When we use heat tools to style our hair, it is advisable to use thermal protectors that protect the hair fiber and minimize the damage caused by high temperatures.
There are many kinds of thermal protectors on the market, but mother nature also provides us with hers. Find out what are the natural thermal protectors for hair.
Coconut oil
This oil is famous for its anti-microbial, moisturizing and anti-dandruff properties, but it is also an excellent thermal protector that helps to have strong, healthy and long hair.
Due to its thick consistency and ability to increase moisture-holding capacity, it also happens to be one of those summer must-haves, when the blazing sun often makes our hair brittle and dry.
Olive oil
It is a very nourishing oil that, in addition to protecting hair from damage caused by heat tools, also moisturizes and softens it.
Oil Grape
Grape seed oil is an excellent natural heat protector, it is applied before flat ironing and leaves the hair with more shine and extreme softness. It can be applied to both wet and dry hair. Protects from heat, and the hair does not stay dry.
Argan oil
It is known as “liquid gold”, it is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin E. It is applied after washing all over the hair. Pay special attention to the ends and then style your hair as usual. Helps repair as well as inhibit the appearance of split ends.
Sunflower oil
This is an oil that is usually present in many hair care products, but it also serves to protect hair from damage caused by heat tools.
Avocado oil
This oil is much more suitable for damaged and extremely dry hair. It will more easily avoid damage to hair that is excessively exposed to hair straighteners, curling irons and the sun.
It is famous for its UVB and UVA ray absorbing properties. It can be mixed with other oils (such as argan or grapeseed oil), or used alone. It is used by applying it and letting it act for 15-20 minutes, to have very soft and nourished hair.
If you want to maintain healthy, nourished and shiny hair, you can put these tips into practice on how to protect your hair from the heat of dryers and straighteners.
- Before you start using your hair straightener, it is important that you keep in mind that the hair must be completely dry. There are certain models of flat irons that are specifically indicated to be used on wet hair but even so, to avoid damaging the hair, it is preferable to do it when it is dry since, in addition, the finish will be much more beautiful. The heat of straightening irons on wet or damp hair damages the structure of the hair fibers and their cuticles in the long term.
- The thermal protector is the best ally to protect your hair from the heat of the iron and any other device such as dryers or tongs. The application of a good protector is ideal to prevent the hair from weakening, drying out and becoming more brittle. It will also make styling much easier and more shaped. At the time of use, try to spread it evenly throughout the hair so that all parts are covered and do it while it is still damp.
To choose the best thermal protector you should consider your hair type and its needs:
For fine or straight hair: In this case, thermal spray protectors are the best option. They are very easy to apply and go anywhere on less dense hair.
For curly or thick hair: Thermal protectors in cream format are excellent. With them it is possible to protect all the hair fibers and also control the frizz of the hair.
For mixed hair: This type of hair is characterized by having a higher concentration of fat on the scalp and with drier ends, so protectors in foam format are convenient and can be applied only to the ends, preventing the part from top is greased.
Once you have applied the thermal protector, you must pay attention to the temperature of the hair straightener that you will select to straighten your hair. This should vary depending on your hair type, but always avoiding subjecting it to a very high temperature for a long time. The recommended ideal temperature is between 170º and 190º. Also, in order not to damage and burn the root of the hair, it is advisable not to bring the iron closer than an inch and a half from the scalp.
How to make your homemade thermal protector?
To make the protector you will need:
- Bottle with dispenser (you can use a recycled container from a hygiene product).
- Water (Try to make it as pure as possible, you can use a filter or mineral).
- Serum (You can choose the one of your preference. This product has silicones and that will help a little more to protect the hair fiber from external damage).
- Coconut oil – moisturizer (Helps protect from dryness that can be caused by the hair dryer or flat iron).
Preparation:
In the spray bottle add water, filling half the bottle. Then, we add 1/4 coconut oil.
After we have applied the natural oil, we add several drops of our favorite serum.
How to use:
When you have washed your hair, gently remove excess water with the towel, make sections in your hair and spray the product, especially on the length. With a puff per section it will be perfect. After that, proceed to blow-dry your hair normally.