Which product can be applied to hair before any thermal service to protect it from heat damage?

Using a spray-on thermal protector before any thermal service is crucial for preventing heat damage to the hair. These products are specifically formulated to create a barrier that shields hair strands from high temperatures encountered during styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers. The thermal protector typically contains ingredients that can withstand heat while also helping to maintain moisture levels in the hair, therefore reducing the risk of dryness or brittleness that can occur with excessive heat exposure.

In contrast, a rinse-out conditioner is primarily designed to hydrate and detangle hair post-washing, but it does not provide sufficient protection against the heat of styling tools. A co-wash, or conditioner wash, is another method beneficial for cleansing hair without stripping moisture, but it lacks the heat-shielding properties critical for thermal styling. A deep conditioner, despite its advanced hydration benefits, is intended for post-wash treatment and does not serve as a protective barrier against heat during styling. Thus, a spray-on thermal protector is the most appropriate choice for safeguarding hair before utilizing heat-based styling methods.