It's generally not recommended to use hair spray before straightening, as many hair sprays contain alcohol and other ingredients that can damage your hair when exposed to the high heat of a straightener. However, heat protectant sprays, which are sometimes confused with hairspray, can and should be used before straightening.
Here's a breakdown:
Why Not Regular Hair Spray?
- Damage: The alcohol and other chemicals in many hair sprays can essentially "cook" onto your hair when heat is applied from a straightener, causing dryness, breakage, and split ends.
- Stickiness: Hair spray can make your hair sticky, which can cause the straightener to snag and pull, leading to further damage.
What About Heat Protectant Spray?
This is where the confusion often lies. Heat protectant sprays are specifically designed to be used before heat styling.
- Application: Heat protectant sprays create a barrier between your hair and the heat of the straightener, minimizing damage.
- How to Use:
- Section your hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections.
- Spray evenly: Hold the heat protectant spray about 6-8 inches away from your hair and spray evenly, ensuring all strands are coated.
- Let it dry (slightly): Allow the spray to dry slightly before using the straightener. You don't want your hair to be soaking wet.
Key Differences
| Feature | Hair Spray (Regular) | Heat Protectant Spray |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Hold style in place | Protect from heat |
| When to Use | After styling | Before styling |
| Ingredients | Alcohol, polymers | Silicones, oils |
| Heat Safe? | No | Yes |
In short, avoid regular hair spray before straightening. Instead, use a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from heat damage.
