While we cannot do much to protect against things like extreme weather, hot or cold, or the amount of acidity present in the moisture around us or from chemicals while bleaching or colouring, we can try and protect our hair from the heat that is applied to it whilst straightening. Heat not only diminishes the moisture content in your hair, but also damages the texture of your hair. In addition to this, there is ultra violet ray damage.
In the years gone by, people used to straighten their hair whilst it was dry. This is no longer considered a good practise. There exists a school of thought that you must apply something to your hair before you straighten it as the action of straightening will deplete natural oils and moisture from your hair. Thermal or heat protectant hair spray is just what was needed and all the products that fall under this category help and try to attain but a single function. Protect the hair against heat.
In doing so, there are a number of these products that supply additional supplements to the hair. Some will include a combination of proteins and herbs, specifically targeted to increasing or replenishing the natural oils that are depleted during heat straightening. These supplements also restore your hair’s shine and feel.
Another harmful effect is UVA damage. Up till recently UVA was not considered harmful, whereas, recent studies have changed this perception. UVA is not blocked by and type of glass and till recently there was no spray or sunscreen capable of stopping it. Heat protectant sprays are available now targeting specific types of hair, fine, coarse, extremely dry etc. If you style regularly with a straightener, it is most advisable to get a good heat protectant spray.