The harsh reality is that pretty much everything we do to our hair—coloring, brushing, styling—has an impact. And, of all the various variables that lead to hair damage, heat styling, and the aggravating dullness and dryness that can occur, heat styling is possibly one of the worst.
What’s the good news? This form of harm is also quite simple to avoid. No, you do not have to abandon your favorite hair dryer or curling iron.
All you need to do is prep your hair with a decent heat protectant. Many of the best will not only keep flyaways at bay, but will also provide moisture and reinforce hair against regular heat styling. Consider them to be sunscreen for your hair—a necessary protective measure to keep your hair smooth, strong, and healthy.
“Heat protectants work as a barrier between your hair and a hot instrument, keeping it from burning, drying out, or getting dull.”
“A heat protectant will help smooth the cuticle and keep hair appearing lustrous and healthy,” says Alex Brown, a celebrity hairdresser based in Chicago.
In a nutshell, they’re critical. We tested out some of the top-rated and best-reviewed heat protectant products on the market today to narrow down the list. Our testers tried them out for weeks, grading how effectively they safeguarded their hair from heat styling as well as the texture, feel, and finish.
To create this list, our staff blended these findings with our own research and tried-and-true favorites. Continue reading for the finest heat protectors.
1. Pantene Pro-V Heat Primer is the best drugstore product.
Maybe you use hot tools on a regular basis and run through preventive items like water, or maybe you just don’t want to spend a lot of money on your haircare regimen. In any case, this drugstore mainstay is an excellent pick. Mist it all over your hair before style and let the formula’s protective polymers do their job, protecting it from temperatures as high as 450 degrees.
What We Like
- Thermal Heat Protectant
- Lightweight
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- The mist might be finer.
2. Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield is ideal for dry hair.
This solution not only protects hair from up to 450 degrees, but it also helps manage frizz and restore moisture to dry hair, according to Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. She also praises it for possessing hair-loving components (biotin, maracuja oil) while also functioning well on its own or layered with other treatments.
What We Like
- UV protection is provided.
- Reduces frizz
- Moisturizing
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
3. Bumble & bumble is best for thick hair
This product contains rich oils (coconut, argan, and macadamia, to name a few) that moisturise and soften exceptionally thick or coarse hair. It also works well to control frizz and protects against heat and UV damage, all without leaving any form of residue.
What We Like
- Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
- Reduces frizz
- UV protection is provided.
What We Don’t Like
- Finer hair may become weighed down.
4. Moroccanoil Perfect Defense is ideal for relaxed hair.
Although rich argan oil is the main component, this aerosol spray is surprisingly dry and weightless, making it an excellent choice for relaxed hair. It also includes conditioning panthenol and has a great unique aroma that will have you reaching for it on a daily basis
What We Like
- Lightweight
- Moisturizing
What We Don’t Like
- In a spray can.
5. Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray Best for Curly Hair
Heat protectants are extremely crucial for individuals with curly hair, whether you’re blow-drying and straightening your naturally curly texture or using an iron to add definition to your curls. Enter this option, which uses a blend of organic oils to protect hair from heat, add shine, and smooth frizz.
What We Like
- Reduces frizz
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- It is possible that a residue will be left behind.
6. Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray Best for Colored Hair
Water is the worst enemy of hair color, but heat is a close second. (Not to mention, the more heat-damaged your hair is, the less evenly it will absorb color.) This spray has 21 advantages, including color retention and heat prevention, and is suitable for all hair types and textures.
What We Like
- Color is protected.
- Moisturizing
What We Don’t Like
- Strong odor
7. Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil is ideal for damaged hair.
Heat protectants are essential for avoiding future hair stress, but if the damage has already occurred and your hair requires additional TLC, look for this reparative and heat-protecting oil. It, like all Olaplex products (which Byrdie editors like), works by targeting and mending damaged protein links in the hair. In short, the hair is smoother, softer, shinier, stronger, and more vibrantly colored.
What We Like
- Hair bonding is repaired.
- Color is protected.
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
8. Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray is ideal for blow-outs.
Aguirre also likes this Oribe option, which she describes as a “game changer,” especially for unmanageable hair. It protects against heat damage while also allowing you to produce an incredible-looking blowout, especially if you’re blowing out curly hair, she explains.
What We Like
- Formula for multitasking
- Sophisticated aroma
- adds radiance
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
Who Wins?
As far as drugstore choices go, the Pantene Pro-V Nutrient Boost Heat Primer Thermal Heat Protection is a standout value, providing the same amount of protection (up to 450 degrees) as many of its more expensive equivalents.
If you have damaged hair, a heat protectant is an absolute must; try the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil. If you want a daily blowout, choose the Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray, which provides heat protection while also smoothing down even the most curly hair.
FAQ
Heat Protectant Humectants: What to Look for?
While humectants—hydrating compounds that draw moisture—are more commonly associated with skincare, they may be quite effective in hair care and are especially important to look for in a heat protectant, according to Brown. After all, healthier hair means more hydrated hair. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are two excellent ingredients to check for.
Ingredients for Strengthening: Brown recommends looking for strengthening components in a heat protectant as an extra layer of resistance against any heat-induced harm. Amino acids, keratin, and wheat protein are all acceptable choices.
How should you apply a heat protector?
Heat protectants, according to John Pulitano, a hairdresser and creative director of Headcase Hair, should be the first step in your post-wash hair care process. “Spray generously over damp hair before adding any other style products, such as volumizer or smoothing lotions, and then proceed with your styling process,” he recommends.
Using it on wet hair? “Be sure to apply it completely,” he adds. “I prefer to hold the product approximately 30 cm [about a foot] away to obtain a beautiful even covering without sticking.”
How crucial is it to use a heat protector?
Pulitano believes heat protectants to be a crucial step in your process if you’ll be doing any type of heat style, whether blow drying or utilizing hot tools—”especially for colored and damaged hair types.” But, in reality, everyone should be using one.” He suggests using lightweight treatments that won’t leave a sticky residue in your hair.
