Protect Your Hair from Heat Styling: What Products to Use With Hair Texturizers & Hair Straightener

The right products can help keep your hair strong and healthy, even if you use heat tools multiple times per week. Ideally, you should use heat tools as infrequently as possible. But, if you choose to use hair texturizers or hair straightener products regularly, quality heat protectants and styling products can keep your hair healthier longer.



Before using hair texturizers or hair straightener tools, wash your hair thoroughly. Styling products, grease and dirt that build up on your hair every day must be cleansed away if you use a flat iron, or your hair will stick, clump and burn. Wash your hair just prior to using a hair straightener tool, if possible, and always apply a heat treatment spray or cream. Follow your hair straightener instructions carefully, and avoid using heat tools on wet hair.



You may want to switch to a fortifying, hydrating shampoo and conditioner before using hair texturizers or hair straightener tools. Flat irons can suck the moisture out of hair, causing frizz and split ends. Look for a shampoo and conditioner designed to mend split ends, moisturize and add body and luster. A fortifying conditioner, along with a heat protectant, can help your hair stand up to the rigors of a flat iron. Remember, split end damage cannot be undone! Products that claim to fix split ends only temporarily seal the cuticles—to truly eliminate split ends, you’ll have to cut your hair.



Before using a hair straightener, when your hair is wet, use a thermal spray or heat treatment cream. Using a heat treatment on wet hair allows the product to distribute evenly and soften the hair as it dries. Heat protectant creams or sprays will protect your hair from heat damage, and extend the life of the style you’re trying to achieve. They work to prevent breakdown of the hair proteins, prevent water loss from hair strands and prevent the cuticles from splitting. Whether you’re blow-drying, flat ironing or hot combing, a heat protectant cream can help your hair resist humidity and frizzing.



New heat protectants provide multiple benefits for hair treated by hair texturizers and hair straightener tools. Look for a cream that will soften your hair, protect against the damage of a hair straightener and set your style. Some creams will act as a deep conditioner to nourish your hair, and can be applied sparingly as a heat protectant and styling cream.