What is a Hair Primer? 3 Must-Know Benefits of Hair Primers in 2023

What is a hair primer, and what are some of its biggest benefits? Continue reading to learn more.

Getting glammed up is all fun and games until you figure out how much damage improper styling might be causing to your hair. That’s why it’s imperative to use products that are specially made to protect your tresses from any harm caused by various day-to-day factors.

Among these products, possibly one of the most underestimated ones is the hair primer. Styling primers for hair aren’t as popular as hairstyling staples such as dry shampoos and hair sprays but using these products can instantly change your hair’s health and appearance. 

In this article, we will discuss what a hair primer is, what are its benefits, and which is the best hair primer that you can find on the market. So, let’s jump right into it:

What is a hair primer?

A hair primer is a hair care product designed to set the base and prepare the hair before styling. In a way, it works the same as a makeup primer works on the face, which is typically used before applying foundation or other cosmetics. 

Hair primers typically come in the form of sprays, creams, or serums, and they provide various benefits to the hair. Their goal is to create a smooth and even surface on the hair, allowing for easier styling and enhancing the longevity of the style.

What are the benefits of a hair primer?

Now that we know what a hair primer is, let’s take a look at some of the main benefits that you can take advantage of for your hair:

1. Creates a smoothing effect

Getting rid of frizzy hair can often be a challenge, especially considering all of the different factors that may cause it, from humidity to lack of moisture or inadequate heat styling. And, let’s be honest - nobody loves waking up with frizzy hair full of fly-aways that are impossible to tame.

Well, this is where a hair primer comes in really, really handy. This hair styling product often contains ingredients to smooth down the hair cuticles, reducing frizz and creating a sleeker appearance.  

This effect is especially visible if you are using a high-quality hair primer such as the NuMe Rise and Prime - made with hydrolyzed silk, sunflower seed oil and honey extract, it replenishes the hair with amino acids and enhances the texture of the hair.

2. Provides enhanced heat protection

In addition to providing a smooth and sleek effect, hair primers also offer thermal hair styling protection, creating a shield between the hair and heat styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling wands. 

When styling your hair with heat, it is easy to forget that these types of tools can reach really high temperatures, up to 450°F (230 °C), which can be damaging to the hair if you are not taking the right measures to protect it from heat.

A hair primer forms a protective barrier so you can reduce the damage caused from excessive heat styling, and enjoy healthier hairstyles in the long run. 

3. Has detangling properties

If you have hair that is difficult to tame and often ends up tangled, especially after a long night's sleep, you can use a hair primer to make it easier to manage. 

Hair primers often contain conditioning agents that make the hair more manageable and easier to comb through, reducing tangles and knots. It also adds moisture and hydration to the hair, improving its elasticity - dry or damaged hair tends to be more prone to tangling. 

Hydrated hair is generally more flexible and less likely to tangle or form knots. And last but not least, hair primers are specifically formulated to create a smooth surface on the hair strands, reducing the roughness that can lead to tangles.

The slick texture provided by the primer enhances slip, allowing a comb or brush to glide through the hair more easily, minimizing resistance and potential breakage.

4. Provides hydration and nourishment to the hair

As we already mentioned, one of the biggest benefits of hair primers is that they also provide hydration and nourishment to the hair. 

Products such as the NuMe Rise and Prime are rich in amino acids, fatty acids and vitamin E which help to nourish and soften the hair, on top of keeping it lustrous and moisturized. These ingredients can help to strengthen and hydrate the hair, improving its overall health and appearance.

If the hair is damaged or dry, certain hair primers may have reparative properties. They can help to repair the hair's structure, replenish moisture, and restore its natural hydration balance. This can be especially beneficial for those with chemically treated or heat-damaged hair.

5. Protects hair color from fading

Exposure to sunlight and UV radiation can cause the fading and alteration of hair color, especially for dyed or chemically treated hair. 

Hair primers like the NuMe Rise and Prime contain UV filters or ingredients that help to shield the hair from UV rays. These UV-protective components can help minimize color fading and maintain the vibrancy of the hair color for a longer period.

Certain hair primers are specifically formulated to enhance the appearance and intensity of hair color. They may contain pigments or color-boosting agents that help to revive and intensify the hue of the hair. 

These primers can be particularly beneficial for individuals with color-treated hair looking to refresh their color between salon visits.

6. Preserves your hairstyle

When it comes to hair styling, preparation is vital. Priming your hair before styling can affect the way your hair reacts to factors such as heat and humidity.  

Hair primers create a foundation on the hair that helps to hold the style in place for longer periods. They provide a layer of protection and support, helping to prevent the hairstyle from losing its shape or structure throughout the day.

In addition, certain hair primers have styling properties that offer additional hold to the hair. They may contain ingredients that provide light to medium hold, helping to keep the hairstyle intact and preventing it from falling or losing its shape throughout the day.

What are the different uses of a hair primer?

On top of the multiple benefits of hair primers that we just mentioned, it is also important to know that a hair primer also has different uses - more than its primary use as a…well, a hair primer. Let’s take a look:

1. Primer

Of course, the main use of a primer is to create a proper base for hairstyling, and ensure that you are ready to begin your routine. 

Before doing anything to your hair, use a generous amount of hair primer to the tips of your hair and work your way up. This step can help cut your styling time shorter, make other products stick to your hair more, and improve your hairstyle's longevity.

2. Leave-in conditioner

If you have naturally frizzy or dry locks, you can use your hair primer to loosen up knots and instantly bring moisture back into your hair. 

Make sure to focus this mainly on the tips of your tresses to maintain your hair's natural volume and to avoid unwanted flatness, and product buildup.

3. Blow dry cream

When it comes to giving yourself a DIY blowout, it's essential to keep your hair hydrated to avoid unwanted frizz and achieve shiny and luscious results. 

Apply a blow dry cream to wet or dry hair to add moisture and nourishment to your hair.

4. Heat protectant

It's always a great idea to apply a thin layer or product to your hair before exposing it to any time of direct heat and friction to fend off frizz and dullness. Make sure only to use a small amount of product to help your hairdo maintain its shape for a longer time.

Looking for the best thermal heat protectant? Get the NuMe Watch Me Werk.

Conclusion

Now that you know everything there is to know about what hair primer is used for and its benefits, we hope that you will incorporate this necessary step into your hair care and styling routine. 

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FAQ

Is hair primer the same as heat protectant?

No, hair primer and heat protectant are not the same. While some hair primers may offer heat protection, not all hair primers have heat-protectant properties. Heat protectants are specifically formulated to shield the hair from heat damage caused by styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons.

How do I use a hair primer?

To use a hair primer, start with a clean, towel-dried hair. Take a few pumps of the hair primer and apply it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Finally, style your hair as desired using your favorite styling tools. 

How often can I use a hair primer?

The frequency of using a hair primer depends on your individual hair needs. As a general guideline, you can use a hair primer every time you wash your hair or before heat styling. However, it's important to avoid excessive product buildup, so adjust usage based on your hair type and the specific instructions of the hair primer you're using.