I wouldn't pick up my straighteners without using this first (Toni & Guy Iron It Heat Defence Spray)

Member Name: k4ssie

Product:	Toni & Guy Iron It Heat Defence Spray
Date:	26/05/09 (141 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Leaves hair natural looking and helps reduce frizz

Disadvantages: Not a strong hold product so may need extra help sometimes

I have long hair which is really prone to puffiness and frizz after washing - so much so that until recently, i couldn't wash my hair immediately before going out, i had to wash it the night before and sleep on it before it was anything other than hideous.
Then, i had an epiphany at the hairdressers - that was what the rest of the world had been using straighteners for, for the last heaven knows how long. I'd written the straighteners off as being for devotees of the extremely ironed look (not my thing, as i have very fine hair to start with)...but my hairdresser showed me how to make silky waves with them, or just use them to tame the frizz.
What a revelation! Suddenly i could do my hair before going out, like the rest of the world. I became joined at the hip to my straighteners, and quickly realised i'd need some protective products if i wasn't going to wreck my hair in no time.
Toni & Guy Iron It was probably the third or fourth product i tried. All the others either did nothing, or left my hair stiff and dull.

I really like the packaging for this one - very smart and sleek. On the can it promises to provides protection against heat damage, and to condition and smooth. You can use it on wet or dry hair (before blow drying or straightening) which is another bonus.

The spray comes out as a light mist, and is easy to evenly cover your hair and direct where you want it. I tend to keep it away from my roots to avoid any greasiness issues.

~ The results! ~
Used on damp hair before blow drying (and i'm not really talking professional style blow drying here, just a quick blast with the hairdryer and a comb!!) I find that this product definitely reduces the frizz. My hair has a little more body and definitely a nicer texture.

Used on dry hair before straightening, it provides just enough extra hold without leaving my hair looking artificial - although i must say it's not hugely long lasting, so if you were styling for a big event where you needed to look great all day (going to a wedding for example) I think you'd either need a stronger product or a strong hold finishing spray. My hair is also a bit shinier and softer.

I do have a bit of a doubt about the conditioning claim, though. The main active ingredient - listed second after water on the back of the can - is alcohol. Most hairdressers would advise people with dry hair to avoid styling products containing alcohol as it can be very drying.....i have found my hair to be getting dryer but i think that's mostly the use of the straighteners. It's possible that the other ingredients, such as castor oil and wheat protein, do more to help your hair than the alcohol does to harm it.

Value for money wise, i'm still on my first can after almost a year! I think it retails at about £4-5 in Boots, but they often have T&G on 3 for 2 offers, so it works out much less. I'll certainly be buying it again as I'm much happier with the results from this than its competitors - including the much celebrated GHD product range.

Summary: Good value, effective choice for styling protection.