Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers have become staples in many people’s hair routines. While they can create beautiful hairstyles, they can also cause serious damage to the hair if not used properly. That’s why using a heat protectant is crucial to maintaining healthy hair.
A heat protectant creates a barrier between the hair and the heat styling tool, helping to minimize damage and breakage.
But with so many hair products on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. One option that some people turn to is serum. But can serum really work as a heat protectant? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Serum for Hair?
Hair serum is a lightweight, leave-in hair care product that is typically used to tame frizz, add shine, and protect against environmental damage. It is often oil-based and can be used on wet or dry hair.
Serum typically contains ingredients like silicone, which can help to smooth the hair cuticle and prevent breakage.
Serum can be a great addition to your hair care routine, but it’s important to note that not all serums are created equal. Some may contain ingredients that can weigh the hair down or make it feel greasy. That’s why it’s important to choose a serum that is specifically designed for your hair type and needs.
How Does Heat Damage Hair?
Before we dive into whether serum can protect hair from heat, let’s first take a look at how heat styling tools can damage hair.
When heat is applied to the hair, it can cause the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair shaft) to lift, which can lead to breakage and split ends. Over time, repeated heat styling can weaken the hair and cause it to become dry and brittle.
Heat damage can be especially problematic for people with already damaged or dry hair. That’s why it’s important to take steps to minimize damage when using heat styling tools. Using a heat protectant is one way to do this.
Can Serum Protect Hair from Heat?
So, can serum protect hair from heat? The short answer is, it depends. While some serums may offer some heat protection, they are not specifically designed for this purpose. Heat protectants, on the other hand, are formulated with ingredients that are specifically designed to protect the hair from heat damage.
While serum may offer some benefits for the hair, using it as a heat protectant may not provide the level of protection that you need. If you’re going to be using heat styling tools regularly, it’s best to invest in a high-quality heat protectant that is specifically designed to protect the hair from heat damage.
Does Serum Work as Heat Protectant?
While serum may not be the best option for protecting hair from heat damage, that doesn’t mean it’s not a useful addition to your hair care routine. As we mentioned earlier, serum can help to tame frizz, add shine, and protect against environmental damage. It can also help to moisturize the hair, which can be especially beneficial for people with dry or damaged hair.
If you do choose to use serum as a heat protectant, it’s important to remember that it may not provide the same level of protection as a dedicated heat protectant. You may need to use a higher heat setting on your styling tool, or use it for a longer period of time, to achieve the desired result.
How to Use Serum as Heat Protectant?
If you do choose to use serum as a heat protectant, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the serum you’re using is designed to be used as a heat protectant. Next, apply the serum evenly throughout your hair, paying special attention to the ends. Finally, use your heat styling tool as usual, taking care not to use a higher heat setting than necessary.
It’s also important to note that using a heat protectant is not a substitute for proper heat styling technique. Make sure to use your styling tool properly, taking breaks when necessary to avoid overexposure to heat.
Recommended Serums for Heat Protection
While serum may not be the best option for heat protection, there are some serums on the market that do offer some level of heat protection. Here are a few options to consider:
- Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray: This spray contains ingredients like argan oil and vitamin E to protect the hair from heat damage and add shine.
- Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer: This lightweight spray helps to protect the hair from heat damage and UV rays, while also helping to detangle and moisturize the hair.
- Living Proof Restore Instant Protection Spray: This spray helps to protect the hair from heat damage and also contains ingredients that help to strengthen and repair damaged hair.
While these serums may offer some protection against heat damage, it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for a dedicated heat protectant.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Serum as Heat Protectant
In conclusion, while serum can offer some benefits for the hair, it’s not the best option for protecting against heat damage. If you’re going to be using heat styling tools regularly, it’s best to invest in a dedicated heat protectant that is specifically designed to protect the hair from heat damage. That being said, if you do choose to use serum as a heat protectant, make sure to choose a serum that is specifically designed for this purpose and use it in conjunction with proper heat styling technique to minimize damage to the hair.
