If you style your hair with heat you know how damaging it can be to your strands if you don’t protect them. We’re telling you how to use heat protection spray ahead.

Frequent heat styling weakens and breaks down your hair’s protein bonds. High temperatures strip hair of its moisture and damage the cuticle. This makes your strands more susceptible to frizz, split ends and breakage. So what does heat protectant do? When you apply a heat protection spray to your hair, it forms a protective polymer coating that helps to slow down heat conduction and distribute the heat more evenly. So hair heats up gradually, lessening the shock for less hair damage. Heat protectants use ingredients like humectants (panthenol and propylene glycol), to hydrate and block frizz; amino acids (keratin), to strengthen hair; and natural oils to protect and seal the cuticle. 

 So when should you apply it and how long does heat protectant last? You should apply heat protectant to your hair before using any hot tool including flat irons, curling wands and hot rollers. And should I use heat protectant before blow drying?, you’re likely asking. Yes! You should apply it every time you heat style your hair, whether your hair is damp or dry, from roots to ends- even if it's just a touch up on second-day hair.

Use enough product to be sure your hair is evenly coated with a light layer of product. But don't overdo it. Too much can leave hair feeling weighed-down. If your hair feels weighed down with just a thin coat, try a lighter weight product format.

-Section your hair into quadrants, two toward the front and two toward the back

-Spray the heat protectant from about six inches away

-Next, comb through using a wide tooth comb to detangle

-Let the product sit in your hair for a few minutes, allowing it to soak in, creating the protective barrier around your hair shaft

Heat protectant spray is a non-negotiable in your routine if you use heat to style your hair. Heat styling is one of the biggest causes of dry hair, breakage and split ends, so if you use hot tools regularly, you could be doing some serious damage to your hair. But a heat protectant forms a barrier between your hair and hot tool, locking in moisture and slowing the penetration of heat, and allowing it to distribute it evenly.  

When it comes to how to use heat protection spray there are some things to keep in mind to help prevent damage to your strands. Choose professional-grade hot tools with safety features and made from high-quality materials. They’re worth the investment. Combine a heat protectant with other styling products, they’ll work together for even better results. Use tools with adjustable temperature settings, and keep it under 400°F. Fine or damaged hair requires the lowest setting. The thicker and stronger your hair, the higher the temp can be. Limit contact and exposure by keeping your tool moving frequently. It’s better to use a cooler tool longer, than a hotter one and save time. Use heat no more than twice a week, and stop immediately if you start to notice damage.

There are different types of heat protectant products and just like with all hair products, using the right one for your hair type and texture will give you the best results. The most common thermal protection formulas come in spray, cream or serum form. So which is right for you? A good rule of thumb to follow is the thinner your strands, the thinner the consistency should be of your product. 

A lightweight heat protectant spray formula, ideal for all hair types is MELU Hair Shield. It protects from stress caused by straighteners or blow dryers. For coarse, thick hair try a smoothing cream like LOVE Smoothing Perfector. The formula moisturizes without weighing the hair down, making it soft, shiny and easy to comb. Our Liquid Spell is a heat protectant mousse for fine hair that strengthens the hair structure. It gives hair body and movement, making it silky and shiny. Blondes should opt for a brightening thermal fluid like Sheer Glaze, featuring a patented Fortifying Botanical Shield for hydration, shine, and heat protection that extends the duration of your blowdry. Wondering how to use heat protection spray for straightening hair? Try This is a Relaxing Moisturizing Fluid. Although it’s not in spray form, the relaxing fluid adds shine, eliminates frizz, moisturizes hair, and protects against heat and humidity, for a perfectly straight-haired look.

Heat styling can wreak havoc on your hair, so protecting your strands before you style is a must. Skipping heat protection is one of the biggest causes of dry hair, split ends and breakage because it adds a layer of protection against scorching hot temps on your hair. A heat protectant keeps your hair shiny and healthy while using hot tools, minimizing moisture loss and damage. So just like you protect your skin from sun damage with sunscreen, make sure you protect your strands from heat damage. Follow our tips for how to use heat protection spray and use only high grade products to hydrate and protect your hair, like the ones from Davines. All of our heat protection sprays are free of harmful toxins and use natural ingredients to protect your hair from damage. 

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor