What Is Hair Primer?

By now, we’re sure you know about the importance of makeup primer. It helps prep your skin for flawless makeup application and is a certified makeup-must in our book. But what about hair primer? Yes, hair primer is a thing—and it may just be a worthy replacement for your current heat protectant. Interested in learning more about this hair care meets hairstyle product? Below, we’re sharing everything you need to know about hair primer, including what it is, how to use it in your routine, and our best hair primers for you to try.

WHAT IS HAIR PRIMER? 

So, what is a hair primer? And is there a difference between hair primer and heat protectant? The answer is yes—and no. You see, there are several different types of hair primers on the market, targeting different hair types and needs. In general, the purpose of a hair primer is to prep your strands for styling, just as a makeup primer would prep your skin for makeup. This typically includes heat protection, along with other factors such as shine, humidity and frizz control, hold, and conditioning. Pretty great, huh? Hair primers come in different forms, from hairsprays to hair creams to hair mousses, making it easy to find a formula that best fits your needs and hair type.

HOW TO USE A HAIR PRIMER

Using a hair primer is simple! Follow the steps below to add one to your own routine.

STEP #1: WASH YOUR HAIR

Grab your favorite shampoo and cleanse your locks. Be sure to choose one that matches your hair care concerns to leave you with your most beautiful mane.

STEP #2: CONDITION YOUR STRANDS

What comes after shampoo? Conditioner, of course! Apply the coordinating conditioner to your shampoo from mid-length to ends. You know the drill.

STEP #3: APPLY HAIR PRIMER

After you’ve showered and washed your hair, it’s time to apply your hair primer prior to styling! Simply apply the hair primer as directed on pack, then style as desired. Easy, right?

OUR BEST HAIR PRIMERS

Now that you know how to use a hair primer in your routine, you may be about to Google some product recs. Lucky for you, you can exit your search and instead take your pick from one of our best hair primers, named below.

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Quick Dry Primer Spray: With its lightweight primer formula, this hair primer uses fibralock technology to accelerate your routine by cutting down on blow dry time while protecting hair from heat damage.

How to use it: Apply on clean, damp hair. Spray evenly six to eight inches away from hair. Blow-dry as usual.

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray: This high-performance lightweight heatspray offers 450-degree heat protection while also calming frizz, sealing in shine, blocking humidity, and conditioning for a sleek style that lasts three days.

How to use it: Press the button to unlock the trigger, then spray on damp to dry hair section by section before styling with your heat tool.

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Thermal Smoother Cream: Prefer a cream formula? This lightweight cream de-frizzes and smooths your hair with fibralock technology while also protecting hair from heat damage.

How to use it: Squeeze a quarter-size amount into your palm for mid-length hair. Use a little less if your hair is shorter and a little more if your hair is longer. Apply on damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush.

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse: This lightweight mousse is infused with thickening agents to give your hair body and volume with an extra-strong hold in addition to providing heat protection.

How to use it: Shake well. Hold can upside down and dispense into palm. Apply evenly throughout damp hair. Style as usual.

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse: This ultra-lightweight mousse provides long-lasting hold, defines curls, and protects against heat tools. Check, check, and check!

How to use it: Shake well. Hold can upside down and dispense into palm. Apply generously on damp hair from roots to ends, distributing evenly. Apply more near the roots for added lift. Scrunch hair gently to define curl by curl. Blow-dry using a diffuser or air dry naturally.

Next: What is Hair Toner?