Do Heat Protectants Actually Work?

So I've been keeping a little secret for the past year:

I quit using heat protectants on my hair.

I wanted to find out if those heat protectant sprays really work. And after one year of testing, I'm ready to report my results.

The Background:

• I get my roots done every 6-8 weeks.
• Once a year I'd get my hair highlighted.
• Every other hair appointment, I get a trim.
• I used heat once or twice a week on my hair.
• I washed my hair once or twice a week (it is thick, frizzy, and coarse and doesn't get oily).
• I use products that are high end and drugstore on my hair.
• I used a frizz treatment and let hair dry naturally.

What I Noticed:

• I had spilt ends.

This was my routine for years. 

What I Changed:

• I decided to stop using heat protectant sprays unless in a blog tutorial. They made my hair frizzy and really dry. I have learned over the years my hair dislikes products where alcohol is one of the main ingredients.
• I started doing blow outs at home every week instead of letting hair dry naturally, aka MORE heat.

What I Noticed:

• I have no split ends. None.

So What Are Heat Protectants?

• These are aerosol and non-aerosol sprays designed to guard against heat and friction from heat tools. You spray them on before using heat tools.

What Do The Experts Say?

Was this just coincidence that my split ends stopped with the lack of heat protectant? Especially since I was adding more heat to my hair? I talked to 5 hairstylists of various years of experience (including a celeb hairstylist) to find out.

• None of them used a product specifically for heat protecting when styling hair. This is something I'd always noticed in salons.
• They had the same response: unless you are dealing with high heat daily, like using a flat iron every day, you shouldn't need an additional heat protectant. They don't recommend using a flat iron everyday, if possible (bangs are an exception). And they also noted that people often times kept the temp of the heat tool too hot.
• Based on the fact that other styling products, like oils and creams, are used in our hair, an additional heat protectant isn't needed. Many products now have that additional element added in them.
• Bottom line: something needs to be on the hair to protect it from heat. Use what works best for you and your hair. If you like heat protectant sprays, then use them.

Do you use heat protectant sprays?

Extra Elle:

• I'll be sharing pics of my hair through the years on Monday (slight cringe) so stay tuned! It has been a journey, y'all.
• Thanks everyone for your comments on this post. I can't wait to continue with the series!
• LAST CHANCE to enter to win $500 Shopping Spree!