The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Hair: Should You Use Hair Spray Before or After Flat Ironing?

Introduction

Whether you're a seasoned stylist or simply love to keep your hair looking sleek and straight, you might be wondering about the best technique to follow when using a flat iron. One frequently asked question is: should you use hair spray before or after flat ironing? The short answer is that you should use a heat protectant spray before flat ironing, but hairspray should be used after, not during this process.

Why Use a Heat Protectant Spray?

1. Introducing Heat Protection: Flat irons generate a significant amount of heat, which can damage your hair. To protect against this potential damage, it's crucial to use a heat protectant spray. These sprays create a protective barrier between your hair and the flat iron. They help to:

Reduce the amount of heat that penetrates your hair Provide a smooth and slippery surface for the flat iron plates to glide over Prevent brittleness and breakage caused by the high temperatures

2. Enhancing Shiny Results: Many heat protectant sprays contain ingredients like silicones and keratin, which can help to:

Fulfill the hair with moisture, making it more supple and easier to manage Provide a glossy finish that stays in place for longer Help retain natural shine and vibrancy after styling

These sprays are available in various forms: sprays, serums, or mousses. Choose a product that suits your hair type and styling needs.

When to Apply Hairspray?

When using a flat iron, it's important to know that you should apply hairspray after you have finished straightening your hair, not before or during the process. Here's why:

Heat Damage: Hairspray is not heat resistant. Applying it during flat ironing can cause it to: Burn and potentially cause fire if it comes into contact with the flat iron plates Harden on your hair, making it difficult to style and causing lumps and bumps Mask the natural shine of your hair by creating a sticky, unnatural finish

1. Applying Hairspray After: Once you have achieved your desired straight style, apply a light layer of hairspray to enhance the hold, give it a glossy shine, and prevent flyaways. Choose an aerosol hairspray that provides the type of hold you need, whether it's light, medium, or heavy. This step ensures that your style remains intact throughout the day without any potential harm to your hair.

Advanced Hair Care for Flat Ironing

To further enhance the results and protect your hair during styling, consider incorporating these additional steps:

Pre-Care Routine: Wash and condition your hair thoroughly before styling. This will ensure your hair is clean and hydrated, making it easier to manage and reducing the risk of damage from heat styling. Post-Care Routine: After flat ironing, follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and nourish your hair. This may not only help in keeping your hair healthy but also add shine and reduce frizz. Use Professional Tools: Invest in high-quality flat irons and tools designed for heat styling. These will have features like temperature control, ceramic plates, and smoothing technology that can significantly enhance your results and protect your hair from damage.

Conclusion

The key to successful flat iron styling lies in understanding the role and timing of using hair protection and finishing sprays. By applying heat protectant spray before and hairspray after, you can ensure that your hair looks its best without suffering any damage. Remember to pay attention to your hair's unique needs, choose the right products, and follow a routine that keeps your hair healthy and styled perfection even after long-term use of a flat iron.