There are many pieces of beauty advice out there that one may read and think “what a load of crap”.
Honestly, aside from using an SPF every day, there aren’t that many tips we treat as ‘would be upset if we skipped it’ musts. And although we know using a heat protectant on the hair before heat styling is a good thing, we didn’t realise just how much of a difference it truly makes… until now.
UK-based hair stylist Patrick Wilson has shared an eye-opening video, in which he sprays a piece of toast with ghd bodyguard, the UK version of the ghd unplugged heat protect spray. Using a paper towel to create two halves — one that’s sprayed and one that isn’t — he then pops it in the toaster to cook.
The result? The sprayed half is barely any different, while the unprotected side has been subtantially toasted. Not only that, but the flip side of the bread( which had no contact will the spray at all) is even more cooked through.
So if, like us, you were doubting whether heat protect products actually do anything, this video proves they 100 per cent are.
Consider us converted, Patrick.
bh’s most-reviewed heat protection products:
John Frieda Frizz-Ease® 3-Day Straight™ Semi-Permanent Styling Spray
“The John Frieda 3 Days straight styling spray does exactly what it claims. It doubles as a heat protectant and keeps my hair smooth and straight for up to 3 days or until I next wash my hair. I do not currently have keratin treated hair but imagine the effects of this would be very similar to a keratin treatment, when I go over my hair with a straightener.” – PoshBec
Kérastase Paris Nectar Thermique
“This product is great for my long, dry hair! I use it before blow-drying and it makes my hair soft and smooth. You only need a tiny amount of the product because it’s so easy to work through your hair. It’s an expensive product but it will last for ages since you use so little, I would definitely recommend it.” –Michelle737
“This product doesn’t make my hair weighed down or sticky, but it is important to ensure an even spray. I usually spray it into my hands and work it through. I can notice the protection this product offers as the ends of my hair don’t feel dry anymore from hair straighteners.” – Khajiit
Do you use heat protectant products? Which is your favourite?
I’ve never used a heat protectant before. I towel dry my hair most of the time and rarely use the blow dryer. At least I’m convinced now that it works.
I use heat protection all the time! So important
I got lazy with mine, need to step up my game!
I hardly style my hair myself but when I do I always use a protectant spray, so glad after this!
So important to use a heat protector!
I have found it very difficult to find a heat protectant without silicones or other nasty chemicals
I always seem to forget using heat protectant spray.
That could be a disaster!
Haha funny!
That’s a really good point.
Me too, I air dry as well.
Yes I know!
Maybe it’s time for a new toaster!
That’s me too!! Glad to hear that I’m not the only one.
Good to know! I haven’t heard of this brand before.
That’s a much better explanation than what I gave.
I suppose if we don’t then we might all be bald?
Me too, I rarely hear style my hair and when I do, I don’t remember to use a heat protectant spray.
I know….it really is but its one of those things that I never think of until im turning my toast over so it can cook on the other side…lol
Yes I think its because I get my styling products out eg mousse or lotion, then realise i have forgotten
Yep that makes sense
Thats my Toaster. Funny thing is that years ago when I got married we had hoped for a Toaster because we didnt have one. There was always the joke about people getting 7 toasters as wedding gifts. We didnt get one… LOL
Haha, we used to have a toaster like that. It has died since but we used to have to toast one side, then turn it over and toast the other.
Bettina’s hair might be strong or short so she has not really needed to think about it, mine is long and even with infrequent heat styling it is always brittle and prone to breakage.
It is so easy to forget.
You don’t need 000 for the psych ward 🙂
Oh no!
yep obsessed with getting that bit of extra volume lol
Heat protectant is really key
I think strong hair can show a lot of damage. Mine is quite thick and strong and it would show damage.
Interesting
What an eye opener, will need to make applying heat protectant a must now!
I try to avoid heat on my hair these days but always use heat protection spray when I do!! So essential
not really, I’m pretty sure most of the population don’t use heat protectant and they walk around with a full head of hair.
It’s one of those products I have yet to justify as something that’s needed as opposed to nice to have.
true, they do have hair, it’s probably not in the best shape depending on how much they use heat styling tools.
I don’t use a heat protectant because I usually allow my hair to dry naturally.
I don’t use it a great deal myself that’s probably why
Totally guilty of not always using a heat projector when doing my hair. Great article to remind me
Oh wow what a great video! Have always wondered this if it does work. Now I’m wondering whether all heat protectants are created equal or are some better than others like this ghd one?!
Feeling kind of guilty now!
Wow! I rarely use heat on my hair but will definitely be buying a protecting product asap!
This article has reminded me I need to purchase more heat protectant.
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve noticed a huge difference when I haven’t used heat protectant.
heat = bad but no pain no gain
I couldn’t agree more, its better to be safe than sorry which is why I always use a heat protectant before heat styling my hair
This is super interesting. I don’t use a heat protectant at all, so I guess I should start using one.
Need to stop being lazy and use heat protectant more often now
whoops, i will start using it more
Great reminder to treat our hair kindly when using our hair tools, I need to use my heat protectant more often.
That is so cool!