Hot Tools Pro Artist Straight Heat, Heat Activated Straightening Serum

Most Helpful Critical Review

So-So Serum

Thanks to the Stellar Product Testing Panel for providing me with this hair tool. The Pro Artist Straight Heat serum is different from others I've tried in that it is heat-activated, and I was intrigued by this. I also wanted to see how it held up in the humid, 100 plus degree temps we've been havin...g in the South this summer. My first impression was how thick and lotion-like it felt. My hair is medium length, so I used 3 pumps (the bottle recommends 2-3), and it massaged in easily to my damp hair. The scent was not my favorite—not strong but reminded me of glue—and thankfully didn't linger in my hair. I usually brush my hair gently as I blow dry it, and my hair felt stickier than usual with this serum, making it harder to brush through as I dried it. My hair is thin, a little wavy/frizzy, and breaks easily, so I was scared I might be causing some breakage. Once it was dry though, I was able to brush through it without too much trouble. Definitely DO NOT use the serum if you do not plan to flat iron your hair after drying; it will just be course and increasingly difficult to brush. The heat activation comes from using a flat iron, and it performed great in that aspect. I never use a flat iron without some kind of heat protection, so I can't speak to using a flat iron alone versus with the serum. But it performed as well as other products I've used if not a bit faster. I was able to straighten my hair quickly and easily after the first wash/dry, and the effect lasted all day and into the next (I shampoo every other day usually). It controlled my usually frizz great this first day and into the next! The bottle claims to provide "an instant straightening effect and frizz control that lasts through 3 washes," so I didn't reapply it after my second wash. My hair didn't feel quite as sticky while blow drying it the second time around but still straightened just as well, so I think some of the product was left on my hair. The frizz control wasn't quite as good after the second wash/straighten, but I doubt anything would hold up in the August heat and humidity we've had lately. I was too worried about heat damage since my hair felt more like it did pre-serum when I was drying it after the 3rd wash, so I didn't try flat ironing it then. Again, plenty of humidity so not great frizz control. My overall experience was positive, but I don't think I'd buy this item. Because I don't flat iron my hair every time I wash it, the "lasts through 3 washes" aspect isn't appealing to me due to the slight residue I could feel on my hair even after the third wash. But if you flat iron your hair regularly, this product could be just the right serum for you!