8 Best Heat Protectant Products

After 25 hours of research evaluating 62 products, we picked TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer as our top choice.

Ask any stylist and they’ll tell you that you need to invest in a good heat protectant product if you regularly use a hairdryer or any heat styling tools. Indeed, it’s one of the best products you can have on hand for hair care (count it behind shampoo, conditioner, and hair masks).

The best heat protectants lock in moisture so the hair shaft isn’t as susceptible to damage. They also add an extra protective barrier for a double dose of protection.

But, finding the right heat protectant isn’t as easy as walking into your local beauty supply store and picking one up.

Why?

Not only is everyone’s hair different, but so are their styling needs. If you’re a dry-and-go kind of person, you don’t want a product that should only be applied to dry hair before taking a flat iron to it.

Luckily, we’ve found the best heat protectant spray and spritz products out there. Go ahead, take a look. Your hair will thank you.

8 Best Heat Protectant Products

#8 – Best Heat Protectant for Your Carry On

CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

90%Editor Score

80%User Score

Why People Love it

  • Protects hair amazingly
  • Smells incredible, like a salon
  • Works perfectly with flat irons

Pros

This heat protectant comes in plenty of sizes which makes it useful for frequent travelers; it’s especially good with flat irons and the effects last for quite a long time.

Cons

The pump spray isn’t right for everyone – nor is the smell; many suggest it smells a little too much like men’s cologne. Additionally, some users find it leaves a residue in their hair.

Expert Ratings

#7 – Best Heat Protectant for Getting Super Soft Hair

Organix Flat Iron Spray

95%Editor Score

84%User Score

Why People Love it

  • Smells great, like coconut
  • Makes hair feel super soft
  • Truly protects hair from flat iron damage

Pros

Whether you have damaged hair or just frizzy hair, this product makes your locks feel soft with just a touch of natural shine; it really is designed for flat iron protection. Most people love the smell as much as the feel of their hair.

Cons

The scent is a little too strong for some. More importantly, the bottle design is a bit flawed; it’s not the easiest to use.

Expert Ratings

#6 – Best Budget Heat Protectant

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist

93%Editor Score

85%User Score

Why People Love it

  • Delicious scent
  • Works amazing with flat irons
  • Softens and smoothes hair 

Pros

Besides smelling amazing, this budget heat protectant does incredible work when combined with flat iron heat. The smooth, sleek effect lasts for a long time.

Cons

Sadly, there is some alcohol in this product and it can leave hair feeling coated or sticky if over applied. Also, we wouldn’t suggest this product for chemically curled hair.

Expert Ratings

Features

#5 – Best Heat Protectant for Curly or Frizzy Hair

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer

93%Editor Score

87%User Score

Why People Love it

  • Takes the frizz away
  • Smells terrific
  • Makes hair soft

Pros

If you have curly, frizzy, or unmanageable hair, this is the heat protectant you need. It’s also good for dry and thin hair and works even if you don’t add heat.

Cons

There are plenty of people that just can’t get over the smell – and then there is the animal testing which puts some people off.

Expert Ratings

Features

#4 – Best Heat Protectant to Use with Hair Dryers

Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray

93%Editor Score

90%User Score

Why People Love it

  • Addictive, beachy smell
  • Drastically reduces hair drying time
  • Makes hair silky, smooth and frizz-free

Pros

This heat protectant works wonders when applied before blow drying as it cuts drying time considerably. It’s also good at keeping hair soft and frizz-free.

Cons

There are those that find it a little too greasy for their liking – and it is on the pricey side.

Expert Ratings

Features

#3 – Best Heat Protectant for Hair Repair

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Anti Breakage Heat Protectant Spray

93%Editor Score

93%User Score

Why People Love it

  • Healthier hair
  • Intoxicating smell
  • Makes hair soft and frizz-free

Pros

This really does repair and strengthen hair while protecting it from future damage. And, it really leaves your hair soft, no matter what heat styling device you’re using.

Cons

Not everyone finds it offers the same level of hair repair – and the packaging sometimes is questionable; order as a stand-alone product to avoid possible damage.

Expert Ratings

Features

#2 – Best Heat Protectant to Splurge on

Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray

95%Editor Score

95%User Score

Why People Love it

  • Smells fabulous
  • Hair dries faster
  • Expect salon-quality blowouts

Pros

This product works across hair types, lengths, and damage levels to create sleek, smooth results. Not only does it protect your hair, but a little goes a really long way.

Cons

Wow! That price is frightening. Need we say more?

Expert Ratings

Features

#1 – Best Overall Heat Protectant

TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer

95%Editor Score

97%User Score

Why People Love it

  • Seriously protects against heat and styling
  • Amazing smell (that’s not too overpowering)
  • Makes hair soft

Pros

You’ll pay a very reasonable price for this misting heat protectant that comes with a locking bottle (which makes it ideal for travelling and those with small children). It works especially well with flat irons and smells divine.

Cons

A few more packaging issues than we would like have been reported. It’s advisable to order this independently just in case (and customer service is quick to replace damaged bottles).

Expert Ratings

Features

Heat Protectant Buying Guide

Have you ever wondered how to preserve the natural beauty of your hair? To get sexy hair, you need the right shampoo and conditioner. But not only that.

To style your hair nicely — especially if you use a hairdryer, a hair straightener, or a curling iron — you will need another product. Have you ever tried a heat protectant?

A heat protectant is ideal before blow-drying, curling or straightening your hair. To understand more about the role of a heat protectant, imagine going under the sun without any suncream. It’s the same for your hair! Without any heat protectant, you risk to burn your hair — or to damage it a lot. So let’s explore why and when you need a heat protectant and how to boost the natural beauty of your hair. 

What is a Heat Protectant?

A heat protectant is used on your hair to prevent hair damage. When you dry your hair with a heater — or style it with a curling iron — the hair is exposed to intense heat. However, sun exposure and intense heat can cause your hair to dry and to break. As a result, your hair may become brittle and more fragile. No matter your type of hair, if you are going to style them with a heater or else, you’d better protect it. 

So after you’ve shampooed and conditioned your hair, you should apply a heat protectant to get ready for styling and drying! A heat protectant can come in the form of a leave-in conditioner, a treatment spray, a setting lotion, a straightening serum or a blow-out foam. Choose your heat protectant according to your hair type or your desired final look. A variety of over-the-counter heat protectants can be found.

Types of Heat Protectant 

Leave-in conditioner: The leave-in conditioner is meant to condition your hair and can be applied on a daily basis. A leave-in conditioner heat protectant will prepare your hair for styling for everyday use. Leave-in conditioner hair protectants are good for all hair lengths.

Treatment spray: If you wish to get easy and quick hairstyling, the treatment spray is for you! Perfect for any type of hair, a treatment spray will infuse the right nutrients and protective ingredients for your hair while being convenient. Sprays are perfect if you have short hair. 

Setting lotion or mousse: Go for a setting lotion or a mousse to spiral your hair and make them as curly as you wish. Apply the mousse onto your hands and massage your hair gently while curling them nicely. Introduced in the 80s, the mousse is now back since it gives a wet, airy look on the hair for an exclusive fashionable look. Lotions and mousses are ideal for longer hair. 

Straightening serum: Use a serum when your hair is extremely dry and requires more intense treatment. A serum will also brighten your hair while leaving them soft. Apply only to the shafts and to the ends of your hair in a small quantity. Serums fit both short or long hair as they are most needed if your hair is damaged or dried. 

Blow-out foam: Go for a blow-out foam or lotion if you have thick hair. Great to achieve silky and shiny hair, a blow-out foam will create a layer of protection without making your hair heavy. Easy to use and to apply, blow-out foams come in multiple scents or formats and are convenient for medium to long hair. 

Ingredients Found in a Heat Protectant 

The key ingredients that make a heat protectant are Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone — which are some types of silicone. These two ingredients are approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the US. 

Cyclomethicone is a silky-type of silicone that leaves the hair smooth and protected. It gives nutrients and transfers oils to the hair shafts. 

Dimethicone is widely used in skincare and cosmetics as another type of silicone. It has fluid properties leaving the hair with a silky and smooth texture. 

These two ingredients lubricate your hair and, furthermore, bring back moisture inside your hair — especially after rinsing them with chlorine-treated water. 

Heat Styling Protection Covered

There are a few things to keep in mind when using heating tools such as a hairdryer, hair straightener or curling iron.

Don’t take your hairdryer right to the scalp. Sounds childish, but yeah, you’ll simply get burned if you do that. Keep a distance of up to 15 cm away of your scalp when using a hairdryer. 

Don’t keep your hair in the hair straightener for over one minute. Same, you don’t want to burn your hair, do you? Hair straighteners are amazing but they need to be used with caution and care. 

Ask for the help of your hairstylist if you are unsure of how to use some heating tools. Don’t try out and damage your hair. It’s better to leave it in the hands of a professional who will handle the job perfectly. 

Look for trendy hairstyles on YouTube to get some inspiration or fashion magazines on the hottest hair trends. Get a hair protectant for your chosen hairstyle and have fun! Styling hair is cool — but remember not to burn your hair. 

How to Use a Heat Protectant on Natural Hair

Apply your heat protectant on dry hair — but straight after deep conditioning them. Let the product penetrate into the follicles and absorb into the hair shafts before you actually dry or style them. Ensure you follow the directions that are written on the product as applying a hair foam is different than using a hair spray, for example. Leave enough time until complete absorption of the product but don’t wait too long so the hair can get styled shortly after. 

How to Style Your Hair With a Heat Protectant

Curly hair: To get curly hair, choose a heat protectant that will help you sculpt or spiral your hair with your fingers. Gently apply to wet hands and style accordingly. Spend time crafting your beautiful curls. If needed, repeat in the same area of the hair to get your desired curls. 

Wavy hair: If you don’t want to curl your hair fully, but wish to achieve a wavy hair look, apply your favorite heat protectant and gently spiral your hair onto a curling iron. Don’t let your hair dry too long to achieve a wilder, wavier hairstyle. 

Straightened hair: For making your hair long, straightened, and beautiful, choose a quality hair straightener. If you have wavy or curly hair, choose a heat protectant that will help you achieve a straightened hair look. 

Blow-dry: A natural, classic blow-dry requires the use of a hairdryer. Choose a heat protectant designed for achieving the best blow-dry. Use a hairdryer while paying attention not to bring the tool too close to your hair — scalp, and shafts included. 

Natural Heat Protectants You Can Use 

You can either apply directly onto your wet or dry hair the following ingredients — or choose products that contain them. To add a healthy, attractive styling, go for:

Olive oil: A great source of hydration, olive oil has numerous benefits. First, it makes your hair super soft. Second, the silky, smooth texture of the olive oil will quickly penetrate the hair deeply. Third, olive oil acts as an ideal coating for your hair and will minimize hair damage. Apply onto dry hair in small quantities. 

Jojoba oil: An oil-like wax, jojoba oil is great for anything that is hair-related. It’s been used since the 1970s in the cosmetic industry. Rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the hair, jojoba oil moisturizes the scalp and can be used against dandruff, too. As a heat protectant, jojoba oil prevents dryness. 

Coconut oil: Famous for its deep moisturizing properties, coconut oil is efficient at boosting hair repair and also protects the hair against external aggressions such as wind or heat. As coconut oil can make your hair oily, just apply a very few drops on the length of your hair and onto the ends. 

Argan oil: In the cosmetic industry, we often refer to argan oil as the “liquid gold”. A native of Morocco, argan oil has incredible properties for the hair and the skin. A lightweight oil, this ingredient is efficient at protecting the hair against heat while giving a natural glow. To get a sleek and shine styling, use argan oil and apply in a small quantity. 

Grapeseed oil: Like coconut oil, grapeseed oil helps you achieve a silky look. But you should apply grapeseed oil in a very small coconut to avoid the excess of oil. To get a super silky, smooth hairstyle, apply just before styling and let the magic happen!

More Tips on Protecting Your Hair Against Heat

Choose a high-quality iron or straightener to protect your hair. Prefer tools that are made of the following materials: titanium, ceramic, or tourmaline, and be careful when choosing the brand. Ensure you also have a tool under warranty. 

Depending on how thick or thin your hair is, you’ll need to adjust the temperature of your heating tool. For example, if you have thick hair, consider gradually increasing the temperature of your curling iron. 

Most heating tools range from 175 °F (79 °C) to 400 °F (204 °C). Don’t go over these temperatures as you risk to burn your hair. Don’t go too low either as you’ll need to repeat over and over again the operation. 

Style your hair with a spray to fix your curls or waves. The heat protectant role is to, well, protect your hair. The spray will actually help you maintain your style for some hours. Use both to achieve your desired look.  

Don’t forget to treat your hair once a week with a deep conditioner, especially if you often style your hair with a heating tool. Remember to leave your hair natural and away of products once a week. 

Avoid the sun — or use a hat if you go to the sun repeatedly. The sun has great benefits as the most powerful vitamin D provider: yet remember to not overexpose yourself as the sunbeams may alter the quality of your hair and dry them. 

If your hair is burned or damaged, stay away from heating tools. Wait until your hair is back to normal before styling them with a straightener or curling iron and your favorite heat protectant.

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