Preparation
Achieving the perfect hairstyle often takes time, the right products, and a number of tools, but some of your favorite methods for styling your hair could be causing heat damage. Whether you prefer to blow-dry, curl, or straighten it, protecting your hair is key to maintaining its overall health and ability to grow. Armed with the right heat protectant spray for your hair type and needs, though, and you can more confidently yield those styling tools. “If we want to have our most manageable and healthy hair, then we must care for it,” explains Gina Scipioni, hairstylist and NEUMA director of education. “A good heat protectant will also enhance hair shine by helping to close the hair cuticle, which will keep hair looking healthier for longer.”
Your styling process can involve multiple tools with various heat settings, which makes it all the more important to introduce a heat protectant at the correct point in your routine. “A heat protectant should always be applied prior to applying any heat or thermal tools to the hair,” says Alicia Bailey, hair texture expert and global education manager at Design Essentials. “This would include blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons or wands, and hot rollers.” Simply put, before you start working on your perfect hairstyle, be sure to employ one of these powerful protectors.
Best Overall: Dove Style+Care Smooth & Shine Heat-Protectant SprayBest for Fine Hair: Waterless Heat Shield Protectant & SprayBest for Medium Hair: Oribe Royal BlowoutBest for Thick Hair: Lee Stafford Heat Blow Dry Protection CreamBest for Dry Hair: Kerastase Nutritive Nectar ThermiqueBest for Oily Hair: Design Essentials Weightless Thermal Protectant SerumBest for Dyed Hair: ColorProof Ironmaster Color & Heat Protecting Setting SprayBest for Wavy and Curly Hair: Moroccan Oil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant Best for Type 3 and 4 Curly Hair: Design Essentials Agave and Lavender Moisturizing Blow-Dry and Styling Primer
