What is a heat protectant and why is is so necessary?

Let’s face it, heat the hair is an unavoidable reality. Even if you manage to skip the electric heat sources like dryers and straighteners, you still set foot outside into the UAE’s heat and humidity – exposing your hair to the damaging effects caused by high temperatures.

Did you know that exposure to heat can actually change the shape of your hair’s keratin strands, causing your hair to become weaker and lose its elasticity? And while we definite on ly all want beautifully styled hair, I think we can all agree we don’t want it to become dry and brittle.

This is where a good heat protectant can make all the difference.

So what exactly is a heat protectant?

Heat protectant products help to minimize the damage caused to your hair when using a heat source. When applied to your hair ahead of heat styling, these protective sprays and leave-ins create a protective layer on your hair, sealing in the moisture and smoothening the cuticle – or outer layer of your hair.

When should I use my heat protectant?

Whether your hair is naturally straight or has a curl or wave through it, heat protection is an absolute must. If you have naturally straight hair, your heat protection should be applied to damp hair ahead of drying. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, you can add your products first and then apply your heat protection and diffuse into your hair.

How often should I use my heat protectant?

A good recipe for success is to limit the frequency of using heat styling tools, if at all possible. Every time you do use your heat stylers, apply your heat protectant to minimize the damage.

What happens when I don’t use a heat protectant?

Over time, your hair can really begin to suffer with no protection and continuous exposure to heat sources. Excessive heat exposure will begin to strip the natural or artificial color pigments from your hair and diminish the keratin protein that gives your hair its strength and elasticity. When this happens the hair cuticle begins to open up and becomes a source for frizz.

So, how do I select the right heat protectant for my hair?

When it comes to choosing the right heat protection product, there can be so much to consider. The texture, density and condition of your hair plays a huge part in choosing the right product, along with the ever-important budget.

Our top tip is to avoid buying the supermarket shelf options as most of them are filled with artificial ingredients which coat hair in silicones, leaving it even more dehydrated and damaged. Spending that little bit more on products made with high-quality, natural ingredients not only means your hair will be properly protected, but a little bit also does go a long way so you should not have to replace as frequently.

Davines This is a Blow Dry Primer – Leave-in spray that primes hair for a perfect blowout. It serves as a heat protectant spray, an anti-humidity barrier and a shine-enhancer, reducing styling time. Suitable for all hair types. The active ingredients in this primer are balanced to elevate styling function and help define the final result: from extra moisture, to extreme bounce and anti-flaking qualities. a MUST HAVE!

Davines LOVE CURL Primer – Moisturizing milk that gives definition to the hair, untangling it and making styling easy. With an anti-humidity effect and protecting hair from heat. Ideal for wavy or curly hair. Made from Noto almond extract that are sourced from the farm of Mr. Assenza in Noto, Siracusa, Italy, as a part of Slow Food Presidia. These almonds are rich in proteins and vitamins, helping to elasticize and add volume to curly hair.

Davines MELU Hair Shield – Ideal for protecting all types of hair from stress caused by the straightener or blow dryer. The MELU spray effectively protects the hair from heat stresses by preventing breakage. The formula includes lentils which are rich in Serine and Glutamic Acid, two very strong nourishing amino acids which work brilliantly to protect and rebuild fragile hair.

Davines Heart of Glass Sheer Glaze – This brightening thermal leave-on fluid for has been created specifically for blondes. It provides hydration, shine, and heat protection. Thanks to the patented Fortifying Botanical Shield, it gives elasticity and vigour to the hair fiber, helping to extend the duration of the blowdry.

Davines Love Smoothing Perfector – This smoothing product provides heat protection while also preventing frizz and creating shine. It has a lightweight, creamy texture due to its core ingredient, Minuta Olive Extract, which is extremely nourishing, moisturising and softening.

Davines OI All In One Milk – Lightweight OI All In One Milk is a multi-function leave-in spray treatment that softens, detangles, controls frizz and protects the hair from heat. Roucou Oil, full of beta-carotene and antioxidants works the strengthen the hair and protect from environmental damage.

Davines Liquid Spell – This Leave on treatment is for for sensitized or fine hair. It strengthens and compacts the hair structure giving vitality and body to the hair that looks healthier, silky and naturally shiny. This product is a favorite of all the Boho stylists and it’s no surprise…it works magic on the most fragile and vulnerable hair!

Davines SU Milk – This Leave-on softening milk is enriched with UV protective filters that protect cosmetic colour and hydration during sun exposure. It keeps the hair soft, light and combable. This product literally acts as sun screen for the hair, perfect in this climate!

Innersense Hair Love Prep Spray – This is a priming spray to provide optimal body, style retention and thermal care. Prime and prepare hair with love. Vitamin B and rice protein restore strength and shine while plumping hair from roots to ends during styling. Baobab and angelica root provide care for thermal, UV and environmental exposure.