2026's Best Hair Protector - How to Protect Your Hair From Damage | Daniel Alain

por Christina Lyon 24 de septiembre de 2021

With split ends, frizz, and dryness threatening your locks, it's important to learn how to protect your hair. Let's be real: many of us overlook hair health and often forgo hair protectants, but eventually, our hair becomes weak and damaged if we don't practice routine care.

But what stresses your strands out, anyway?

Daily rituals like brushing, heat styling, and washing your hair are common culprits, and if you don't take measures for protecting hair, these routines can damage your hair in the long run, and we don't want that!

What can you do?

When it comes to putting healthy hair practices into action, it can be challenging to know where to start. That's why we've rounded up the best hair protection products and tips in this guide!

Keep reading to learn tips to help you have your best hair day, every day.

How to Protect Your Hair

Don't worry; we won't ask you to stop coloring, styling, and expressing your amazing hair-image. The goal is to retain a strong sense of individuality while prioritizing hair health. Because sadly, if your hair goes neglected, it can cause irreversible damage.

One study from the International Journal of Trichology examined how hair morphology and hair care methods influence scalp health. The findings? Modern styling and care techniques contribute to hair damage, and ultimately, hair loss.

So, now that you grasp how vital it is to protect your hair and scalp, what's the best course of action?

A quick google search yields overwhelming results for hair protection products and tips, but unfortunately, most fall flat when put to the test.

And worst of all, many products are simply unattainable due to their luxury price points. Is there a better way?

You bet!

"I have struggled for a very long time with my hair shedding. From hormone changes, having children, being menopausal, but now with the new @Intact_Hair & Scalp Primer, I no longer have to carry a lint brush with me!"—Intact 5 Reviewer

To help you protect your hair long term without the hefty price tag, we've curated custom tips for using INTACT 5 Anti Hair Shedding Treatment, your all-in-one hair protection product.

We won't ask you to give up your lifestyle or routines because we know how important they are to your confidence and self-care!

Use INTACT 5 When Washing
Use INTACT 5 When Styling
Use INTACT 5 to Protect From Pulling
Use INTACT 5 When Coloring
Nourish Your Scalp With INTACT 5

Keep reading to learn how our hair protection tips can turn your scalp into a day-spa that promotes shiny, luxurious, bouncy, and hair-flipping locks!

1. Use INTACT 5 When Washing

Nobody likes a greasy head of hair, but overwashing it can be counterproductive to the health of your strands. As we age, our scalp produces less lubricating oils, so you don't need to shampoo as frequently to protect your hair.

Insert mind-blown emoji here! Seriously, skipping the shampoo a few days a week can save you time and protect your hair? Sign us up!

When you do wash your hair, apply INTACT 5, 5 minutes before washing to secure your hair at the roots and experience less hair loss while shampooing and conditioning.

When shampooing your hair, resist roughly rubbing your head, and instead gently massage the product into a soft lather. When rinsing out the product, let those suds slide out naturally with the water through the length of your hair.

"Thank you for making a seriously amazing product that had this momma crying tears of joy when she saw that there was not a huge clump of hair in the shower drain!" — Intact 5 Reviewer

2. Use INTACT 5 When Styling

Blow dryers, curling irons, and all the typical styling tools on your counter can wreak serious havoc on your hair. Yes, they make your hair look fabulous, but what about after repeated exposure over time? Is it worth it?

Overheating your locks or pulling them into a tight up-do can lead to damage and, potentially, traction alopecia, a mechanical hair loss issue.

Instead, use nourishing hair protectants that work to adequately protect your hair and give you the bounce and shine you crave.

INTACT 5 is infused with coconut fatty acids to condition the scalp and hydrate hair, prepping it to fight off damage from even the hottest of curling irons.

Not only is INTACT 5 used to protect your hair, but the trusted, vegan-friendly ingredients like hydrating emollients lock in moisture to promote incredible shine and bounce. The result? A lively head of hair that's full of body, volume, and shine. So really, you can use this newfound volume to live out your styling dreams!

Are you craving a bouncy bob? You've now got the hair for it!

@tanya_canepa

3. Use INTACT 5 to Protect from Pulling

Impossible knots, painful tugging, and large wads of hair left in the bristles of your bush — sound familiar? If so, then you may not be using the best hair protection products. Over-brushing your hair can also cause unnecessary damage, stress, and tension on your scalp and hair.

Because your scalp is a sensory organ (part of the skin, the largest organ in the body!), harsh bristles can cause irritation and friction. The repeated impact can send the follicles into panic mode, and they'll start to shrink over time, choking off the growth phase of the hair cycle .

And down comes the shedding. But it doesn't have to be so!

Before your next shampoo, reach for INTACT 5 Anti Hair Shedding Treatment. This hair protectant creates moisture balance, improves elasticity and strength, and protects cuticles within the hair follicle to reduce breakage. You'll significantly reduce the tension on your scalp because INTACT 5 protects your hair and improves retention when brushing and styling.

Smooth hair, fewer knots, and reduced shedding? Yes, please!

4. Nourish Your Scalp with INTACT 5

Taking proper care of your scalp goes hand-in-hand with healthy hair. The scalp microbiome is complex. Think of the scalp as an ecosystem. What do healthy habitats need to thrive? An interplay between moisture, nutrients, healthy bacterias, and happy organisms. Well, your scalp functions similarly.

Feed it the right nutrients, and the landscape thrives with flourishing strands. But what happens in a drought? The ecosystem dries into an arid, rough climate. For your scalp, this means flaking, dry scalp , and even psoriasis.

And this isn't just a hypothesis: it's clinically proven.

Remember the 2017 study we talked about earlier? Researchers also discovered that hair texture is related to a person's scalp condition. According to the study, skin problems can readily occur in the scalp due to a lack of awareness about scalp care.

There seems to be a body of research about the role food plays in the gut microbiome, but the science on the scalp microbiome is emerging.

Another 2018 research paper examined the optimal scalp conditions to achieve homeostasis. Bottom line: your scalp needs healthy bacterias and nutrients to achieve a thriving atmosphere.

Therefore, it's imperative to implement these hair protection tips to turn your scalp into the equivalent of a flourishing Monet garden painting — lily pads and all.

INTACT 5 is the best hair protector for both improving hair health and nourishing your scalp. Intact soothes and calms the skin, leaving your scalp intensely moisturized. This translates into your hair's body by enhancing hydration, moisture balance, and homeostasis to have silky-soft skin and hair. Win-win!

"My hair immediately felt healthier and looked shinier, but the shedding was reduced tremendously!" — Intact Reviewer

5. Use INTACT 5 When Coloring

Do you regularly color your hair? Whether you opt for highlights, balayage, or a full root-to-tip color transformation, coloring your hair may cause significant damage to the overall health of your hair and scalp.

Of course, with great risk comes reward! It can be hard to resist dying your hair when you look in the mirror and love the beautiful color you see. And we wouldn't think of depriving you of that empowerment.

Instead, use INTACT 5 to protect hair from further distress. INTACT 5 is a clinically-proven and patented formula free of irritants like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, oils, alcohol, and gluten, so it's safe to use on color-treated hair.

Plus, the shine you'll get will illuminate your gorgeous color further! Okay, so we've learned the role hair routines play in scalp and hair health, let's talk about the ingredients in Intact 5 that make it the best hair protectant.

What Is INTACT 5 Made of?

As mentioned above, INTACT 5 is free of harmful toxins and chemicals. So, what nourishing, hydrating, hair-delicious ingredients is it made of? Well, INTACT 5 is the first and only hair protection product designed to improve hair retention, control hair shedding, and provide healthier-looking, more beautiful hair.

How do we know it works? Because our patented technology is dermatologist-developed and clinically-proven to reduce shedding by 91%.

Below, we've broken down the protective ingredients that make Intact a beauty-counter essential.

PiliLock Sevilla Orange Complex

INTACT 5's patented Complex contains bioactive Seville Orange and Vitamin B3, which activate the root to secure hair follicles in place for improved hair retention.

This zesty ingredient awakens the tiny muscles in your scalp, which grip the follicle around the strand to lock your hair to your scalp.

Your hair will gain strength to resist tension and hair shedding during the coloring, washing, and styling processes.

Hydration Complex

Hydration, hydration, hydration — it doesn't just come from drinking water. Hydration is the best way to protect hair. Intact contains a unique blend of water-soluble emollients and humectants that work together to provide moisture to your hair and scalp.

Made with naturally-derived GMO-free corn sugar, Vitamin B5, and coconut fatty acids, this moisture-cocktail leaves your hair feeling shiny, silky smooth, and full of body after every use.

So, are you ready for a product that stands up against tension, color, and heating? Then it's time to grab INTACT 5.

Protect Your Hair, and it'll Thrive!

It's safe to say that taking care of your hair now will significantly impact the health of your hair over time. With daily washing, styling, and coloring, it's vital to practice these hair protection tips to nourish your scalp, protect your hair, and make everyday styling less strenuous on your strands.

We hope that this article taught you that your hair is more than just strands: your scalp is a living habitat that needs attention to thrive. And when it does? You'll have the healthiest hair ever.

Ready for an effortlessly beautiful head of hair? Start taking meaningful steps to protect your hair with INTACT Anti Hair Shedding Treatment!

Perfect kit

Perfect kit for someone starting out!

I had an amazing experience!

I had an amazing experience! Ashley was incredibly helpful! Love my new piece!

Hi Brittany! Thank you so much for your kind review. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a lovely visit and that our FOLLEA Expert, Ashley was able to provide with exceptional service. We hope you continue to love your new FOLLEA Style wig, and we’re always here if you need anything in the future!

Amazing Company

I recently lost my hair in a horse accident, but Daniel Alain was quick to help me out. I bought 3 toppers and I love all of them. They suit me extremely well, and I will forever be grateful. Thank you very much.

Hi Samantha! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We're truly honored to be part of your hair journey and so happy to hear that you love your Follea by Daniel Alain hair toppers. Knowing they help you feel confident and comfortable means everything to us. Thank you for trusting Daniel Alain!

Ashley is wonderful!

Very impressed with the quality of service and quality of the hair piece!! Five stars!! Don’t waste time anywhere else.

Hello Jessica,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Ashley. We strive to be apart of every step of your journey, to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Love, The Daniel Alain Team

Unbelievable Experience

I was new to alternative hair and hit my rock bottom and realized I couldn’t put off a wig any longer. Ashley is absolutely incredible. She’s patient, knowledgeable, and so accommodating. She knew how vulnerable I felt and allowed me to take my time and get a piece I would be happiest with.

I am so grateful for this experience and I’m glad I found follea before being too traumatized elsewhere!

Truly, stop looking and buy the wig.

Dear Jenna,
Thank you so much for sharing your consultation experience with Ashley. It brings us so much joy to know she was able to help you find a piece that is best for you. We strive to help women feel comfortable and confident during there hair journey.

Xoxo, The Daniel Alain Team

Very helpful

We’ve been seeing a lot of hair loss in our clients due to Covid. Intact has helped to significantly reduce the shed! Our clients love it and so does the salon plumbing!

Fear to FABULOUS!!

Ladies, if you’re asking yourself…”why is this so expensive in comparison to other options?”…don’t and take the plunge. You will know why INSTANTLY when you open it up! This purchase is for YOU to gain your confidence back, to feel pretty and to walk with pride so it’s worth it! We all spend so much on nothing, our kids, stupid things…We are worth investing in ourselves! I’m a first time buyer of a wig and I’m 51 yo. No current cancer or no chemo, just ruined my hair with extensions for many years. I experienced so much denial, fear, and much sadness but…Janet, what an angel…walked me through it, didn’t pressure me and was so incredibly patient with answering all my questions…she made me come to the realization how bad extensions are on your hair and if I’m going to try and see if I can regrow my hair, I need to take the extensions out, allow my head and follicles to breath naturally….all sounds like a good idea right? It was hard for me to realize this and knowing that I’d have to rely solely on a wig now at 51yo! But! As I mentioned above, it is worth it and I feel fabulous! It is so natural looking, it moves with you, it’s comfortable, and not crazy hot! You can style it however you want! I never write reviews but felt this was probably the most important one I could ever write in an effort to help someone else either like me who was afraid of needing a wig, or someone who is simply considering a new one from this company. And most of all, you are never alone through this journey. Janet is reachable and so helpful even after you receive it! I’m on the other side of the country from California and we went on this journey all via zoom and FaceTime! I’d you’re considering this, do it! They also graciously give you 7 days to decide, just keep it intact and no modifications and send it back for your money back or exchange! I didn’t mention that I purchased the “style” model and am extremely happy with it. I’ve only had it a week but wow, I’m me again and in minutes flat, I’m ready to go and look like I stepped out of the salon! If you’ve read this all, I wish you luck and congratulations on getting a new you…a gorgeous you, full of confidence!🤗

Dear Tara,

Your review closely touch all of our hearts and we can hope it does the same for others. We are pleased to know Janet was and is able to help you on your journey. Janet is a valuable asset here at Daniel Alain and to all the people she helps. Your kind words and review are the reason we strive to offer the absolute best quality human hair wigs and toppers. We are honored to be apart of your journey and re-gained self confidence.

Thank you for sharing your vulnerable and inspiring experience.

We would love to invite you to join our #FolleaFriend community on Instagram, Where you can share, learn and grow with other amazing Follea friends.

With Love, The Daniel Alain Team.

amazing customer service

I cant say enough good things about the customer service I received from Janet. I was nervous cause it was my first time ordering from you on top of that I was getting a custom color, not only was the color spot on, but Janet was sooo patient walking me thru the process
I never felt rushed or hurried to make a decision, honestly she was a dream to work with. Now I'm thinking about the next one I'm going to get;)

Dear Kelly,

Thank you so much for your kind and supportive words. We are glad to know Janet was able to be such a helpful and supportive part of your wig journey. Janet will always be glad to help with any and all questions and concerns you have.

We want to personally invite you to be apart of our @Follea Instagram community where you can Learn, Share, and Grow with other Follea Friends.

Thank you again!
With Love, The Daniel Alain Team

This is a great wig!

I absolutely love this wig and I wear it with tons of confidence! I purchased my Daniel Alain Follea Style wig on 12/24/20 and it still looks great! I wear wigs regularly due to hair loss and own other good quality wigs but once purchasing this one it has become my favorite wig and I have been wearing it about 5 days a week for over a year and a half. I wash and style it about once a week, use the best hair products available, style it with a T3 curling iron and even had it colored. I admit it is easier to style when on a stand but I have become pretty good at it and have not damaged it one bit, it still looks heathy and so soft. I wear it up, down, braided and even a pony tail, I do have to be a little creative when wearing it up but basically you can do with it whatever you would if it were your own natural hair.
I still love it so much and there is plenty of wear left but I thought it was time for a change and get a new one. When I went on line to look at styles again I realized I never reviewed it and that is why I am reviewing it now. Oh I almost forgot to mention how light and comfortable it is. I have worn it up to 18 hours, slept in it and even wear it on the beach without it feeling hot and sweaty, it really does not feel like you are wearing a wig. If you are on the fence about purchasing a Daniel Alain wig I can tell you it is a very good quality wig and you won't be sorry. Here are a few pics of me styling it and wearing it in different styles, the one of me in blue was last week and about 2 months after coloring it.

Simply the Best

I get so many compliments on this wig. The Cappuccino color is so beautiful! I feel so confident when I wear her. I’ve worn so many of the years and I finally feel like I’ve found the one.

Dear Stacy,

We couldn't be happier to hear how beautiful and confident you feel in your new Follea! It warms our hearts to be apart, and a positive affect during your hair loss journey.

We invite you to join our @Follea community on Instagram, to learn best practices for your new Follea. Thank you so much!

XOXO, The Daniel Alain Team

Beautiful wigs and the best customer service!!

Dear, Ruth
Thank you so much for your kind words! We take comfort in knowing you were pleased with the help and assistance you received during this process.
Xoxo, The Daniel Alain Team

Easy Beauty!

My Follea Style (6-11) is in all honesty the most comfortable wig I've ever worn - and I hate anything on my head! This wig just... goes where it's supposed to, no pulling it this way or that, no realizing your doggone wig is crooked.. AFTER you walk in to work. This success is in no small part to the Fit Kit I was sent to make sure of my size. 😊

Also, to say the hair is beautiful gives beauty a bad name. The hair is stunning. (I wear color Latte.) My consultant, Ashley, virtually took my hand to guide me through the process of buying my wig. Her help was and still is invaluable.

My hairdresser is very comfortable styling wigs. She created just the right "style" for my Style. That said, even straight from the box, Follea rocks!

Reading your Follea experience warms our hearts, our goal and mission is to help women all over the world feel beautiful, confident and like their best self. Ashley is an amazing and knowlegable guide, that will continue to be with you on your hair journey!

We invite you to join our @Follea community on Instagram, to learn best practices for your new Follea.

Thank you very much!

Love,

Daniel Alain Team

Wig #6

The ready to wear wig I received from Daniel Alain is beautiful. The packaging was so respectful of the wig. So impressed. I called with questions before purchasing and the staff was very kind and respectful as Loosing my hair was so unexpected and stressful. Thank you for wonderful customer service and a beautiful wig. So many compliments on how it makes me look. Thank you.

We are honored and so glad to hear you had a pleasant experience! Thank you or trusting us to help you during your hair-loss journey.

Follea René

Ive had my follea Rene, 12 inch in the color Vienna, for almost a week and I love it more every day. I feel like a new woman, so confident and beautiful again. This wig has given me a bounce in my step again. It’s so soft, silky, doesn’t matte like my other wigs and feels like it is coming right out of my own head. Cynthia at follea did a virtual visit explaining everything, answering all my questions and sent me samples of wig caps and color swatches to try on. The process was stress free and exciting. Will definitely purchase another follea for sure.

Hi Nikki,

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to write this review for us. We are so glad to know that you are loving our René wig and more importantly, feeling like confident and beautiful again! Please tag us #danielalain in any photos we'd love to share your amazing look on our website and/or social media platforms.

Style 10 Inch Color 5005 Macchiato (comes with a soft rooting)

This is my first wig but not my first attempt with alternative hair. Its been a journey and one I knew I wanted to take with Follea. I was not wrong. The hair is silky soft and beautifully shiny. The staff is great and wonderful to work with. Their online consultation process is just what I needed. I received sample caps to try on to determine which size is the right size for me. I received color swatches as well to make the color selection process was a breeze. It does make a difference to see to the colors in person, dont be afraid to ask for color swatches. To see them against the light or while your home is worth it. All this happened after the online consultation, which was simple and fun. The rep provided samples of everything, explained the differences with each one. This helped me make a decision on what was right for me. Getting the samples of the wig caps and color swatches was a fun part of the experience but it also made me feel good about my decisions. I often worry about getting the wrong size and color. Once I was set ( and yes I changed my mind a bit) we went forward with the order. After I received my wig and cut the lace, the team was still there to help me with any questions I had.

Overall a great online purchasing experience. Once I received my Follea, I instantly knew this was it for me. I loved it and I was confident to wear it out.

Feeling Myself and Happy with a beautiful Follea Style, 10", Irish Cream

There are no words to fully express how grateful I am for finding Follea and meeting Janet. Her kindness combined with a professional, yet so gentle, advice helped me to find my beautiful natural looking European hair. Janet patiently showed me different styles and sizes (my head is so small!). She has never pushed me to anything. Only offered support and help on the way to my decision, and eventually ordered (incredibly urgently) the right size. I wish all patients to meet someone like Janet on their way! Before I found Follea, I faced a few horrible pushy people who wanted to make money of my sensitive, fragile situation of suddenly losing hair.
Today, I can face the Universe with a smile, again. I am back to work and normal life, interacting with people, attending important business meetings. Letting my health recover in calm confident state.
Thank You to Follea and Janet. May the Blessing and Kindness come back to You Multiplied Million Times.
I am already thinking of ordering a second Follea Style (bit longer this time). Every girl needs a special occasion HAIR! I have found mine.

Looooove me some FOLLEA!!!

Girl I love my new wig!!!!!! I feel like Beyoncé wearing it, you can’t even tell that it’s a wig! My confidence is an all new high and I feel fierce. Thanks to Janet for making my hair dreams come true. Xoxoxo

Follea's Petite

Recently, I bought the Petite in Chai Latte blonde with a natural-looking darker root and customized my piece by adding a few wispy bangs. If you are like me and try to stretch the length of time between washes to prevent an itchy scalp and breakage, this little priceless gem is a quick four clips away from a good hair day.

Great Customer Services

Great customer services! Received in a timely manner. Very happy with my topper, especially after I trimmed bangs and length to fix my own hair.

Hello Diane,

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to write this review for us. We are very happy to receive your feedback. Please tag us #danielalain in any photos we'd love to share your amazing look on our website and/or social media platforms.
Feel free to contact us at 1.949.706.9880 or reviews@danielalain.com.