To simplify our lives, many product companies are, in reality, making it harder for people to determine the right product for them.
With so many options, what are the differences between them? When should I choose one over the other?
When should I choose one over the other?
Since some products multi-task, we are considering three different yet similar hair products.
The Importance of Heat Protection
Although Thermal Protection is not just for use with direct heat tools. Don't ignore this crucial step. Your hair also needs protection from harmful UV rays. Think of it as sunscreen for your hair.
What happens to your hair when you get too much sun?
Since the hair is only really living at the scalp, the hardened form of keratin is fragile and can be damaged easily beyond repair. Like Leather, once a living skin has to be hydrated and nourished. Otherwise, it dries out, cracks and breaks, and split ends occur in the case of hair.
NOT something we want to happen. So the best remedy is prevention.
Protect your hair all the time.
Another key reason to protect from the sun is that UV will lighten natural pigment and fade artificial color pigments. Watch out Color-treated hair!
One year a friend had spent quite a lot of time in the sun. As a result, his natural black hair turned Reddish (ginger). It took a few haircuts to get rid of it all.
Kenra for use on wet hair. ultra-lightweight (fine to medium hair) Reduces blow-dry time up to 50%; thermal protection up to 428°F (220°C) Detangles, smoothes, & soften
Amika (aerosol) anti-frizz for up to 24hrs. Heat protection up to 450°F. HEAT ACTIVATED can use on Damp or Dry Hair NEEDS HEAT to work
The heat protection without ‘ product’ feel. To use... Spritz from roots to tips (around 6-8 sprays for mid-to long hair) and comb through to distribute evenly before applying heat.
L’ange formulated for use with their professional-grade tools. Paraben free. (4oz) not TSA carry-on luggage approved
Some hair sprays can serve to protect the hair just before using a curling or flat iron. However, most heat protectant products are designed to apply before heated styling (and before hair spray or other styling products), they can protect your hair from extreme heat exposure.
As the name implies, hair primer prepares your hair for heat styling, protection against the elements, dryness, and damage.
They create an even surface for other hair products and tools. They create a weightless, humidity-resistant shield allowing your style to last longer, be frizz-free and prevent damage during styling.
There is a hair primer for everyone. Some give more shine while others may detangle.
So is hair primer and thermal protectant the same?
Yes, but some are hydrating and others strengthening.
I am inclined to consider Hair Primer as a hybrid between the leave-in conditioner and thermal protection spray. Because I haven’t found a hair primer product that didn’t have some sort of heat protection.
According to Redken, the main difference is one can be used on wet hair before blow-drying and the other in spray form is applied to dry hair before using an iron or another direct heat tool.
Is Hair Primer Similar to a Leave-in Conditioner or Moisturizer?
Hair Primer is intended to be used alone or under other styling products. It is applied after you shampooed and conditioned your hair, including your leave-in conditioner.
Hair primer is a barrier product that works like a heat protectant, so it is different from a leave-in conditioner and moisturizer, as it has multiple functions. It is also great for usage before every styling session.
For optimal smoothness, primers (for some hair types) can be used with other products to combat frizz or add shine Naturally Curly
The simple answer is yes!
If you deep condition your hair regularly you can use a few drops (not like when you do a pre-shampoo treatment) of argan oil or your preferred hair oil instead of leave-in conditioner. The oil seals in the moisture you already have in your hair. But won’t coat your hair like silicones.
Oil Adds shine and offers the benefit of some thermal protection (depending on the oil)
YES and NO
Yes if you are using a leave-in to detangle your hair and
No because a detangling rinse is like fabric softener, it must be rinsed out like a regular conditioner. These products give nothing back to your hair but coat it a little so the hair won’t tangle.
Coily textured hair sometimes uses both a deep conditioner followed by a detangling rinse for smooth blow-outs.
For Fine/thin hair that would be a big mistake since it would way down your hair too much.
You don’t have to use a leave-in every day
After shampooing and conditioning your hair, you could also include a leave-in. I do this when I am going to wear my hair curly.
With second day hair, since leave-in is a wet spray, you can consider using it to refresh your curls instead of water.
if I want to rinse my hair because I feel hot and sticky (not shampoo). I prefer using a No-Poo or just a bit of rinse out conditioner to refresh my hair. That way I don’t overload my hair with products.
Like all Conditioners, leave-ins should also follow the rule:
SHAMPOO your scalp.
CONDITION your ends.
Milk_Shake A Mousse (ultra-light) no-rinse leave-in conditioner/thermal protectant
Naturally Curly (sulfate, paraben & silicone free) best for curls
Sun Bum conditioning detangler UV but not a HEAT protectant
In Review
So if your shampoo, conditioner, prep step (thermal spray, leave-in or primer), styling aid (gel mousse etc.) and finishing products (hair spray, shine drops , etc.) all have some thermal protection. That’s a good thing! You are layering on added protection so you’ll be better equipped to resist the damage from hot tools and from the environment.
Is there is a brand of thermal protectant, primer or leave-in that you didn't see, check out Travel-Size Hair Care