Flat Iron question. Help?

those aren't very good flat iron. Chi's are much better. As for the heat protection, it all depends on what you are using. You can have some that are shampoos that heat protection. You shower, blow dry, and then use the flat iron. Or you can get the wet to dry flat iron which means you skip out the blow drying part. If you use cream or spray it's best to put it in when your hair is wet and then same as above. But there are some sprays and creams that allow to be put on dry hair. You just have to read the label. good luck!