Many protein and deep conditioning treatments recommend using heat during the treatment process. But does heat really do anything?

The simple answer is yes. Heat speeds up chemical reactions and helps products bond to the cuticles of our hair. Heat may also improve the ability of the active ingredients in these products to adhere to more sites on the cuticle.

Many ingredients in conditioners (oils, butters, emollients, emulsifiers”> also become more liquid with heating. This may improve their ability to diffuse through the cuticle. Water also causes hair to swell, making it more permeable to conditioners. The result? Heat, moisture, and product combining to create, softer, silkier hair.