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.

12 Best Hair Oils for Dry Hair

Whether you bleach your hair, blow-dry it every day, or only get a cut once a year, hair oils are a lifesaver for dry, damaged, or over-processed strands. Hair oils can give a variety of benefits, including nourishing and strengthening hair, adding shine, decreasing frizz, stimulating growth, and guarding against heat-style tools damage. If you’re intrigued, keep reading because we can help you uncover top 12 hair oils for dry hair.

Best Hair Oil for Dry Damaged Hair – K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Molecular Repair Hair Oil

This hair oil is biotech-engineered, weightless oil that works on all hair types to strengthen, repair damage, reduce frizz at two levels of the hair fiber, and improve shine. It’s not only for styling but also for treating your hair, reducing frizz and smoothing out the cuticle, improving your hair hydration and appearance at the same time.

Just keep in mind that this product has an aroma, which is a turn-off for a few customers. This one has a medicinal aroma that wouldn’t be everyone’s first choice. That again, it’s a very faint smell, so it’s easy to overlook, especially if it produces decent results.

Best Hair Oil for Dry, Brittle Hair – Melanin Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend

If your textured hair snaps without stretching when pulled, it’s in desperate need of a moisture boost. Melanin’s multi-use oil is designed to accomplish just that, and it contains five rich extracts, from baobab to argan, as well as geranium and sage to guarantee it smells good. We discovered that it worked best as a pre-shampoo treatment: Apply a couple of drops (less is more) to your strands and scalp the night before wash day.

Customers have given SpaceNK’s Multi-Use Pure Oil Blend mediocre ratings. Its ability to nourish and soften hair, leaving it feeling healthy and shining, has been commended by several. Others, on the other hand, have found it to be overly thick and greasy, leaving their hair oily and flat. Some others thought the aroma was too strong. Despite the conflicting reviews, many people praised the product’s versatility and natural components.

Best Hair Oil for Heat-Styling Hair – Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil

The Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum by Kérastase is a hair oil that works for all hair types, including the curliest, coiliest strands. Elixir Ultime has you covered whether you want to use the oil as a heat protectant, a treatment, or a serum to improve shine.

You can find Kérastase hair oil reviews on many online shopping websites but we can sum it up for you here. Kérastase hair oil has a lovely texture. It’s light,rich, and slippy without being too oily. This incredible product leaves your hair straight, shining, and nourished after styling without feeling heavy, stiff, or weighted down. However, it may be more expensive than other things on the market, but it is well worth your money.

Best Amla Hair Oil – Dabur Amla Hair Oil

The major ingredient of Dabur Amla Hair Oil is pure Amla oil. It feeds the scalp and fortifies the hair strands from root to tip, resulting in thick, long, and lustrous locks. This oil smoothes frizzy hair and makes it easier to comb. It also contains vegetable extracts, which nourish and hydrate the hair, giving you soft and supple locks that make you seem lovely.

Most of Dabur Amla hair oil reviews are quite positive as consumers claim that this hair oil does wonders in hair strengthening, preventing breakage and hair loss. It can also improve scalp health, treat dandruff and other scalp conditions. But you should be prepared for the scent because those who have used it had to get used to the pretty strong smell of it.

Best Smoothing Hair Oil – Playa Natural Ritual Hair Oil

There’s nothing Playa Natural Ritual hair oil can’t fix. When applied to dry or damp hair, it adds a lot of hydration while also smoothing and softening the hair.  It contains antioxidants that protect against UV damage and subsequent color fading, making it an excellent choice for the summer months.

This hair oil is rather pricey, but you will find it well worth the money after using it. It has really clever packaging with a cap and a built-in pump dispenser that dispenses the exact amount of product each time. It’s also silicone-free and suitable for most hair types. There is a noticeable improvement in shine and frizziness after six months of use.

Best Rosemary Hair Oil – Allpa Botanicals Rosemary Hair Oil

Rosemary is an underutilized oil that works wonders for your hair and scalp. It’s especially effective at addressing dryness and inflammation to soothe itchy scalps, so keep this lotion in your medical cabinet. By unclogging and purifying hair follicles, Allpa Botanicals Rosemary hair oil rapidly relieves irritation and inflammation by boosting moisture and blood circulation to the scalp.

This product is a lifeline for people with thinning hair. This product works wonders in both preventing hair losing and promoting hair growth. Those suffering from dandruff can also try deep oil treatment with this rosemary hair oil. Hair development takes time, so be patient with the outcome.

Best Hydrating Hair Oil – Gisou Hair Oil

Gisou hair oil is ideal for anybody seeking a luxurious yet mild solution to keep their hair looking and feeling healthy. This one-of-a-kind hair oil contains Gisou Mirsalehi honey, a rare natural ingredient that delivers deep hydration and nutrition to damaged hair. It also aids in moisture retention and the prevention of frizz and flyaways. The honey-infused oil has a lovely vanilla smell, making it a must for any morning ritual.

When compared to other hair oils on the market, this one is extremely pricey. Aside from that, Gisou hair oil is quite adaptable. It may be used as a pre-styling product, a hair mask ingredient, or even an overnight treatment. Furthermore, it is good for all hair types, so persons with curly, straight, or wavy hair may all benefit from it. 

Best Argan Hair Oil – Moroccanoil Original Treatment

One of the greatest hair oils available is Moroccanoil Original Treatment. This lightweight, argan oil-infused product is a must-have for anyone with dry, damaged hair in need of some TLC. It contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins to preserve and nourish your hair, as well as a UV filter to keep the sun’s rays at bay.

The Moroccanoil Hair Treatment has garnered diverse opinions. Some consumers rave about the product, calling it a “miracle worker” that leaves their hair silky and smooth. They like how it controls frizz, reduces breakage, and improves the overall health of their hair. However, there have been concerns regarding the amount of product, claiming that it is exorbitant and far too pricey for such a tiny amount of product.

Best Hair Oil for High-Porosity Hair – Nanoil High Porosity Hair Oil 

If you want a hair oil that can revitalize and restore your dry, damaged hair, Nanoil High Porosity Hair Oil is the one for you. This oil is made from argan and jojoba oils, both of which are high in vitamins and minerals that nourish and strengthen your hair. It also has fatty acids and antioxidants, which assist to protect your hair from free radical damage.

This product is ideal for people who have dry, frizzy hair. It absorbs quickly into your hair without leaving you with a greasy scalp, leaving your hair silky as silk. People also enjoy its perfume, which is described as fragrant and remains on the hair after washing. However, if you are prone to allergic reactions, you should avoid this because some customers have reported that the oil affected their skin.

Best Lightweight Hair Oil – VERB Ghost Oil

If you have thin or fine hair, you may wince at the prospect of using hair oil, but this one might be ideal for you. Despite its thick texture, it absorbs swiftly into fine hair and does not leave a greasy film on the strands. This lightweight smoothing oil is designed to soften and defrizz hair. It retains moisture and increases radiance, proving your hair a healthier look.

With only a few drops, your hair is evenly covered in hair oil, and the oil does wonders for adding luster and smoothness. It has been observed that after applying the cream and blow-drying your hair, it seems healthy and has a minor frizz reduction. However, if you have frizzy hair and wish to get rid of it, this solution is not powerful enough for you.

Best Hair Oil for Adding Shine – JVN Complete Nourishing Shine Drops

Squalane is a sugarcane-derived chemical that helps enhance manageability and frizz while nourishing and protecting hair color. This product also includes antioxidant-rich hibiscus extract to help preserve hair and prevent color fading, as well as meadowfoam ester, which studies suggest can help lock in moisture. While this recipe may be too thick for fine hair, it is ideal for coarse hair.

This hair oil will give your hair the shine it needs. This stuff is fantastic, and a small amount goes a long way. The perfume is pretty strong, but most consumers don’t seem to mind. One disadvantage is that it is not sufficiently hydrated. Aside from providing gloss, moisturization is lacking, thus if you prioritize treating really dry hair, you should look at other options.

Best Flax Seeds Hair Oil – Zatural Flaxseed Oil

Zatural flaxseed oil is cold pressed from the flax plant’s incredibly nutritious and disease-preventing seeds. To retain its nutritious characteristics, this oil is unrefined, hexane-free, and extracted without heat or processing processes. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to promote healthier minds and hearts, improved moods, less inflammation, and healthier skin and hair.

If you’re seeking a product with no aroma since your nose is easily irritated, this one’s for you. This flaxseed hair oil effectively prevents hair loss while also nourishing it. Because flaxseed hair oil isn’t as well-known as argan or coconut oil, you should give it a go.

There is now no shortage of hair oil alternatives available, therefore our advice can assist you in determining which ones are the finest of the best. Each product was rated based on its sensation and absorption, as well as how it left strands looking and feeling. That is why you must examine your requirements and hunt for references.