PETA Heat Protectants
23 products
FAQ
Every time you expose your hair to heat by blow drying it, using a straightener or curling tong, you damage your hair. If you use a heat protector, you reduce the effects of the heat. A heat protector also usually has other properties – for example giving your hair extra shine, detangling it or giving it much-needed nutrition.
Heat protection forms a protective film on the hair strand. This film means that the heat doesn’t come into direct contact with the surface of the hair. Heated styling tools quickly reach very high temperatures – often more than 200 degrees. These temperatures quickly damage the hair, but if you use a heat protector the hair can resist this much better.
Use heat protection every time you use a heated tool on your hair – regardless of whether it’s a quick blow-dry or a long session to achieve a gala hairdo. Apply it to towel dried hair and allow the film to settle a little so the product doesn’t evaporate when you use the heated tool.
The steam you sometimes see when you use a straightener or curling tong is moisture evaporating, and opinion is divided as to whether the heat protection can also evaporate – so it’s best to allow it to dry a little first.
Heat protection can have different formats: spray, cream or oil. It’s best to apply the product into towel dried hair. Read the instructions on the product – some recommend that you apply it to all of your hair at once, while others should be applied as you style your hair. Remember that even if you’re using heat protection you should try to keep the temperature of your heated tools as low as possible.
Different heat protectors are well suited for different hair types. Feel free to read our test of heat protection to find the perfect one for you.