If you’re at the mercy of everything #HairTok (guilty) then you’ll be all too aware of some non-negotiables when it comes to healthy hair. The golden rule? Avoid heat damage. Easier said than done for some of us. If you're unable to forgo your hairstraighteners completely (guilty, again) then you’ll also be aware of the importance of applying a decent heat protectant. It's the hair savvy thing to do. But if you thought ticking this particular healthy hair box was as simple as dousing your lengths in the stuff, then listen up. Because it turns out you might have been doing it all wrong...
In a recent video with over 180k views and counting TikTok creator (and hairdresser) Mary @thisgirldoeshair says, ‘If you are restyling your hair throughout the week and not applying the correct heat protectant you are causing so much unnecessary damage. You need to be using a dry, aerosol heat protectant spray. If you apply a wet heat protectant (a spray one, or a leave-in conditioner) and you don’t quickly blast it in with a hair dryer, that will burn your hair. When you clamp it with something hot it will sizzle away - you’re basically frying up your hair.’ Oh dear.
The solution, it would seem, is a relatively straightforward one. Use a dry heat protector on dry hair before styling. Wet heat protectors, whether sprayed onto dry, damp or wet hair should be dried off thoroughly (either left to dry or dried with a hairdryer) before you reach for a hot tool.
Need more expert intel? Enter our Grazia beauty panellists:
'Some heat protectors can be used on wet and dry hair, while others I designed to be used on one or the other. Most will tell you which In the directions on the bottle,' advises global hair stylist, Tom Smith. 'Any product applied to dry hair that leaves the hair feeling went to touch has the potential to damage the hair when direct heat is applied, and so if reapplying heat protection on dry hair be sure to allow the product to dry in first.'
While Smith says you can still use your usual wet mist on dry hair ('as long as you use the cool airflow on your hairdryer to make sure all the product has dried in'), if you want to streamline your routine, then a dry mist is the way to go.
Sam McKnight MBE says, 'most people think of heat protection products as ones that you put into wet freshly washed hair before blowdrying, but there are some fantastic multi-tasking ones that you can mist directly onto dry hair before using heated styling tools. Not everyone blowdries their hair so having tailor made formulations that are quick and easy to use is key_._'
Shop: The Best Dry Heat Protectants
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Considered Sam's ultimate multi-tasker, expect a hairspray heat protectant hybrid that works like a dream on second day hair. It's no wonder Sienna Miller and Kate Moss are fans.
Sam says: 'When I formulated my Modern Hairspray, the aim was to create a dry styler that gave your style lasting hold whilst giving heat protection up to 230℃ so you can use it with curling irons, straighteners, a hot brush or velcro/hot rollers. Any too really made for dry hair styling. I even use it when blow-drying to finish once dry, to give hair humidity protection and lock in the blowout.”
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Chic packaging
- Long-lasting styles
Cons
- Often sells-out
www.spacenk.com
A heat styling hero, Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection spray works to shield hair from damage caused by heat of up to 232°C. Bonus points for the inclusion of macadamia oil helps to smooth and condition even the most parched strands.
Pros
- Chic packaging
- High levels of heat protectant
- Nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Expensive
www.boots.com
This one provides ample heat protection for just a fiver - we'll forgo the chic packaging.
Pros
- Cheap price
- A small amount goes a long way
Cons
- Packaging isn't the most Insta-worthy
www.lookfantastic.com
Soft, silky, protected hair made easy thanks to this weightless aerosol that works to nourish, condition, and shields hair from heat tools.
Pros
- Leaves hair feeling soft and silky
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Nozzle can be tempermental
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Chock full of hydrating ingredients, the Hot Toddy Heat Protectant is powered with fire tulip extract (fancy) marula oil and heat-activated rice protein. Plus, it's cruelty free.
Pros
- Leaping bunny approved
- Contains marula oil for nourishment
Cons
- While great for drier hair types, it's not the best option for greasy roots
Needless to say, using any type of heat protectant is better than using none at all - but if you want the best hair of your life, then investing in a good dry heat protection mist could be just the ticket. Making the switch? Well, that could be the difference between glossy locks and heat ravaged strands. Consider this your official warning...
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness