Milady Cosmetology Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Cosmetology Certification!

Using a heat protectant on hair is crucial before using hot tools, such as curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers. Heat protectants are formulated to create a barrier between the hair and the heat. They work by coating the hair strands with protective ingredients that help to minimize damage caused by high temperatures. This protection is vital because excessive heat can lead to cuticle damage, dryness, and breakage, compromising the hair's overall health and appearance.

While there are other scenarios mentioned, such as during color treatment or when using hair masks, these do not specifically address the need for protection against the damaging effects of heat. Heat protectants are specifically designed to mitigate the risks associated with styling tools that generate high temperatures, making their use essential whenever such tools are employed. Therefore, the correct action is to apply a heat protectant before using any hot styling tools to ensure hair remains healthy and resilient.