Are You Using the Right Heat Protection for Your Hair?
Most people know that heat styling can damage the hair, but what’s often overlooked is that not all heat protection products are the same, and they’re not all designed to be used in the same way. Have you ever noticed that your blonde is starting to look yellow? This can be because you are literally frying the keratin inside your hair, and over time, your colour will change. This goes for brunettes too.
Using the correct heat protectant at the right stage (wet or dry) can make a significant difference in the health, strength, and longevity of your style and hair colour. Here's what I recommend in the salon, and why it's worth paying attention to especially living in Australia, as most of them will also give you some protection against the sun!
Why Heat Protection Matters
Every time you use a hairdryer, straightener, or curling tool, your hair is exposed to high temperatures that can weaken the hair’s outer layer (the cuticle). Over time, this can lead to:
Dry or rough texture
Increased breakage
Split ends
Colour fade
Loss of shine and elasticity
Using a professional heat protection product provides a protective barrier, helping to seal the hair shaft, reduce moisture loss, and prevent damage from thermal tools. The tools are then working on the moisture from the protection rather than the natural moisture that is contained inside your hair shaft. If you see steam coming from your hair, then turn the heat of your tool down.
When to Use Heat Protection on Wet Hair
Use on clean, towel-dried hair before blow-drying or diffusing.
Hair is most vulnerable when it’s wet. Blow-drying without protection can cause the internal structure of the hair to become compromised, leading to dryness and long-term damage.
Recommended product:
Joico Dream Blowout or Joico Heat Hero (for wet hair)
Protects against heat up to 232°C
Reduces breakage and frizz
Improves manageability
Adds light hold and smoothness for better styling results
When to use it:
After washing, on towel-dried hair
Before any blow-dry or air-dry with styling
Before diffusing curls or setting volume at the root
When to Use Heat Protection on Dry Hair
Use before styling tools on dry hair, such as straightening, curling, or re-touching with heat.
Dry heat styling applies direct, intense heat to the outer layer of the hair. Without a thermal protector designed specifically for dry hair, this can cause surface damage, especially to previously coloured or chemically treated hair.
Recommended Product:
Joico Defy Damage Invincible (for dry hair)
Strengthens and rebuilds bonds
24 hour frizz protection
Thermal Protection up to 450F°
UV protection
When to use it:
Before using straighteners or curling tongs on dry hair
Before heat styling second-day hair
For smoothing or reshaping fringe or ends
When adding a curl or wave to pre-dried hair
Why You May Need Both
The two types of heat protection serve different purposes:
Wet heat protection defends the inner structure of the hair during the drying process.
Dry heat protection safeguards the outer cuticle during direct heat styling.
If you’re someone who blow-dries and then uses a straightener or curling iron later (or on the next day), using both products ensures your hair is protected at every stage.
Final Thoughts
Heat protection should be a non-negotiable part of your routine if you use styling tools. Choosing the correct product for the right stage (wet or dry) not only preserves the condition of your hair but also improves the overall finish and hold of your style.
If you’re unsure which product is most suitable for your hair type or routine, I’m happy to recommend one during your next visit or talk you through the application step-by-step.
Love as always,
Andrea
