Are You Protected?

Hi folks...Penny's still alive...(don't know about kicking, but alive). 
Today I want to talk about something that's sort of a fairly new concept in hair products...thermal protection. Ever since flat irons went ceramic and ionic to diminish damage to the hair, I have been researching the growing number of styling products that can aid in preventing heat damage as well. Today some makers of flat irons, straightening irons, blow dryers, and curling irons, are also selling thermal protection sprays to work with those heat appliances (i.e. CHI, FHI and Sedu).

Heat damage can lead to split-ends, lack of body and noticeable signs of distress on the hair.  When you use a thermal protector before styling you can significantly protect your hair from over-heating, while adding shine and in many cases, locking in moisture. Heat styling often causes breakage, so be sure to protect your hair before using any heat appliance. Thermal protectors coat the follicle shaft with polymers (usually silicone) to provide topical thermal protection. Silicones are thermally stable and spread easily on hair, producing a protective film that helps prevent water loss. This is key to avoiding cuticle cracks and breaks and improves the appearance and feel of hair. Some products even offer added UV protection to save hair from sun damage.

In Penny's experience CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection (Target, $12.99) actually feels like its coating my hair. It adds shine but doesn't weigh my hair down and I love the light fresh scent too. I was hestitant at first because the spray is water-based and any moisture on my hair makes it curl up and would be counter productive to the straight style I'm trying to accomplish. But the spray works well and I don't feel like I'm cooking my hair with my hot tools. I also use CHI Straight Guard Smoothing Styling Cream (Target, $12.99)  for blow drying my hair. This product also helps to eliminate frizz, smooth my hair, and create shine. (Read full story...)

Before I began using the CHI products, which were recommended by my hairstylist, I was using Ion's Heat Protection Thermal Spray (Sally's, $7.49), which is oil-based and adds even more of a shine. It too has a light pleasant scent. Both of these product I use when I flat iron my hair...use the curling iron, or when I use my electric straightening comb. Although these protects are light weight, I try not to use heat or the sprays daily, so I don't weigh down my hair. When I wrap my hair properly at night, it keeps my ends smooth and I shouldn't have to use heat the next day. (Penny sometimes loses the head wrap during the night and there goes the do. LOL!)

Even though a thermal protection product is a necessary tool for anyone putting heat on their hair, the less often you heat style, the better.  The good news is that there are a variety of products to choose from, and many protect your color as well enhance moisture. In addition to the products previously mentioned, other easy to find brands include:

• John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Hair Serum
• Aveda Brilliant Damage Control
• Sedu Volumizing Heat Protecting Boost
• Abba Pure Thermal Protect Spray
• Frederic Fekkai Coiff Defense Pre-Style Thermal/UV Protectant Spray
• got2b Crazy Sleek Hot Smooth Flat Iron & Blow Dry Lotion
• Matrix Sleek Look Smoothing System Iron Smoother
• Oscar Blandi Proteine Di Jasmine Protein Mist
• Redken Real Control Thermal Resist
• Paul Mitchell Seal and Shine
• Nexxus Heat Protexx Heat Protection Styling Spray
• Pureology DryShine Styler
• ghd Thermal Protector For Weak & Damaged Hair
• Ojon Shine & Protect Glossing Mist

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
P