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10 Best Hair Primers 2018
I am sure a lot of you are wondering, ‘what on earth is a hair primer’?
Well, I am here to put the wondering at rest and to provide some useful information on the subject and provide a 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 guide to help you select the best one for your hair care.
I am also led to believe that you may have encountered the word primer in association with the job of painting – in this case, you need to prepare the walls of a house for painting and so you need to apply a primer before applying the actual paint.
No, there will be no house painting primers on the 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 list!
What Is A Hair Primer?
So what exactly is a hair primer?
According to Vocabulary.com, the word ‘primer‘ is defined as: ‘A primer gets you ready for what comes next. You could use one kind of primer when you are learning to read, or another kind when you are preparing to paint a room.
Any way you use the word primer, it’s a first step or preparation for something else. There’s primer you use before painting, and an engine primer that prepares a machine to be started.’[1]
So, as simple as it sounds, a primer is simply a product that one uses to get something ready for another step in a series of processes. In this case, we are talking about hair care, so, we will be focussing on 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 products that can be used to get your hair ready for the next step in your hair routine.
How Do You Use It?
This brings us to another great question – how do we use it? It continues to be a simple process. Life is beautiful when it all comes together without any fluff!
The more usual way to apply a primer is after cleansing although there are primers that you can use before cleansing as a pre-wash or pre-cleanse treatment. The usual application calls for the primer to be applied to damp and not dripping wet hair. After all, you do not want the product to be ‘dripping away’ before you even get a chance to benefit from it.
In the case of a pre-wash primer, it is usual to be used in synergistic combination with a shampoo and conditioner in order to reap the full benefits of all the products working together. I will include one such primer in the 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 guide below.
What Does It Do For Your Hair?
Like most, if not all things, you can find the pros and the cons to use or not use any product. It is all about the application and the actual product make-up (ingredients).
Let’s look at a few benefits to be gained from using one of the primers on the 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 guide:
- it prepares the hair for heat styling – whether it is a blow dryer or flat iron or roller setting.
- it protects the hair from the effects of the environment – humidity, dryness, wind.
- it creates a smooth base for your hair before you start using other hair styling products and tools.
- it creates a light, weightless, humidity-resistant shield between the hair strands and any hair appliance or hair product.
- helps to keep your hairstyle lasting longer.
- helps to reduce frizz.
- helps to minimize hair damage due to styling.
- it aids in detangling.
- it also increases the sheen of your hair.
When ‘all is said and done’, it really is all about how you choose to care for your hair and the results you expect to see from your hair work. I sometimes use a hair primer because I know the good that it can do for my hair. And, in knowing this, I have compiled a 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 guide to help you along the way.
Are There Various Types Of Hair Primers?
You can find hair primers in forms like:
- sprays
- creams
- mousse
- liquid
It all depends on your choice. I have used three of the four possible forms. If I had to make a choice, I would say liquid followed by the spray. However, the most important determinant is the effect that it has on your hair. Of course, because there are so many options to choose from it has to be a trial and error moment for you to find that ‘perfect match’ for your hair.
In any event, here are 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 that should give you a great place to start!
10 Best Hair Primers 2018
1/Living Proof Prime Style Extender Hair Primer
Living Proof Prime Style Extender Hair Primer for Unisex is another great hair product to use as a primer for your hair. It is formulated with an advanced priming system – OFPMA (a miracle molecule) and priming emollients whose main job is to:
- help extend the hairstyles as much a 2 times longer than usual
- create an ultra-thin and weightless shield around each hair follicle
- smooth and make hair more manageable
- help to repel dirt and oil
Based on the feedback of this product, I am inclined to believe that it is doing the job it has set out to do! I think it would be an asset in your hair care arsenal of products and a great product to be on the 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 list!
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Water/eau/aqua, octafluoropentyl methacrylate (ofpma),myristyl alcohol, polyacrylate-13, polysorbate 20, sorbic acid, caprylyl glycol, ppg-2 myristyl ether propionate, phenoxyethanol, peg-8 stearate, polyisobutene, citronellol, fregrance/parfum, citral, geraniol, butylphenyl methylpropional, limonene.’
2/John Frieda Frizz Ease Beyond Smooth Frizz Immunity Primer
John Frieda is a very well-known hair care brand whose reputation is one that the brand honors. It has been around for many years. I have used John Frieda’s products and loved the results – especially while I was a ‘relaxed-haired’ girl. And without any bias, I think this primer belongs on this 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 guide!
The main features of this primer:
- is to combat frizz and increasing its resistance with consistent use.
- is formulated with its own Frizz Immunity Complex which works to improve the hair texture, increase manageability and in time, reduce frizz.
- it forms a protective barrier which keeps out water and humidity.
- allows more flexibility for curly, wavy, or straight hairstyles – with or without using heat appliances.
- makes your hair feel smooth and easier to manage.
- has a non-silicone product base.
- has coconut oil as one of the components of its frizz immunity complex.
As a tested and tried user of John Frieda products, I would see no reason why using this primer would not leave your hair with the protection it needs to continue with your next styling step of your hair care process!
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Water, tricaprylin, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl dilaurate, cetearet-20, behentrimonium chloride, diazolidinyl urea, propylene glycol, fragrance, disodium edta, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, sodium hydroxide, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.’
3/Amika The Wizard Multi-Benefit Primer
A fairly new hair care brand, Amika was created by industry Outsiders in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2007 and is on the climb to be noticed by all who have great hair care in mind. They focus on product ingredients and synergy. Their packaging is even fun and eclectic.
This hair primer is:
- multi-purpose in its use
- helps to reduce time spent on blow drying
- forms a protective shield against thermal damage
- helps to detangle
- provides a source of nourishment, shine, and softness for your hair
- is formulated with over 190 bio-active compounds that help the health of your hair
Featured ingredients in the formula:
- avocado oil – a source of nourishment and soft hair.
- sea buckthorn berry aka obliphica – which helps to prevent hair loss and soothes the scalp while helping with hair growth.
- panthenol aka pro-vitamin B5 – helps to restore the elasticity of your hair and helps prevent breakage.
- folic acid – necessary for healthy hair growth.
- tocopheryl – a type of Vitamin E that penetrates your hair and acts as an antioxidant.
- omega 7 – which is found in the sea buckthorn berry (as much as 40%) and helps to increase collagen production for your hair health.
In addition to all that goodness, this primer:
- is sulfate free
- sodium chloride free
- paraben free
- has no artificial colors
- color safe for Brazilian-treated and Keratin-treated hair.
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Cyclopentasiloxane, Hippophaea, Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Persea Gratissima (Avacado) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Citronellol, Coumarin, Geraniol.’
4/Oribe Foundation Mist
The Oribe hair care product line is a very well known one and is used by a lot of hair salons because of the effectiveness of the products. This primer is in the form of a spray mist. It :
- is versatile – can be used as a primer, a leave-in conditioner, and a style refresher
- prepares your hair for better styling
- is light-weight
- increases shine
- helps to detangle
- provides anti-static thermal protection
- conditions and nourishes your hair
- can be used on wet and dry hair ( as the refresher)
Featured ingredients:
- Geranium, Lavender, and Chamomile Extracts which help to moisturize and hydrate your hair as well as improve hair health.
- Green Tea Extract which strengthens and nourishes the hair and also helping in the prevention of split ends as well as environmental damage.
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein which conditions, voluminizes, rejuvenates damaged hair.
- Pro-Vitamin B5 and other conditioning agents which help to soften, moisturize and strengthen your hair, helping to make your hair more manageable.
- Cetrimonium Chloride which provides conditioning and antistatic properties.
- Multi-layered UV Protection System which helps to deliver long-lasting UV protection and environmental effects on your hair.
This product is:
- paraben free
- sodium chloride free
- color safe
- keratin treatment safe
I think it would make a great fit for any hair that needs a wee bit more TLC.
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Aqua/Water/Eau, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Xylitol, Cetrimonium Chloride, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Geranium Maculatum (Cranesbill) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Polyquaternium-44, Phenethyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Benzophenone-4, Amodimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, PPG-2 Methyl Ether, Trideceth-12, Styrene/VP Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone, Parfum/Fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool.’
5/Framesi Color Lover Primer 11 Intense Leave-In
Framesi is another known hair care brand whose products cater to hair that has been color-treated a lot. With this in mind, their products offer a bit more in terms of ingredients because they are compensating for the clients who use hair products like perms or color treatments. This primer:
- offers a high level of moisture and nourishment to recover hair that has been damaged by chemical processes
- helps to reduce frizz
- improves the elasticity and strength of your hair
- smoothes the hair cuticle and produces a silky feel as well as great shine
- offers exceptional damage recovery, reduces frizz and leaves hair smoother with improved elasticity and strength
- smoothes the cuticle reducing frizz, leaving it silky smooth and with superior shine
- provides a UV shield for your hair
- helps to lengthen hair color up to 95%
- helps to detangle and mends split ends
- adds volume to your hair
- acts as a thermal guard for your hair
- eliminates static
- is weightless and does not build-up
- it also helps to speed up the hair drying time as well
Two main ingredients featured in its formula are:
- quinoa protein
- baobab protein
which are both helpful in instantly repairing your hair and strengthening it.
Framesi Primer is also highly recommended because it is:
- 100% vegan
- sulfate free
- paraben free
- gluten-free
- DEA free
- sodium chloride free
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Water (Aqua/Eau), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Protein, Superoxide Dismutase, Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Hydrlyzed Keratin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Polyquaternium-72, Polyquaternium-55, Silicone Quaternium-16, Bis-Diisopropanolamino-PG Propyl Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PEG-14 Copolymer, Undeceth-11, Butyloctanol, Undeceth-5, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance (Parfum), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol.’
6/L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Quick Dry Primer Spray
L’Oreal Paris is certainly a hair care brand that is not unknown in the hair world and I had to put it on this 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 list. This primer is just another of their great hair products which does as it says to enhance the quality of your hair. This hair primer:
- works with heat to reduce the time taken to blow dry your hair
- protects against heat damage
- is formulated with fibralock technology
- helps tame frizz and leaves hair smooth to the touch
- is a lightweight formula which does not weight your hair down
- helps to extend the time-stamp on your hairstyle
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, ISODODECANE, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, PARFUM/ FRAGRANCE, C11-13 ISOPARAFFIN, DIMETHICONOL, ISOHEXADECANE, LINALOOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, LIMONENE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, COUMARIN.’
7/R+Co Twister Curl Primer
The R+Co hair brand is composed of a group of hairstylists who have joined forces to produce a product line which offers immediate results. This brand also received the Women’s Health June 2016 award. Without a doubt, they have the client’s hair care in mind.
This primer:
- is lightweight and crunch-free on your hair
- preps your hair for styling
- adds moisture
- provides thermal protection
- preps your hair and acts as a foundation (base) for your other styling products
This primer is formulated with no:
- Parabens
- Sulfates (SLS OR SLES)
- Petrolatum and Mineral Oil
- Gluten
- Fragrance (used instead: relative Paradise – A bright, earthy composition. Sicilian Lemon, Tangerine, Eucalyptus, Green Tea, Tree Moss, Crisp Amber)
It is also: gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
In this formulation are featured ingredients like:
- Aloe Vera Leaf Extract – rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals which helps to moisturize, condition and add shine
- Pequi Fruit Oil – which helps to smooth the hair cuticle, increase shine and reduce frizz.
- Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein – which silkens and smoothes the hair as well as moisturize and nourish your hair
- Shea Butter – which is a well-known moisturizing butter to moisturize, soften and seal.
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Water, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyquaternium-72, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Flower Extract, Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Polyquaterium-7, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trimethy-Isiloxyamodimethicone, Trideceth-12, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Bisulfite, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Salicylate, Fragrance, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citral, Limonene, Linalool.’
8/Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer
This hair primer is a very new product by the Eva NYC brand. And even though it is fairly new, it is making waves among its users. It is being called a miracle potion because of the 10-in-1 multi-use:
- detangles
- nourishes
- strengthens
- softens
- cuts drying time
- adds shine
- reduces frizz
- protects against thermal heat damage
- environmental damage due to the seasonal changes
- protection from the sun’s UV rays.
Two main featured botanical ingredients:
- Argan Oil – a great moisturizer for hair and skin. Helps to strengthen, nourish as well as soften your hair
- Sunflower Seed Butter – a softening agent for your hair as well as repairing the hair follicle and protecting it, and increasing your hair’s sheen
With all the functionality of a 10-in-1 product, Eva NYC’s hair primer will indeed leave your hair feeling on top of the world, and so will you!
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, Decamethylcyclopcntasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Fragrance/Parfum, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde’.
9/Mizani Fiberfyl Essential Strengthening Fix Primer
Mizani is a very old name in hair care. I started using MIzani when I was a relaxed girl in the late 90’s – yes, it has been around for quite a while. Its hair brand is geared towards the African American hair market and does its best to use technology and the best ingredients to make the best hair products.
This primer:
- Is formulated with 2% Filloxane – which is a super moisturizing cream
- Helps to increase the strength of your hair. Penetrates the hair follicle as a liquid and then becomes a flexible solid that fills into the weak spots without hardening, thus helping to make the follicle stronger.
- Will protect your hair from heat styling tools
- Can be used on wet and dry hair
It is recommended to use the Mizani Moisturfusion Shampoo and Conditioner with this primer in order to benefit from the synergistic working of all the products.
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Active:Filloxane. Inactive: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Aminoporopyl Triethoxysilane, Cetyl Esters, Amodimethicone, Behentrimonium Chloride, Lactic Acid, phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Isopropyl Alcohol, Trideceth-6, Cetrimonium Chloride, 2-Oleamido-1, 3-Octadecanediol.’
10/ Nexxus Color Assure Primer
And last but by no means least on the 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 list is the Nexxus Color Assure Primer. As I mentioned above, sometimes there are primers that you can use before cleansing your hair. This is considered a pre-treat type of shampoo. Nexxus is also a very well-known hair care brand that offers wonderful hair products to care for your hair health. Even though it is geared towards color treated hair, it can still be used for normal hair.
The whole idea behind this primer or pre-cleanse treatment is that it ‘creates a shield that helps protect color by repelling water from your color-treated hair’.
It is formulated with:
- white orchid extract which helps to moisturize the hair
- argan oil to increase and maintain the shine and movement of your hair
- coconut oil for its softness and healthy nourishment from minerals and natural fats needed for your hair
With consistent use, it is expected to:
- improve hair sheen and keep the hair color looking vibrant for at least 2 times longer (*Based on Nexxus Color Assure Pre-Wash Primer, Shampoo and Conditioner use over 8 weeks vs. non-conditioning shampoo.)
- leave your hair voluminous
- make your hair feel smooth and silky
- help repel water from your color treated hair because of the way it shields the hair follicle once you apply it; it enters the hair protein structure
- is designed to protect your hair before shampooing and conditioning
It is recommended to use the Nexxus Color Assure Shampoo and Conditioner, to produce a synergy between the products. And as ‘icing on the cake’, to help heighten your hair’s sheen, use the Nexxus Color Assure Glossing Tonic as a bonus!
Here is a list of ingredients:
‘Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Fragrance/Parfum, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Phalaenopsis Amabilis Extract.’
My Final Thoughts On 10 Best Hair Primers 2018
Choosing any hair care product can be a challenge – especially in our world today where there are so many options to choose from. Naturally, the only way you will find the proverbial ‘needle in a haystack’, is by trying a few and I hope this list of 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 will be helpful. I always suggest that you start off with a sample if you can get it, and if not, then a small bottle.
I use a hair primer sometimes, however, I use it whenever I will be doing any kind of heat treatment on my hair such as indirect heat appliances like a hooded hair dryer or maybe while using a hand-held blow dryer on a low or cool setting. It is imperative that you minimize the potential damage that ANY heat styling tool can do to your hair – whether the heat being applied is direct or indirect.
I hope this 10 Best Hair Primers 2018 article has provided some useful information to help you on your hair journey. I would love to hear your experience.
REFERENCES:
[1] Vocabulary.com
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Hello Michelle, I am constantly awed by the information that you provide on this site. Who knew there was a primer to use on one’s hair? How fascinating.. .It makes so much sense too! Thank you for this this! In peace and gratitude, ariel
Hello Ariel,
Thanks for stopping by again. I graciously accept your thanks. I am so happy that the information you find on my site is indeed of value. This helps to point me in the right direction – thanks!
Namaste
Michelle
Hi Michelle, With so many options out there, it is hard to choose what will work best.
So here is my challenge: I have 70 year old hair that I have a dual color process to hide the 70-gray. My hair is fairly thick, coarse and curly. So I battle frizz in humidity, dryness, and shine. I have used a bunch of products and currently like Deva for shampoo and conditioner. And Fructis for curls. I have use Freida products, too. What is your recommendation for the healthiest shiniest hair results. (My hairdressser says my hair is not damaged BTW, just curly.)
I’m betting you have good answers, based on all the great information on your blog!
Thanks, Annie
Hello Annie,
Thanks for visiting. Thanks for your kind words. Hmmm…this could be interesting. The first thing I would encourage you to do is to do more frequent deep conditioning. This is one way to ensure that the moisture level/balance of your scalp and hair are in sync. This should help to reduce frizz. I also think that maybe you should even try using some essential oils along with your deep-conditioning. The oils will help the frizz as well and add sheen to your curls. I hope this will help you in some way.
Be sure and let me know if I can help more.
All the best on your hair journey.
Michelle
Dear Michelle,
Thanks for the detailed post and the recommendations are of wide range which is giving lot of options. You post is full of valuable information and your suggestions are great. Thanks a lot!
Your Friend,
Paul
Hello there Paul, I am glad that you found the information useful. Stop by any time. All the best.
Michelle