When you go to the beach, you protect your skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays by moisturising with sunscreen—so why shouldn’t the same rules apply for shielding your hair with a heat protectant? Truth bomb: they should! You wouldn’t willingly subject yourself to sunburn, so why welcome frizzy hair, split ends, and dull lifeless strands?
And if you’re addicted to styling your hair with curlers and straighteners, you need to take even more care. Meaning? It’s time to consider investing in the best heat protectant your pocket money can buy.
Heat protectant products build a boundary between the heat source and your hair strand, preventing major damage. And it’s not just protection from the heating tools’ scorching temperatures these prods deliver—they also tame unruly frizz, help with that pesky detangling process, and deliver a major boost to shine.
Whether you have bouncy curls or pin-straight hair, there’s a heat protectant with your name on it! Not sure which to choose? We’ve got you covered. For the 8 best heat protectants to prevent fried hair, read on!
1. Coco & Eve | Miracle Hair Elixir
(@cocoandeve)
Great news for fine (and thick!) locks—this weightless hair oil’s thermal shield absorbs quickly to minimise heat damage without leaving a greasy residue. Simply apply a small amount of our Miracle Hair Elixir into your palms, then rub it onto damp or dry hair. Not only does the nutrient-infused formula protect against temperatures up to 220°C, but it also works hard to restore the hair strand to virgin softness.
What’s more, no annoying flyaway or stubborn frizzy end will be left untouched. This heat protectant is designed to let your heating tools glide through your hair, resulting in a glass-like shine. It really is a miracle.
2. Moroccanoil | Perfect Defense
(@moroccanoil)
Can’t quit your straightener? Don’t sweat it. Moroccanoil Perfect Defense defends all hair types against heat so your strands will stay in tip-top condition. Feel free to pair this with any heated styling tool as it can be applied to fresh out-of-the-shower hair or second-day hair that needs a touch-up. One of its many hydrating ingredients is argan oil, which both moisturises and gives your hair a sweet, nutty signature fragrance you’ll love.
This unique dry spray leaves hair strands feeling soft and smooth. For best results, mist generously 6 inches away from hair, comb through, and then style your locks with your selected hot tool.
3. Tresemmé | Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Leave-In-Spray
This low-residue thermal heat protectant mist keeps your hair looking healthy and sleek by shielding it against friction and heat. Lightweight and nourishing, Tresemmé Thermal Creations Tamer Leave-In Spray contains star ingredients like hydrating glycerin, protective niacinamide, and strengthening biotin to maintain your desired style.
Spritz ample amounts of this product 6 to 8 inches away from your mid-shaft to ends on damp or dry hair. Style as usual, but in less time—and with better results.
4. Living Proof | Restore Perfecting Spray
(@livingproofinc)
Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray’s paraben-free formula protects against the damaging effects of heating tools up to 205°C while giving salon professional results. Think long-lasting smoothness with an instant boost of hydration your damaged hair needs to look and feel healthier.
Shake well before use then apply to clean, damp hair from roots to ends. And don’t forget to show a little extra love to problematic tangled areas.
5. Olaplex | No. 7 Bonding Oil
(@olaplex)
This highly concentrated replenishing heat protectant remedy rebuilds weakened bonds and keeps the strand intact. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil’s reparative agents also act as hair sunscreen by shielding against brutal rays, making this ground-breaking oil an all-year-round must-have.
Ready to return your hair to a pre-damaged state in only a few drops? Apply the oil then distribute it evenly through your hair. Easy peasy.
6. Briodgeo | Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream
(@briogeo)
Kiss frazzled and frizzy hair goodbye with the calming Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream, a heat protectant fit for any hair type. This silicone-free blend of argan, rosehip, and coconut oil calms flyaways whilst combating brittle dryness.
Squeeze about a quarter-size or two amount of the feathery cream onto the palm of your hand, then massage through freshly washed, damp hair from root to tip.
7. Tresemmé | Keratin Smooth Flat Iron Smoothing Spray
Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Flat Iron Smoothing Spray hydrates to diminish frizz and split ends. When the anti-breakage formula comes in contact with heat, a smooth, shiny glow encases your strands. Infused with marula oil, this heat protectant fights frizz, detangles the knottiest of tangles, and boosts shine.
Spray liberally onto damp, towel-dried hair, then proceed to comb through. When styling with your preferred heating tool, point it downwards to help promote silkiness.
8. Flawless by Gabrielle Union | Shine Enhancing Protection Spray
(@flawlessbygu)
Formulated with Brazilian bacuri butter and rice oil, this sulfate-, paraben-, and silicone-free spray will help prevent future damage, so you can style with confidence. Add the Shine Enhancing Protection Spray to your hair care routine for the ultimate heat protection and gorgeous, glossy locks.
Spray evenly on wet or ready-to-blow-dry hair and style your heart out. Without wearing your strands out.
Final Thoughts
If you can’t take the heat, don’t step out of the kitchen—-just apply the best heat protectant! We can’t deny which one is our favourite (hint, hint: the Miracle Hair Elixir), but which do you want to try first?
If you’re dealing with heat-stressed tresses, also make sure to check out our “How to Repair Heat Damage” blog. It’s packed with plenty of tips to nurse frazzled hair back to salon-worthy good health. Happy reading!
For more hair and beauty tips and tricks, check out our blog.
Edited By: Pip Jarvis & Iris
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