The Best Heat Protectants for Hair 2023
From shielding sprays to smoothing creams, here are 8 of the best heat protectants for hair of all types.
As temperatures dip and the holiday season swiftly approaches, our hot hair tools are calling. From blow-driers and straightening brushes to curling wands and flat irons, sometimes we can’t help but use a little heat on our locks to help us achieve those artfully crafted holiday hairstyles worthy of a festive soirée. But not without a spritz of heat protectant for hair first, of course.
What to look for in the best heat protectant for hair
As you prepare to style your hair with heat, keep in mind that your prep process can affect the style just as much as the quality of your hot tools. Ensure your results are sleek, soft, and healthy-looking by reaching for a thermal protectant that defends up to 230 degrees Celsius.
This is especially important if you use your tools on thick, curly hair which may require more heat.
Depending on your hair type, texture, and personal preference, you may also want to consider the texture of the heat protectant spray you’d like to buy. Do you need a lightweight spray because you have fine hair? Do your curls require a thicker cream with a little extra moisture? It’s important to think about what works best for you and your hair in order to achieve optimal results.
Celebrity hairstylist Naeemah LaFond told FASHION contributor Megan Kirkwood about the importance of heat protection for textured hair. “Make sure you prep the hair to not only protect it against heat damage but to also make sure it’s moisturized and nourished.”
This is particularly important for folks with textured hair, but all hair types can benefit from products that provide moisture and protection against heat.
When it comes time to wash your hair and revert it back to your natural texture, it still looks and feels healthy.
No hairstyle is worth compromising the health of your hair, which is why a heat protectant for hair will be your saviour this party season. Below, we’ve rounded up eight of the best heat protectants for hair of all types for you to shop this season.
The best heat protectants for hair to buy right now
Best overall
Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray
Our pick for overall best heat protectant for hair goes to none other than Oribe. With a few spritzes of this Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray, you’ll be on your way to achieving the sleekest, shiniest blowout no matter your hair texture. The patented film-former polymer within its formula creates a protective barrier over hair strands.
Ceramides guard strands against thermal styling, the argan oil ingredient simultaneously keeps hair looking bright and soft. Use this lightweight heat protectant spray on damp hair. It draws upon the power of a silicone complex to help speed up your hair drying time.
Pros
- All-texture approved
- Boosts softness and shine
- Helps repair split ends
- Helps wet hair dry quicker
Cons
- On the more expensive side
Best budget
L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Spray
In the market for a high-performing heat protectant that won’t break the bank? Look no further than this L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Spray. This spray comes from the brand’s expertly crafted Dream Lengths system, which is designed to help you achieve your dream hair length.
Enjoy up to three days worth of sleek hair that stays hydrated and frizz-free. We also love the under-$10 price point.
Pros
- Boasts heat protection up to 230 degrees Celsius
- Locks in shine
- Defends against humidity
- Helps seal split ends
Cons
- Has a sweet, fruity, and floral fragrance that may be a dealbreaker for those who prefer to shop fragrance-free
Best rated
Kérastase L’incroyable Blow Dry Hair Lotion
With over 1,500 reviews that contribute to its 4.6-star rating on Amazon, Kérastase’s L’incroyable Blow Dry Hair Lotion is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser. Though this styling serum offers heat protection for up to 230 degrees Celsius, there’s much more to it than that.
Thanks to its heat-sensitive microwax technology, this product not only helps to set your hairstyles — but also allows for flexible re-shaping and styling. If you switch up your haircare and styles on a regular basis, you’ll be able to do so with ease and with up to 96 hours of anti-frizz control.
Pros
- Provides long-wear hold that is easily flexible
- Slows hair greasing
- Smoothing
- No reapplication necessary
Cons
- On the more expensive side
Best for fine hair
Redken Thermal Spray
If you’ve got thin hair, opt for a heat-protectant spray that won’t weigh your strands down too much. With its lightweight formula and heat protection for up to 230 degrees Celsius, Redken’s Thermal Spray from its Heat Styling Collection will surely tick all your boxes.
Infused with ceramides and cranberry oil, this setting mist provides all-day frizz and humidity control so your looks can last. Plus, its maximum hold claim means you’re free to create high-definition looks with your flat irons and curling iron wands that’ll retain their shape.
Pros
- Lightweight
- The formula reactivates with heat so you can constantly change up your style
- Provides high hold with shape memory
Cons
- May leave behind a slightly sticky feeling
Best for curls
Verb Ghost Prep Heat Protectant
Using a heat protectant is especially necessary for those with curly hair. That’s because you don’t want to disrupt the flow of your curls or permanently damage your curl pattern. Verb’s Ghost Prep Heat Protectant is the perfect hair primer for curls. It preps hair for high-heat styling, helps retain moisture, and tames flyaways.
Because curly hair often needs more moisture than other hair types, some curly folks (like myself) may prefer the texture of a lotion over a spray to ensure their hair is getting as much moisture as possible in the styling process — especially if your hair is on the medium-thick side. Luckily, this lotion is lightweight enough to use on fine curls, too!
Pros
- Smooths strands
- De-frizzes curls
- Adds shine
- Ideal hair care for curls, waves and texture touched by hot tools
Cons
- Has a grapefruit-oatmeal scent that may be a dealbreaker for those who prefer to shop fragrance-free
Best for chemically treated hair
Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray
Shield chemically treated hair with this multi-tasking spray by Pureology. It boasts 21 benefits for coloured hair—heat protection included. Formulated with Pureology’s very own AntiFade Complex, this mist prevents hair colour from fading so your freshly dyed hairdo can last longer.
Over time, this leave-in heat protectant spray treatment will boost the vibrancy of your colour. What’s more, camelina, coconut, and olive oil ingredients within its formula help to nurture, moisturize and add shine to chemically processed hair from root to tip.
Pros
- Keeps coloured hair from fading
- Keeps hair moisturized and conditioned
- Increases shine
- Detangles
Cons
- Some reviews report it having an overpowering scent
Best for natural hair
Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream
As was the case with the best for curls category, using a heat protectant is non-negotiable for anyone with natural hair before heat styling. “When working with textured hair, you always want to make sure you’re not damaging your curl pattern with your blowout, so you can always restore your original coil afterwards,” explained LaFond.
Our pick for natural hair is Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream. This smoothing primer protects against heat up to 230 degrees Celsius, while the coconut oil ingredient keeps hair moisturized and protected against damage — so you know your natural kinks and coils will bounce back to life post-styling.
Pros
- Increases shine
- Fights frizz
- Silicone-free
- Locks in hydration and locks out humidity
Cons
- Some reviews report it may not be the best option for those with fine hair
Best for dry hair
Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection & Hold Styling Mist
Infused with key moringa leaf extract and prickly pear seed oil, Dae’s Agave Dry Heat Protection & Holding Mist spray is a miracle worker for hair that is dry and in need of nourishment. After use, hair feels softer, shinier, and restored ahead of heat styling. We love the healthy blend of desert-derived ingredients within its formula.
And if that weren’t enough, this also works like a charm on hair that is literally dry to the touch (as opposed to damp hair, which is needed for most heat protectants to work effectively). This multitasking spray is designed to be spritzed directly onto dry hair. It’s ideal for when you need retouching and protection, but don’t want to dampen your entire head of hair.
Pros
- All hair types and textures approved
- Provides a long-lasting, flexible hold
- Prevents frizz
- Provides heat protection for up to 230 degrees Celsius
Cons
- Made exclusively for use on dry hair
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