Magic is often regarded as a mystical and supernatural force that can defy the laws of nature and amaze and astonish those who witness it. It has captivated the human imagination for centuries and continues to intrigue and entertain people of all ages today. The search for magic begins with a sense of wonder and curiosity. From an early age, we are captivated by the idea of the impossible becoming possible. We dream of flying through the air, making objects disappear and reappear, and performing incredible feats that defy logic and reason. As we grow older, the search for magic can take different forms.
Pacifica makes products that work all while making conscious ethical choices. This primer-and-protectant combo will make your hair and your heart feel great. It also smells like vanilla.
Argan Magic incorporated these traditions and generations-old recipes in all its products to create unique and powerful blends that will simply amaze you. Argan Magic incorporated these traditions and generations-old recipes in all its products to create unique and powerful blends that will simply amaze you.
As we grow older, the search for magic can take different forms. Some seek it in the art of illusion and sleight of hand, like the magicians who perform tricks on stage. Others search for it in the natural world, finding wonder in the beauty and complexity of the universe.
11 heat protectants to save your ends and your bank account
That means, by default, I’m a curling iron girl. It’s a modern tragedy. Since I don’t have the genius of the vacuum brand imbued into my hair tools, a good heat protectant is an absolute must.
However, doling out $40 on a spray that will last me no more than a few months simply breaks my soul just a little. I found 11 of the highest-rated heat protectants under $20. Take your pick.
A little spooky and a lot of smoothing: Verb Ghost Prep Heat Protectant, $18
If you’ve got fine hair that’s easily weighed down, this is for you. It’s so lightweight, it’s invisible. Almost like a … ghost?
- Consistency: cream/gel
- How: Apply to damp hair before heat styling
- More good things: paraben-free, gluten-free, sulfate-free, vegan, not tested on animals
For the multitaskers: Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer, $12
I personally fear the three-in-one. This isn’t that. Think of this as the three-in-one’s hot older sister. Who doesn’t love a product that does it all?
- Consistency: spray
- How: Apply to damp hair before detangling or heat styling
- More good things: certified cruelty-free, certified vegan, GMO-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, packaging made from 100% recycled aluminum
Bathroom counter approved: Kristin Ess Style Assist Blow Dry Mist, $14
Since she launched in Target, I’ve been a fan of Kristin Ess products. This is no exception. It’s incredibly lightweight, so it's extra good for all of the thin and fine-haired folx out there.
- Consistency: spray
- How: Apply to damp hair before blowdrying or dry hair before thermal styling
- More good things: cruelty-free, color and keratin safe, sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free
*Heads up to the sensitive-nosed, it has a strong floral scent, but (based on the reviews) the results seem to be worth it!
“Nothing else compares!”: HSI Professional Argan Oil Thermal Protector, $15
Curly-haired people need to heat protect too. Look no further. Lots of natural-haired folx swear by this product, both for diffusing and for straightening out the curls.
- Consistency: spray
- How: Spray onto dry or damp hair before thermal styling or blowdrying
- More good things: sulfate-free, paraben-free, phosphate-free, not tested on animals
Beyond the bottle: Pacifica’s Vegan Silk Blow-Out Hair Primer and Protectant, $14
Pacifica makes products that work all while making conscious ethical choices. This primer-and-protectant combo will make your hair and your heart feel great. It also smells like vanilla.
- Consistency: gel/serum
- How: Apply to clean, wet hair before blowdrying or combing
- More good things: silicon-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, SLS-free, mineral oil-free, cruelty-free, vegan, eco-friendly packaging
Summer in every season: Sun Bum Heat Protector Spray, $14
When I think of summer, I think of the scent of Sun Bum. This heat protectant gives me that sunny feeling even on the dullest winter days.
- Consistency: spray
- How: Can be used on dry or damp hair before thermal styling or blowdrying. Just remember to shake the bottle first and let it dry down if you’re using it on dry hair.
- More good things: vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free
Little goes a long way: Rusk Thermal Serum, $16
Created with the main purpose of eliminating frizz, this serum is the perfect heat protectant to prep a sleek blowdry.
- Consistency: serum
- How: Apply 2-6 drops to damp or dry hair before heat-styling or use as a finishing serum on dry hair.
- More good things: alcohol-free, silicone-free
Salon-level protection: Beyond The Zone’s Turn Up The Heat Protection Spray, $13
It may not seem anything particularly revolutionary, but it's a salon and stylist favorite. Reviews say the bottle lasts forever, which is a win in our book.
- Consistency: spray
- How: Apply to damp hair before blowdrying or dry hair before thermal styling
- More good things: sulfate-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free
For the softest strands: artnaturals Thermal Hair Protector Spray, $13
Formulated primarily from Argan oil, this heat protectant also doubles as a leave-in conditioner that will, “restore, enhance, and grow hair.”
- Consistency: spray
- How: Spray on damp or dry hair before thermal styling or blowdrying
- More good things: paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, ethically sourced
Oldie but a goodie: CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray, $9
This bottle worked miracles before elementary school dance competitions when my mom styled my fragile seven-year-old hair with a 20-year-old curling iron. It could only have gotten better.
- Consistency: spray
- How: Spray in sections onto dry hair before thermal styling
- More good things: paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free
“Blowout in a bottle”: Cake Beauty GraceFull Blowout Hair Balm, $9
This balm formula is made to perfect the blowout by cutting dry times and increasing shine, all the while protecting from heat.
- Consistency: whipped balm
- How: Apply to damp hair (from roots to ends) before blowdrying, or use on damp hair before air-drying to decrease frizz.
- More good things: cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free
If you still feel the need to splurge: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, $28
As evidenced by the above, you don’t need to spend more money to get a good product. But, if you *want* to, this is the one.
- Consistency: oil
- How: Apply a few drops to damp or dry hair after a wash, reapply to dry hair before heat styling between washes.
- More good things: vegan, alcohol-free, cruelty-free
But perhaps the true magic lies not in the tricks and illusions we see, but in the way it makes us feel. Magic brings joy and a sense of childlike wonder, reminding us that there is more to life than what we can see and understand. In our search for magic, we may also stumble upon something deeper – a belief in the extraordinary. Magic can symbolize hope, possibility, and the power of imagination. It can remind us to never stop dreaming and to always keep our sense of wonder alive. Finding magic is not about uncovering some hidden secret or discovering a supernatural power. It is about embracing the wonders of the world around us and allowing ourselves to be enchanted by the beauty and mystery of life. Whether it is in the laughter of a child, the awe-inspiring view of a sunset, or the joy of watching a magic trick unfold before our eyes, finding magic is about experiencing moments that are beyond the ordinary. So, let us embark on this journey to find the magic that lies within and around us. Let us open our minds and hearts to the wonders that surround us and allow ourselves to be carried away by the enchantment of life. In doing so, we may just find that the real magic is not in the tricks and illusions, but in the way it fills us with wonder and makes us feel alive..
Reviews for "The Mystery of Magic: How Magicians Keep their Secrets hidden"
- John - 2 stars - I found "Find the magic" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was predictable and lacking originality. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The writing style was also quite mediocre, with repetitive phrases and cliched descriptions. Overall, I was not impressed by this book and would not recommend it to others.
- Sarah - 1 star - I really did not enjoy "Find the magic" at all. The plot was weak and uninteresting, with no real surprises or twists. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. In my opinion, this book fell short in almost every aspect, and I would advise others to avoid it.
- Emily - 2 stars - "Find the magic" was a letdown for me. The world-building was lacking, leaving me with many unanswered questions. The magic system felt underdeveloped and inconsistent. The protagonist was unrelatable and made frustrating choices throughout the story. The writing was also lackluster, failing to create a truly immersive reading experience. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and would not recommend it to fantasy lovers.