heat protection, and follow its directions.

How to apply it

  1. Start with towel-dried hair. Blot out excess water so the product isn't diluted.
  2. Section your hair. For thick hair, work in two to four sections so every strand gets coverage.
  3. Apply mid-lengths to ends first. That's where hair is oldest and most fragile. Then use what's left near the roots if the product suits your hair.
  4. Comb through. A wide-tooth comb distributes the product evenly.
  5. Re-apply lightly before irons. If you blow-dry and then flat-iron or curl, follow the product's directions for using it on dry hair.

Heat-styling habits that help

  • Use the lowest temperature that gets the job done. Fine, colored or lightened hair usually needs less heat.
  • Don't pass an iron over the same section again and again. Take smaller sections and do one or two slow passes.
  • Never use a flat iron or curling iron on wet hair unless the tool is designed for it.
  • Keep the dryer moving and point the nozzle down the hair shaft to help smooth the cuticle.
  • Give your hair heat-free days when you can.

Heat protection for color-treated and lightened hair

Heat can make color fade faster and can be harder on lightened hair. If your hair is colored, consider a heat protectant from a color-care line, keep temperatures moderate, and add a weekly mask. Our hair masks and treatments collections are a good place to start.

Signs your hair needs more protection

Look out for ends that feel rough or straw-like, a burnt smell when styling, more breakage in your brush, or color that fades quickly. If you notice these, lower your heat, use protection every time, and talk to your stylist about a trim and a repair routine.

A note on air-drying

Air-drying spares your hair from heat, but wet hair is fragile. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb, avoid tight elastics while it's wet, and let it dry fully before sleeping on it.

Finishing the style

After heat styling, a light finishing product can add shine and hold. Try a drop of hair oil or serum on the ends, or a hairspray for hold.

Shop locally or online

Every product mentioned here is available at parkavesalons.com, shipped from our salon in Deer Park, NY, or ready for free pickup at 1940A Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729. Have a question about which product fits your hair? Call 631-434-5540, or book a salon visit at 631-243-5927 and ask your stylist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need heat protectant if I only blow-dry?

Blow-drying is heat styling, so a heat protectant is a good idea any time you use a dryer, flat iron or curling iron.

Can I use hair oil as a heat protectant?

Only if the brand says the oil provides heat protection. Some do, such as Alfaparf Milano Smooth Smoothing Hair Oil with Heat Protection; check each product page.

Should heat protectant go on wet or dry hair?

Most are applied to damp, towel-dried hair before blow-drying. Some can also be used on dry hair before irons. Follow the product's directions.

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