LOL - Pookeylou - You are too funny! Thanks so much for the compliments.
Yes, I did use a heat protectant. It is called Ion Heat Protectant from Sally's for $5.99. It is made specifically for use with a flatiron - there's a flatiron on the bottle. It's not a watery product like other heat protectants I have used (i.e. Pantene), it is kind of like a really light oil.