Hairdresser explains whether heat protection is necessary in hair care
Photo: Does hair need thermal protection (freepik.com)
Heat protectant for hair is a cosmetic product applied to hair to protect it from the harmful effects of high temperatures. Cosmetics of this type come in different forms, according to Ukrainian hairdresser Ruslana Bela.
Is heat protection necessary
According to Ruslana, almost any leave-in product you apply to your hair acts as protection against thermal factors.
How does this protection work
The hair contains keratin proteins, which give it elasticity and strength. However, coloring, styling with curling irons/straighteners, blow-drying, sun exposure, and cold weather can destroy this protein. As a result, the outer surface (cuticle) of the hair cracks, and moisture evaporates through these cracks from the inside of the hair, damaging it and making it brittle.
A thin film forms on the hair's surface, which slows down thermal conductivity and distributes heat from curling irons/straighteners/blow dryers evenly. Without heat protection, the hair heats up extremely in one spot, leading to damage.
What is known about heat protection
Despite the wide variety of heat protectants on the market, only a few heat-protective ingredients have been independently studied. In 1998, scientists examined the effects of PVP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer, quaternium-70, and hydrolyzed wheat protein on heat damage from curling irons.
Ruslana noted that only these ingredients have been studied, and it was found that these three components reduce heat impact on hair by 10-20%. Other products might also work in this way to protect hair.
For instance, silicones have low thermal conductivity. This means that when they coat the hair, the heat impact slows down and acts more gently.
According to manufacturers' research, silicones in rinse-out conditioners can protect hair during thermal exposure. It is also likely that silicones in leave-in products provide protection as well.
Silicones also seal the hair cuticle and reduce moisture loss, which helps protect against heat damage. It is possible that many other ingredients also work to reduce heat damage to hair.
The hairdresser stated that heat protectants only reduce the damage from thermal factors; they cannot completely protect your hair. All leave-in products that suit you should work effectively in combination with your hair care routine.
"A leave-in treatment should be 100% one of the essential hair care products," the expert stated.
Read about the 5 reasons why hair falls out when you wash your hair.
