What You Need to Know About Heat Protectant Spray

By Leah Williams •  Updated: 08/27/22

If you’ve wondered “do you put heat protectant on wet or dry hair?”, this article explains it!

Obviously, heat protection spray is a must when styling with heating tools. As a rule of thumb, you should never ever go near any heat styling tool without heat protection. Doing so can definitely ruin your beautiful hair!

Quick Answer: Most heat protectant products are used on wet or slightly damp hair. 

Heat protectants serve as a barrier between your hair and the heat styling tool. It seals moisture, fends off frizz, and smoothens the hair cuticle which in turn gives you a smoother finish.

Let’s find out exactly when to use the heat protectant – is it on wet or dry hair?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ghd hair (@ghdhair)

 

Do you use heat protectant spray on wet or dry hair?

Heat protectant spray can be used on dry or damp hair before styling. Apply it to your hair avoiding the scalp. Comb your hair after the application to make sure it’s spread evenly.

Before choosing a heat protectant product, it is important to consider your hair type for you to arrive at something that works well on your strands.

How do you apply a heat protectant to wet hair?

Heat protectants are usually leave-in products that are applied to your hair before heat styling. The procedure is pretty easy. All you have to do is apply the heat protectant on your wet or damp hair before blow-drying or flat ironing.

Still, you shouldn’t ignore the fact that heat tools can still damage your hair despite the application of heat protectant products. So, a bit of TLC and taking a break from heat styling once in a while is necessary!

Do you have to let heat protectants dry before straightening?

Letting the heat protectant dry before straightening your hair is a wise step. Not drying the heat protectant can fry up your hair when you use a flat iron or any heat styling tool.

With that said, be sure to prep your hair before styling with heat tools! It is recommended you let your hair air dry before heat styling. This way, heat damage can be lessened.

The Verdict

Heat protectant products work best on wet or slightly damp hair. However, there are also products that are designed to be used on dry hair. Also, it is important to consider your hair type when choosing heat protectants for the best hair results and long-lasting blowout.

Although heat protectants are designed to shield your hair from heat damage, they do not fully guarantee it. Excessive heat exposure from hair styling tools can potentially kill your hair despite the use of heat protectant sprays.

Not to worry too much. Heat protectants work most of the time as long as you apply them correctly to your hair. They’re formulated to protect your hair from a temperature that is as strong as 450 degrees!

If you’re looking for the best heat protectant for fine hair, check this article for our top-rated recommendations!

Leah Williams

Leah Williams is the founder of Lucky Curl and has been in the hair care and styling industry for the last 15 years. Since then, she has developed incredible expertise and a deep understanding of how to treat and style the most difficult hair types and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with the readers of Lucky Curl.

Related Articles