Many people are blessed with beautiful curls. However, while curly hair can look amazing, it is also a nuisance to maintain. If you are tired of wrestling your hair into submission, you may want to invest in flat iron. These handy straighteners can turn your hair from curly to poker-straight in no time at all.
However, if you use a flat iron without any protective product in your hair, even once, it can do irreparable damage. So unless you want to cut a lot of damaged hair away, we suggest buying a flat iron spray.
To help you choose the best flat iron spray, we have constructed this handy buying guide, where we’ll be looking at the pros and cons of various flat iron sprays and what you should look out for before making your purchase.
If you’d like to know more, check out the rest of the article below.
Why use a flat iron spray?
There are several reasons why you should always use a flat iron spray when straightening your hair.
Protect your hair from damage
Applying heat to your hair effectively burns it in the same way it would burn your skin. The flat iron spray will reduce the damage done to your hair by up to 50%. Unfortunately, flat iron spray cannot negate all of the damage.
Add nutrients
When your hair is burned, it loses a lot of nutrients that keep it looking healthy. Many flat iron sprays infuse damaged hair with beneficial nutrients, strengthening the hair follicle.
Reduce frizz
Using a good-quality flat iron spray will prevent your hair from getting extremely frizzy, primarily when used in conjunction with other hair products.
Multiple uses
Flat iron spray can be used for multiple applications. Because this substance protects the hair from heat damage, it can be used with various hair heating appliances such as hairdryers, blow-drying brushes, and curing tongues.
Things to consider when buying a flat iron spray
Level of hair protection
To get the highest level of protection from your flat iron spray, determine if the heat protectant has silicones included in its ingredients list. This will ensure that it coats your hair extensively and will help guard your hair against heat damage. Two of the more common silicones found in heat protectant sprays are:
- dimethicone (which keeps hair smooth and prevents moisture loss);
- and Cyclomethicone (which coats your hair in a moisturizing film).
ScentMake sure you enjoy the fragrance of the hair iron spray before you make your purchase. If you don’t do this, you will waste your money and spend the whole day feeling self-conscious about the way you smell.
Frizz control
Applying heat to your hair inevitably dries it out and creates frizz. Choose a flat iron protection spray that not only protects your hair but also combats frizz. Good flat iron protection sprays will lock in the moisture in your hair cuticle and keep it smooth all day with help from other products.
Static control
When you use a hair iron, it can cause a build-up of static energy and create many fly-away hairs. Opt for a hair iron spray with static control to combat this problem.
Conditioning properties
Use a flat iron spray with conditioning properties. Conditioning ingredients will repair the inevitable damage done to your hair by flat ironing. Good quality hair has stronger follicles that will retain moisture and prevent too much damage. To avoid dryness and stop your hair from becoming too frizzy, look to see if the product contains shea butter, glycerin, or aloe vera.
Keratin
Keratin makes up most of our hair. It is a protein that creates the cells that line your hair, protecting it from stress or damage. Keratin is a common feature in hair care products, in particular hydrolyzed keratin. It strengthens your hair by increasing its moisture retention. Moisturized hair decreases the chance of breakage and maintains your hair’s lustrousness. For this reason, you should look for a flat iron spray that contains hydrolyzed keratin.
Application
The applicator of a product is important because it determines how well the product is spread over your hair. Therefore, you should look for a spray nozzle that dispenses the flat iron spray amongst your hair evenly and in a light mist. If the spray does not distribute evenly, it will make your strands look damp.
Natural ingredients to look for in your flat iron spray
As with any product you put on your hair or skin, it is always best to use as many natural ingredients as possible.
- Almond oil contains Vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2, and B6, promoting healthy hair growth.
- Shea butter functions like silicone dimethicone, which prevents moisture loss.
- Argan oil protects hair from heat and keeps it shiny and frizz-free.
Flat iron spray price range
Flat iron spray prices start from as little as $5 and as much as $50.
FAQs
Can you use a leave-in conditioner as a heat styling protectant?
Leave in conditioner should be used in conjunction with flat iron spray to protect the hair. It will give your hair nutrients it has lost and offer mild added protection, however, it will not protect your hair from heat as much as a product that was intended to do so.
Can I use a flat iron every day?
You should not use a flat iron every day as this will significantly damage your hair, no matter what products you use. Using a flat iron a few times a week to touch up your style is not as bad. If you feel like you need to use a flat iron every day to maintain your style, there are many alternative things you can do to keep its shape without putting your hair under daily heat. Research the hairstyle you love and stop hurting your hair.
What does damaged hair look like?
Damaged hair looks straw-like and brittle. It feels almost crispy and will break easily producing split ends and fly-aways.