What is the key benefit of using heat protectant products before styling hair with hot tools?

Using heat protectant products before styling hair with hot tools primarily serves to prevent hair damage. When heat is applied to hair, especially from tools like flat irons and curling wands, it can lead to various forms of damage, such as dryness, split ends, and loss of elasticity. Heat protectants typically contain ingredients that create a barrier between the hair and the heat, which helps to minimize this damage by reducing the direct contact of high temperatures with the hair strands.

These products often also feature moisturizing components that can help maintain the hair's moisture balance even when exposed to heat. This protective layer ensures that the hair remains healthier and less prone to breakage, making it an essential step in any heat styling routine.

While the other options may be benefits associated with hair products, they do not directly address the main purpose of heat protectants. Adding volume, enhancing hair color, or improving shine can be additional benefits offered by other hair care products, but they do not replace the critical function of heat protectants in safeguarding hair from heat-related damage.