Protect Thy Tresses - Thermal Protectants
We all love our styling tools… Those wonderful heated instruments that allow us to dry, curl, crimp and smooth strands with very little effort. However, if we’re not careful, these hot little numbers can cause some serious damage to our precious tresses.
Any heated tool, not just irons, break down the vital proteins in hair, as well as exhaust the natural oils that moisten and lubricate strands. With frequent use of thermal tools, hair can become dry and brittle, and in severe cases, can experience breakage.
In order to prevent hair from falling victim to hot tools, it’s crucial to apply a heat protectant before applying any heat. Simply add a layer of protection all over or on sections before curling, crimping, waving or straightening.
Luckily, there’s a plethora of products just for the purpose. Here are some of our favorite thermal sprays, creams and elixirs.
TIGI Bed Head Superstar
A lightweight thermal blow dry lotion that pumps up volume while it protects hair from thermal styling damage, TIGI Bed Head Superstar is ideal for any hair length or texture. It offers a slight control.
Joico K-PAK Protective Hairspray
This multi-use, medium hold hairspray offers flexible styling with volume and body that lasts. It holds and protects against thermal damage while taming static and flyaways Ideal for use with flat irons and up-styles.
Rusk Thermal Flat Iron Spray
With protective, humidity-resistant benefits, this styling spray penetrates hair, infusing conditioning and controlling agents like argan oil and Thermplex to seal the cuticle, eliminate frizz, prevent curl reversion, and protect styles from environmental elements.
Bumble and Bumble Repair Blow Dry
This serum-in-creme elixir for dry or damaged hair helps seal split ends and protects against heat, breakage and UV damage, too. It keeps styles looking soft, smooth and healthy for up to three days.
Bain de Terre Magnolia Thermal Iron Protector
Conditions and protects hair from harmful heat, up to 450°, with a fast drying, frizz fighting, light hold. This paraben-free, color-safe thermal protectant offers 24-hour humidity blocker and is infused with magnolia extract plus argan and monoi oils.
Alterna Bamboo Smooth Anti-Breakage Spray
Repairs, strengthens and smoothes strands while providing maximum anti-breakage protection from heat styling tools. This thermal spray provides a high level of thermal protection of up to 428° for an unbreakable heat barrier.
Agadir Argan Oil Hair Shield 450° Plus
This spray treatment provides heat protection up to 450˚ with maximum defense against all heat appliances. Formulated with extra strength heat protection properties that withstand extreme temperatures, it also nourishes, repairs, smoothes and strengthens hair leaving it frizz free with a soft, healthy and silky shine.
Rusk Thermal Alcohol-Free Serum
Eliminate dryness and frizz with this highly concentrated serum that smoothes and seals the hair’s cuticle, eliminating dryness and frizziness instantly. Ideal before or after blow-drying, it immediately creates silky, soft and healthy-looking hair. Perfect for color-treated hair or chemically treated hair.
Tressa Thermal Working Spray
A dual-action, medium hold spray, this thermal protector provides a foundation for heat styling routines. It strengthens with silicone proteins and essential Omega fats and antioxidants for a workable and buildable hold for all hair types.
