The 5 Best Thermal Protection Products To Shield Hair From Heat Styling

When hair comes into contact with heat from styling tools, the disulfide bonds along the hair strand expand. These bonds are the source of our hair’s strength, structure and protein chain. So excessive and frequent heat risk expanding these bonds to breaking point - leading to permanent damage. This is why protecting and priming hair for hot tools is the most vital step in preventing heat damage. Once hair has been damaged by heat, there’s little to no method to repair it and a dreaded chop is the only solution to fix it. Hair prone to dryness and thinness needs to be extra cautious as these hair types are particularly vulnerable to easy damage. But we get it- hot tools such as blow driers, straightening irons, and hot combs are the backbone of hairstyling and most hairstyles cannot be achieved without these tools. That’s where our beauty pro’s recommended list comes into play. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best thermal protection products to shield hair from heat styling created to form protective barriers on the scalp level and minimize the amount of stress on hair that heat imposes. Here are our top picks:

Kerastase Genesis Defense Thermique

A lightweight milky liquid formula that acts as a defence barrier by fortifying hair from heat up to 220°C! This is the perfect protective product for people prone to hair loss as its specialised to strengthen weakened breaking hair too. It’s enriched with Edelweiss Native Cells and Ginger Root to hydrate and increase heat resistance. It also provides 24 hour anti frizz protection in high humidity conditions. Kerastase Genesis Defense Thermique

Nashi Argan Instant Hydrating Styling Mask

This fast acting hair mask doubles as a heat protection styling spray that can be applied before using hot irons light straightening or curling irons. The argan contained will supply in some much needed moisture and hydration during the frequent usage of heat. Leave it in to loosen knots, detangle and to simplify and prolong the styling process. Hair is left shiny and styled as desired and protected from heat damage. Nashi Argan Instant Hydrating Styling Mask

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Spray

Leave in conditioning sprays are known to be effective heat styling protection products. They prepare your hair to make it more resistant to heat damage. This Daily Damage Defence Spray by Philip Kingsley tackles heat protection with an infusion of Sweet Almond Seedcake Extract and Pro Vitamin B5. These ingredients work together to build strength, add moisture and reduce breakage to minimize damage from heat styling tools. A plus side of this spray is it’s an ‘elasticiser’ that makes hair moveable and easier to style with heat. Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Spray

Alterna Restructuring Bond Repair Leave-in Heat Protection Spray

Apply this anti-ageing vitamin rich conditioning spray to help repair as much as possible and seal hair surface to protect from heat damage of up to 220°C. This will create a barrier over hair strands to prevent the dreaded permanent damage, spilt ends and frizzing. Leave it in for soft, conditioned and perfectly primed strands before that heat hits. Alterna Bond Repair Leave In Protein Spray

Davines Melu Hair Shield

It’s all in the name for this heat protective spray. The Melu spray protects all hair types from the effects of straighteners and blow dryers. It keeps hair structure and integrity intact while preventing further stress with a conditioning antistatic action. Hair is left adequately ready to take the heat styling and appear visibly shiny and strong. Melu Hair Shield An important practice to remember when styling with heat tools is to always set styling tools to the lowest possible temperature setting. Whenever possible, limit the frequency and usage of heat where you can. If using a hairdryer is the preferred method of drying, try using an old shirt or a silky pillowcase to dry hair from time to time - just to give your hair a break. The best thermal protection products to shield hair from heat styling are in the form of sprays and liquid formulas. This is for the sake of convenience to apply to the hair and using heat immediately afterwards. However, there are plenty of products available such as masks and moisturisers that can keep hair hydrated and smooth to also protect from inevitable dryness cause by heating tools. There’s no need to fear or do away with hot tools or with the help of our recommended products. It’s simply a matter of adding this heat protection to your styling routine at the start and permanent heat damage can be avoided. *All products are available in the UAE only *Disclaimer: Products are recommended and not meant to treat diagnose or cure any condition. Consult nearest salon stylist for professional help