Final answer:
A heat protectant is the substance commonly applied to hair to protect it from damage during thermal styling services such as blow drying and the use of thermal irons or electric rollers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Heat Protectant for Hair:
When it comes to protecting hair from the high temperatures involved in thermal styling services, the substance commonly utilized is a heat protectant. This product is specifically designed to safeguard hair strands from the potential damage caused by blow dryers, thermal irons, and electric rollers. Unlike shampoo, which cleanses the hair, or hair gel, which holds the hairstyle in place, heat protectants create a barrier on the hair shaft to reduce moisture loss and prevent the cuticle from being overly damaged by heat.
Heat protectants often contain ingredients such as silicones which coat the hair and minimize the heat impact, or proteins that strengthen the hair. They may come in various forms, including sprays, creams, and serums. To ensure maximum protection, it is essential to evenly apply the heat protectant to damp or dry hair before any thermal hair styling process.