The 18 best heat protectant sprays and creams to protect hair

Have you ever wondered how to shield your hair from the relentless heat of styling tools without compromising its health and vibrancy? In a world where sleek and stylish hair is often achieved with the help of heated tools, the importance of safeguarding your locks cannot be overstated. That’s where the magic of  heat protectant sprays and creams comes into play. 

Join with us on a journey to find innovative products designed to protect your hair from the heat, keeping it strong and lively. So, scroll down and check out 18 best heat protectant sprays and creams that keep your hair resilient and vibrant, maintaining that modern and elegant look.

How does heat protectant work? 

Heat protectants for hair establish a protective barrier around the hair cuticle, safeguarding it from potential damage caused by various harmful factors. Components like panthenol and propylene glycol, found in these products, amplify their efficacy when exposed to direct high heat. This ensures optimal moisture retention and averts frizz. Over time, these protectants shield the hair from the adverse effects of high-temperature styling tools, preserving a smooth and glossy appearance.

What should you look for in a heat protectant?

When choosing a heat protectant, there are several factors to consider to safeguard your hair from heat damage. Here are some key aspects to look for:

Heat protection level: The heat protection level of a heat protectant is determined by its ability to withstand high temperatures without breaking down. Jonathan Colombini, the creative director of style and color at L’Oréal Paris, suggests checking for explicit mentions of a product’s heat-protecting properties. Additionally, he recommends adhering to guidelines that guarantee protection at temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hair type: Different hair types require different formulations. Becca Nilsson, the director of artist training at Blo Blow Dry Bar, provides tailored insights based on individual hair types. For those with fine, thin hair, she advises opting for a lightweight heat protectant to prevent excessive product buildup. Conversely, individuals with thick hair may find an oil-based conditioner beneficial for effective heat protection.

Ingredients: The ingredients in a heat protectant can play a role in its effectiveness. Look for heat protectants that contain natural ingredients, such as keratin, argan oil, or coconut oil. These ingredients can help to protect your hair from damage and add shine.

To assist you in discovering top-notch heat protection products, we consulted stylists for their recommended picks, including their favorite tried-and-tested heat protection creams and sprays. We also thoroughly scoured leading retailers to compile a list of the highest-rated and best-reviewed options, which you can explore below.

Our top picks

Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant 

Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant is a must-have for hair care. It does more than just protect your hair from heat damage. With argan oil and vitamins, this lightweight spray shields your hair during heat styling and adds a luxurious shine. It’s not greasy, so your hair stays light and residue-free. Whether you’re using a flat iron, curling wand, or blow dryer, it acts as a reliable barrier, even guarding color-treated hair from the sun. The pleasant Moroccanoil scent enhances your styling experience, ensuring your locks stay healthy and vibrant. Although your hair may initially feel a bit stiff after applying, this sensation fades after brushing.

Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

Olaplex No. 9 Bond Nourishing Hair Serum is a revolutionary product designed to transform and nourish your hair. This cutting-edge serum is part of the Olaplex professional hair care line, known for its innovative approach to repairing and maintaining hair health. No. 9 Bond is formulated with a proprietary blend of ingredients that work to strengthen, hydrate, and protect the hair’s bonds. Whether used as a standalone treatment or combined with other Olaplex products, this serum helps reduce breakage, enhance shine, and improve overall hair texture. It is particularly beneficial for those with damaged or color-treated hair, providing a luxurious and effective solution for achieving healthier, more resilient strands. However, for those with sensitive noses, this scent can be overwhelming.

Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray 

This innovative spray is specifically crafted to address the challenges of frizz, offering a lightweight and effective solution for smoother, more manageable locks. Formulated by Living Proof, a brand renowned for its scientific approach to hair care, this spray combines advanced hair care technology with nourishing ingredients. It works to detangle, condition, and protect hair, while also enhancing its natural shine. The Restore Perfecting Spray is particularly effective for individuals with frizzy hair, helping to combat humidity-induced frizz and leaving hair noticeably softer. The drawback of this product is its relatively high price.

Briogeo Farewell Frizz

Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème is a game-changer for individuals with thinning hair seeking the perfect blow-dry while ensuring optimal protection. This lightweight yet powerful cream is meticulously crafted by Briogeo, a brand known for its clean and naturally derived formula. Specifically designed for fine hair, the cream provides heat protection, preventing damage caused by styling tools while enhancing the overall hair-drying experience. The unique blend of ingredients helps to add volume, reduce frizz, and deliver a smooth, shiny look without weighing down delicate strands. With a commitment to hair quality and health, Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant becomes an essential product for those with thinning hair who want salon-worthy volume. It is important to note that excessive application may result in a sensation of heaviness in the hair.

Chi Total Protect 

Elevate your hair care routine with this powerhouse product, designed to keep thick hair looking and feeling its best. Created by Chi, a brand synonymous with innovation in hair care, Total Protect offers a potent blend of ingredients to shield thick strands from the rigors of styling and environmental stressors. Whether it’s heat protection, moisture retention, or overall hair health, Chi Total Protect excels in providing a holistic solution. Due to its creamy consistency, achieving even coverage on dry hair can be a bit challenging.

Kérastase Blond Absolu Heat Protecting Serum 

Kérastase Blond Absolu Heat Protecting Serum is a serum for those with color-treated hair, especially blondes. This product is tailored to meet the specific needs of colored locks, offering unparalleled heat protection while preserving the vibrancy of blonde shades. Developed by Kérastase, a brand synonymous with luxury and innovation in hair care, this serum is a must-have for anyone seeking to safeguard their color investment. Its lightweight formula not only shields hair from heat damage during styling but also imparts a luminous shine and smooth texture. However at first, there’s a slight stickiness on the strands, but it vanishes once fully absorbed.

Bumble and bumble Bb.Illuminated Blonde Purple Leave In Spray

Bumble and bumble Bb.Illuminated Blonde Purple Leave In Spray is the optimal choice for colored hair. Specially crafted to meet the specific needs of bleached strands, this no-rinse spray is a game-changer in the world of hair care. Celebrated for its innovative products, it not only diminishes color dullness and enhances brightness for bleached hair but also helps maintain the cool undertones of blonde shades while providing nourishment and moisture. Some comments indicate that this product has the potential to cause irritation.

Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream

This styling product is specifically for blow-drying, but tested on hot tools reveals its effectiveness, especially in safeguarding hair strands from high temperatures up to 450°F. Overall, this heat protectant is easy to apply, and the creamy formula blends well into strands for even coverage. It absorbs quickly, providing an undetectable amount of hydration. In addition to its hydrating and heat-protecting properties, the cream helps reduce frizz and imparts an overall shine. Its light scent, not too strong and dissipating quickly, adds to its appeal. This product is exclusively designed for use on damp hair, making it unsuitable for dry strands.

Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray

Crafted to offer heat protection up to 450°F, this fairy elixir features advanced heat-activated polymer technology for strand-smoothing effects. While one tester observed a reduction in flyaways post-styling, some users reported minimal distinction between applying the balm and not using it. Nevertheless, its efficient application means a little goes a long way, suggesting prolonged usage from a single bottle. The Oribe heat protectant may appear a bit expensive, priced at approximately $45 for 3.4 ounces. 

Tresemmé Heat Tamer Spray

TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray provides effective protection against the heat from flat irons and curling irons. By creating a shield against heat and friction, it leaves hair shiny and irresistibly soft. This heat protectant spray not only safeguards your hair but also enhances its flexibility for easy restyling. Activated by heat, it helps defend against styling damage and maintains your desired hair shape. You can enjoy the benefits of a professional, affordable salon-quality heat protectant without the hefty salon price tag. A drawback of this product is its less durable nozzle, which tends to break easily!

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer

With a blend of coconut, argan, grapeseed, macadamia nut, sweet almond, and safflower oils, Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Thermal & UV Protective Primer delivers rich nourishment and provides volume and radiant shine. With a remarkable 50% reduction in frizz, this product comes in a generous 8.5-ounce bottle, offering significant value in the price around $32. In addition to hydrating dry strands and protecting against damage from hot tools, this hair primer also provides a conditioner-like feel, leaving hair noticeably softer and smoother. However, it should be noted that it contains many oil-based ingredients, so it is not ideal for oily or thin hair.

BondiBoost Prep & Protect Hair Primer

Designed for a variety of hair types, this product stands out thanks to its exclusively plant-based and vegan ingredients. It contains moisturizing elements such as aloe vera and meadowfoam seed oil to infuse moisture and amaranth seed extract to fortify hair against breakage. While it’s generally gentle and suitable for most people, some feedback suggests it may lack the moisture needed for curly hair. However, its adaptability and use of natural, plant-based ingredients make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable and cruelty-free hair care solution.

Redken Quick Blowout Heat Protectant Spray

Since incorporating this product into their hair care routine, many people have noticed a marked improvement in their dry and frizzy hair. The product not only brings exceptional value compared to the price but also makes a difference thanks to its outstanding quality, providing a gentle and comfortable feeling to the hair. Notably, users observed a significant reduction in hair breakage, making it an important addition to their hair care regimen. There are a lot of positive reviews for this product. The cost seems a bit high, but the long-term benefits and positive impact on hair health make it a worthwhile investment for many.

Pureology Strength Cure Miracle Filler Heat Protectant Spray

Strength Cure Miracle Filler is designed for those with compromised, color-treated hair, providing a heat protectant that strengthens, repairs, and shields against heat damage. Infused with xylose, coriander oil, and chamomile, this formula offers comprehensive protection and nourishment. Xylose guards against heat styling, coriander oil imparts strength, and chamomile moisturizes. This daily leave-in blow dry lotion fortifies and hydrates while acting as a barrier against styling and future harm. Although praised for its benefits, there are some reports of it causing stickiness and lacking smoothness in the hair.

Verb Glossy Shine Spray with Heat Protection

This versatile moisturizing spray is appropriate for all hair types that need heat protection or extra shine. It’s praised for being an effective heat protectant with a residue-free formula. Many customers expressed surprise at its effectiveness on both thick and fine hair, accompanied by a clean and pleasant fragrance. They also reported that their hair felt softer after styling, praising it as a great solution without the heaviness of similar products. The general consensus is that this hairspray is truly amazing and worth repurchasing. Only a few people who bought it did not like the scent and said it was sticky.

Unite Hair 7Seconds Glossing Spray

The Unite Hair 7Seconds Glossing Spray provides a multitude of benefits for your hair care routine. Firstly, it offers instant shine, imparting a glossy and radiant finish to your locks in a matter of seconds. This quick and effective glossing action enhances the overall appearance of your hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant. Additionally, the spray acts as a detangler, making it easier to manage and style your hair by reducing knots and snarls. The formulation is lightweight, ensuring that your hair maintains a natural feel without weighing it down. Furthermore, the 7Seconds Glossing Spray contains protective elements that help shield your hair from environmental factors and heat styling damage.Some people say the product can make hair sticky, but it’s important to use the right amount, not too much.

Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray

One study published in the International Journal of Trichology, found that Mizani Heat Screen Protective Spray was effective at protecting curly hair from heat damage up to 450°F. The study also concluded that Mizani Heat Screen Protective Spray helped to maintain curl definition and reduce breakage. It contains rose water that helps control frizz and make hair softer. People really like this spray because it provides a lot of benefits to the hair but doesn’t make it feel too oily or heavy. It makes curls smooth and soft with a light feeling. We really enjoy the smell, and it can be like a perfume for your hair, but it might be overwhelming for some people who don’t appreciate strong scents.

Gisou Heat Protecting Spray

Choosing the right hair product for thin hair can be tricky because you want it to make your hair look good without making it heavy. That’s where Gisou Heat Protecting Spray comes in—it’s a great choice for people with thin hair. This spray keeps your hair safe from high heat, up to 446°F, and it has been propolis to make your hair strong and prevent it from breaking. When we tried it out, the best part was the spray cap. It spreads the product evenly on your hair, making it easy to use. Besides being easy to use, the spray is also really light, making our hair feel smooth and weightless, like there’s nothing on it.. One thing to note is that it has a honey-like smell, which some people might not prefer.

Conclusion

The exploration of the 18 best heat protectant sprays and creams has provided valuable insights into an essential aspect of hair care. Recognizing the importance of shielding hair from high temperatures, these products offer a diverse range of formulations and benefits, from lightweight solutions suitable for fine hair to those enriched with nourishing ingredients for added care. The reviews highlight the effectiveness, user-friendliness, and unique features of each product, assisting consumers in making informed choices based on their specific hair needs and preferences. Ultimately, incorporating a high-quality heat protectant into one’s hair care routine is a proactive step toward maintaining healthy, vibrant hair while enjoying the freedom to style without compromising its integrity.

15 Best CC Creams for Mature Skin That Actually Work 

CC creams, for those who are still wondering what CC cream is, it stands for color-correcting creams, are either an unnecessary extra step in the daily routine of any beauty enthusiast or a vital necessity. Beauty balms, also known as BB creams, function as a “skincare and make-up hybrid with added sun protection,” while CC cream, its sibling product, is ideal for mature skin because it tackles uneven skin tone and offers better coverage. If you’re interested, let us jump into 15 best CC creams for mature skin.

Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 15

This affordable color-correcting cream from GH Seal Star Olay is one of the most hydrating CC creams out there. It’s a wonderful option if you have dry skin, it’s claimed that it reduces the appearance of pores and dark patches after four weeks and increases skin’s moisture levels by 36% over six hours. To be completely protected, you should use another face sunscreen with an SPF of 30 on top of or below this one. We advise applying SPF 30+ every day. This is undoubtedly not the most inclusive option if you enjoy products with a broad range of shades.

Elf Camo CC Cream

This reasonably priced CC cream offers full to medium coverage. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and collagen are mixed in to help skin appear smooth, bright, and hydrated. With SPF 30, a wide range of hues are available for selection. Along with being cruelty-free and vegan, this cream also covers dark spots and doesn’t settle in tiny lines like all Elf products do. This CC cream has a relatively low SPF compared to most others on the market, which may put off certain clients. But overall, with no doubt, this is one of the best drugstore CC creams.

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream

Moisture Surge CC Cream from Clinique is a high-quality product that lives up to the brand’s reputation. This Amazon cosmetic product, which has an SPF of 30, helps the skin retain and absorb moisture to stay hydrated. This oil-free composition is gentle enough for delicate skin types and offers decent coverage for redness and black spots. Though most highly hydrated CC creams have a thickness that can be a little too thick, this may turn off some people.

Supergoop! CC Screen

Supergoop is coming soon with SPF 50! CC Screen: a sun protection product free of potentially irritating ingredients. It’s a CC cream that reduces redness and offers light to medium coverage. Use it as a foundation with buildable coverage, concealer, or tinted moisturizer. However, it’s rather expensive, and you can purchase better things elsewhere for that amount of money.

Dermablend Continuous Correction CC Cream

Dermatologists have tested Dermablend Continuous Correction CC Cream for safety, allergies, and sensitive skin. It is vegan and free of phthalates and fragrances. With an SPF of 50, this lightweight solution offers complete coverage while offering outstanding protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. After four weeks, it has also been clinically proven to increase skin radiance.

Revolution Pro CC Perfecting Skin Tint

During the warmer months, the Revolution Pro CC Skin Tint eliminates the need for foundation by quickly and simply evening out skin tone. When the formulation is rubbed into the skin, microscopic micro-encapsulated pigments explode, matching your skin tone and producing a foundation that looks 100% natural. At first, the formulation appears white. This product, which is formulated with vitamin E, will provide high-definition shine and maintain the health of your skin. But compared to other brands, it only comes in 4 shades, which is not very inclusive.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+

For good cause, this CC cream is incredibly well-liked. It offers buildable, full coverage that mimics the look of a conventional foundation on the skin in addition to having mineral SPF 50. Try this one if you’re searching for a product that offers intense coverage without weighing down your skin. It’s a fantastic choice for both more formal ensembles and everyday wear. IT CC cream’s reviews are relatively positive as consumers constantly praise its lightweightness, natural finish, but it doesn’t have many choices for those with darker skin.

Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream

Drugstore cosmetics has a reputation for having a small color selection, yet this CC cream comes in 34 shades that are evenly distributed across skin tones. It is fragrance-free, offers full coverage with a matte finish, and contains niacinamide, which is proven to help lessen dark spots. Despite the product’s heavy texture, a tiny amount goes a long way in evening out skin tone and producing a lovely veil of coverage. We advise using a smoothing primer first if you have trouble with small wrinkles and pores, as some internet reviewers have reported that it settles into their pores.

Huda Beauty GloWish Multidew Vegan Skin Tint Foundation

Although many consumers are pleasantly surprised by how well they can build it up to mask blemishes, the company says that this product offers sheer coverage. It features an extremely glowy finish that appears radiant but natural on the skin, in addition to its sheer yet flexible coverage. The amount of glow may be a bit much for individuals with oily skin, but dry skin types or those who just can’t get enough shine might fall head over heels for this one. 

PÜR 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20

Consumers are satisfied with PÜR Cosmetics’ 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20. This magic tube may become our new favorite due to its glowy finish and barely-there feel on the skin. In addition to being vegan and cruelty-free, this light-weight tinted moisturizer is made with nutritious ingredients including vitamin E to calm the face and sodium hyaluronate to plump and hydrate it. Applying additional sun protection may be necessary depending on your skin type and how much time you spend in the sun.

Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective with Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

For those seeking a nourishing solution that quickly eliminates redness and dark spots, this product is ideal because it has medium coverage and a lightweight, creamy composition. This product may make you reconsider applying makeup in the intense heat if the idea makes you perspire more than in a crowded subway car during rush hour without air conditioning. The component list of the dermatologist-tested solution is impressive (mineral SPF and vitamin C). The mineral formulation provides less irritation than many other sunscreens on the market, especially if your skin is sensitive to chemical sunscreens. 

Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact SPF 50+

The Amorepacific Color Control Cushion Compact, a cult favorite CC cream in the Korean cosmetic industry, offers weightless coverage for an opulent, glass-skin finish. This product is ideal for touch-ups throughout the day because it comes in a handy circular compact with an integrated application sponge. This product strikes a difficult balance in composition in this light, managing to deliver coverage that many customers characterize as medium and dewy. Ingredients like bamboo sap and green tea, which are particularly calming, are contained in this purse-friendly compact. Though a touch pricey, it’s still worth the money.

erborian CC Cream

One of Erborian’s cult favorites, a fantastic CC cream with tons of vitamin E, honey, and centella asiatica goodness, is prominently displayed. The composition works to shield your skin from damaging UV radiation while also enhancing its brightness. Moreover, its encapsulated pigments minimize the appearance of several skin issues while leaving your face glowing and silky. Additionally, it adjusts to your skin tone, giving you a more polished appearance that you can wear all day! 

purlisse Youth Glow VITAMIN C CC CREAM

Purlisse’s Youth Glow CC cream, infused with vitamin C—the ultimate radiance booster—is a must-try for hiding age spots, redness, and dark circles while also reducing the appearance of large pores! Its ingredients, which include hyaluronic acid, blue lotus flower, camellia sinensis leaf extracts, and sea buckthorn, hydrate, nourish, and brighten your natural complexion while providing a dewy, fresh, and younger-looking coverage. Additionally, it has SPF 50 to shield your skin from UVA and UVB radiation. The formula is safe and devoid of dangerous ingredients like triclosan, mineral oils, sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and talc, and it works for all mature skin types.

Essence Magic All-In-One Face Cream

Although this isn’t quite a CC cream, it is an all-in-one composition with CC qualities that is reasonably priced. This cream offers a tinted sheer coverage that is rather astounding for a single product, and it also adjusts to your skin tone, erasing blemishes and moisturizing the skin. Don’t be frightened if the cream appears cement gray at first. The pigments release as they are worked in, best done with the fingertips, and become a more natural match to skin tone. It includes SPF10 which is quite low so you might want to add sunscreen.

CC cream is essential for achieving the “no makeup, make-up” look because it’s easy to apply as a base under foundation for a smoother finish, with concealer, or on its own for a very light amount of coverage. Make sure to look through our list if you love the “clean girl” look.