The best hair products for your AirStraight straightener are a heat protectant as your fixed base, a light leave-in or smoothing serum for sleekness, and a few drops of hair oil as a finishing touch after styling. Choose products without drying alcohol and match them to your hair type, and your hair will stay healthy and shiny.
Last updated: 12 October 2026
TL;DR
- Heat protection is the most important step: a thin film slows the transfer of heat into your hair.
- Before styling: heat protectant and a light leave-in on towel-dried hair. After styling: a few drops of oil.
- Avoid heavy wax, sugar-based sprays and products with a lot of drying alcohol right before styling.
- Hair gets damaged at temperatures above roughly 130 degrees; protection plus a suitable setting is what makes the difference together.
Why is heat protection the most important step?
Because heat damages hair more than any other styling factor. Above roughly 130 degrees, keratin, the protein your hair is made of, starts to break down and the outer protective layer can crack.
A heat protectant lays a thin, flexible film of polymers and silicones over your hair. That film slows the transfer of heat and spreads it evenly, so no hot spots develop. Important to know: a protectant reduces damage, but never prevents it completely. The combination with a lower temperature setting therefore works best; how to choose one, you can read in our article on protecting your hair from heat damage while styling. Our own post-purchase survey of more than 1,000 customers also shows that 87% of customers experienced less hair damage; being more mindful with heat plays a big part in that.
Which products do you use before styling?
Before styling, it is all about a clean, protected base. The AirStraight works on towel-dried hair, so you apply your products to damp hair:
- Mild shampoo and conditioner: hydrated hair is more supple and easier to style. Rinse well.
- Towel-dry by patting: gently pat your hair dry instead of rubbing, so the hair cuticles stay flat.
- Heat protection spray: distribute it evenly through lengths and ends. This is the step you never skip.
- Light leave-in or smoothing serum: prevents frizz and gives a sleek finish, without weighing the hair down.
- Comb through: distribute everything with a wide-tooth comb, so every strand goes into the straightener protected.
New to wet-to-dry styling? Then first read how to use an AirStraight as a beginner, which walks you through the full routine step by step.
Which products do you use after styling?
After styling, it is about shine and protection against moisture in the air. A few drops of hair oil on the ends seal the look and nourish the hair.
A light anti-frizz spray helps when your hair is prone to frizz, especially on humid days. Heading to a party where the style needs to last? Then choose a flexible spray that does not get sticky or stiff.
Which products are better avoided?
Anything that sticks, weighs down or dries out works against you. This table helps you choose:
| Product type | When to use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Heat protection spray | Always before styling | Slows heat transfer and reduces friction |
| Leave-in or smoothing serum | Before styling, on damp hair | Sleek finish and less frizz |
| Hair oil | After styling, on the ends | Shine and care without heat risk |
| Heavy wax or pomade | Not before styling | Cakes onto the plates and weighs the hair down |
| Sprays high in 'alcohol denat.' | Better to avoid | Dry the hair out, especially around heat |
| Sugar-based styling sprays | Not before styling | Caramelise under heat and stick to the plates |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need heat protection with a wet-to-dry straightener?
Yes. Even though the AirStraight works at lower temperatures than a classic straightener, a protective film slows the transfer of heat and reduces friction. It remains the most important step in your routine.
Can I use hair oil before styling?
Better not, or at most a very small amount of light oil. Too much oil beforehand can heat up on the hair surface. Save oil for the final step, after styling, for shine on the ends.
Do silicones really work as protection?
Yes. Silicones such as dimethicone conduct heat poorly and form a thin film that slows the heat and spreads it evenly. They also seal the hair cuticles, which adds shine.
How do I recognise products that dry out my hair?
Check the label for 'alcohol denat.' high up in the ingredient list; it evaporates quickly and dries hair out. Fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are actually nourishing.
Sources
Anne Leensen
Looking for a heat protectant that matches your straightener? The Organicals Heat Protection is made as the fixed first step before styling with the AirStraight PrecisionAir, so your hair starts every session protected.
