The product commonly used to protect hair before heat styling is a heat protectant. Heat protectants are specifically formulated to create a protective barrier around the hair strands, minimizing the damage caused by high-temperature styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. These products often contain ingredients that can help to reduce moisture loss, provide shine, and enhance the hair's overall resilience to heat.
Using a heat protectant before styling is crucial because it helps prevent issues such as dryness, split ends, and brittleness that can occur from frequent use of hot tools. While other products like leave-in conditioners and serums can contribute to the overall health and appearance of hair, they are not designed specifically to protect against heat damage. Therefore, for anyone regularly applying heat to their hair, a heat protectant is the best choice to ensure the hair remains healthy and strong over time.