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The 14 Best Heat Protectants for All Hair Types
Spring is on the way, and it’s not just temperatures we’re expecting to heat up. We’re priming our hair to be louder, glossier and hotter - but all without the damage. Expert stylists, at-home hair experts and beginners alike - here is our roundup of the best heat protectants right now - and always.
Q: What is heat protectant for hair?
A: Heat protectant is a product designed to shield hair from damage caused by heat styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. Using these tools can be damaging as they reach very high temperatures that can strip away the hair's natural moisture, causing structural damage to the proteins in the hair. The result? Dry, brittle hair with split ends that are prone to breakage. Typically coming in the form of sprays, serums, oils, or creams, heat protectants can help to reduce damage, maintaining overall hair health. Sign us up.
Q: What does heat protectant do?
A: The clue really is in the name with heat protectant, with each high-performance formula promising to protect your locks from *at least* 180 degrees. Sealing strands with a non-sticky film, they provide a physical or chemical barrier to stop heat penetrating into your hair follicles. This reduces the impact of direct heat and friction on the hair, minimising moisture loss and counteracting they drying effects of heat styling. And the best ones? They go far beyond just this. With some expert formulas containing a host of active ingredients, vitamins and oils, you’ll experience stronger, healthier hair instantly and over time. Shiny, smooth hair that's more manageable and vibrant in colour? We can't complain.
Q: How to use heat protectant spray
A: If you're wondering, when should I use heat protection spray? It should be before reaching for heat styling tools. Start with clean, towel-dried hair that's free from product buildup. Then choose a heat protectant that suits your hair type. Shake well and spray evenly over sections of your hair, about 6-8 inches away starting from the roots to the ends. For maximum protection, be sure to cover the full length of your hair. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers and leave it a couple of minutes to fully absorb into your hair. Once dry, you've got the green light to go ahead with your heat styling tools.
Q: How much heat protectant spray to use
A: The amount of heat protectant you should use all depends on the length and thickness of your hair. For fine or short hair, start small with 1-2 spritzes per section. If you have medium-length hair, you may need to up your amount slightly to 2-4 spritzes. And for those with thick or long hair? You'll need a bit more product to ensure complete coverage. Consider using 4-6 spritzes or more, making sure the heat protection hits every strand. Be careful not to load up on too much, though, as applying more than you need can make hair feel weighed down or greasy (trust us, we've been there).
Q: How to repair the condition of heat-styled hair
A: While each product works in its own wonderful way to protect your hair from heat damage and styling, there are a few more steps you can take to keep your tresses looking soft, sleek and most of all, healthy. Mainly, we recommend applying a repairing mask (like Philip Kingsley’s iconic Elasticizer) once a week to rebuild bonds, seal split ends and keep hydration locked in. Then follow with a drop of oil onto the ends of damp hair. One of our all-time favourites is the cult Moroccanoil Treatment, or you can use a leave-in conditioner like this Anti-Snap Treatment from Redken for extra nourishment.
By Sephora UK Haircare Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 2 May 2024
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ghd
Sleek Talker Wet To Sleek Styling Oil
Best for wet-to-dry styling
Look at every hair rule in history, and the answer to: should you put heat protectant on wet or dry hair? Depending on the type of heat protectant, you can apply it on damp or dry hair - but that’s where this revolutionary ghd heat protection oil comes in. Formulated for use on all hair types, it boasts the brand’s signature protection complex to prevent heat damage deep in the hair cuticle. Simply add a few drops to towel-damp hair and style as usual. To maximise protection, spritz on ghd Heat Protect Spray before other styling products to protect your hair and project your shine.
Tried and tested:
“Bought this a few weeks ago, absolutely love the product, it's not sticky and a little goes a long way. Hair dries smoother and straighter and maintains the shine and sleek look until the next wash.” - Woodey, Customer Review
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Kérastase
Elixir Ultime L'Huile Original Hair Oil
Best for colour-treated hair
Kérastase heat protectants might come in the form of milks or mists, but this hair oil is another Holy Grail. This multitasking product hydrates hair and boosts shine, but also acts as a heat protectant serum. You’ll find Camellia and Argan Oil heat protectant alongside a host of other moisturising agents to protect all hair types from temperatures up to 230 degrees. Oh, and the luxurious Violet Leaf, Mandarin and Freesia scent is also sure to keep you smiling.
Tried and tested:
“This oil is just amazing. Even though I have colour-treated hair and a little dry ends, two pumps are enough to make it soft, smooth and with lots of shine. Does not make the hair greasy. Has a light, luxurious fragrance. Definitely fulfils all my expectations.” - Kristina, Customer Review
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Sol de Janeiro
Brazilian Glossy Nourishing Hair Oil
Best for long-lasting scent
We have all done it: skip the heat protectant in favour of quick, easy styling - but if you’re asking, will I damage my hair if I don’t use heat protectant? The answer is always yes. But for those who are short on time and want maximum results, this glossy oil is your best friend. Packed with vitamin-enriched Brazilian Patauá and Pequi Oils, we smooth onto damp hair as a hydrator, hair glosser, hair perfume and heat protectant all in one. You’re welcome.
Tried and tested:
“Perfect for my thick, product thirsty hair. Leaves it with a delicious scent and makes it smooth and more manageable - cannot go wrong with this range.” - Kiran, Customer Review
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Bumble and Bumble
Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer
Best for all hair textures
Textured hair is only just getting the love and care it deserves, but one brand that’s been pulling out all the stops for *all* hair is Bumble and Bumble Heat Protectant. While they have a fair few products that we could rave endlessly about, it’s this invisible oil primer we always turn to. With six featherlight oils promising healthy, smooth hair, simply mist, comb and style for maximum impact.
Tried and tested:
“Smells so good, and definitely protects my hair - I have noticed considerably fewer split ends since I began using this. It makes my hair smell amazing and really shiny!” - Anna, Customer Review
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Davines
OI All In One Milk
Best for multi-tasking magic
There’s nothing we love more than a multitasking product, but one that repairs even the most damaged hair? Sign us right up. Heat protector, hydrator, detangler, hair softener and tamer in one, Davines brings natural actives and all-vegan technology together for a product that’s found itself firmly on our haircare shelf. As with many of our heat protectors, mist onto damp hair before styling for the best results.
Tried and tested:
“Use this after every wash (I only shampoo) and it has vastly improved my hair, it isn't too heavy and never leaves me feeling greasy despite using consistently over a few years. If I run out of this I panic, that's how much I adore...added bonus of having a gorgeous smell!” - Christina, Customer Review
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BondiBoost
Heat Protect Spray
Best for taming flyaways
We don’t always champion frizz-free hair, because we’re always in for a natural look - but for when we want flyaways tamed, we turn to this fan-favourite product. Boasting a unique formula with Aloe Vera, Cornflower and Nettle Leaf, this is botanical magic at its finest. And while the brand recommends spritzing onto damp hair, make sure you don’t start styling until your strands are dry. This way, you’ll avoid any damage and keep locks looking sleek.
Tried and tested:
“I started using this spray before using any of the other products and the difference in my hair was amazing straight away! It made it so silky soft and leaves a nice shine after blow-drying. I’m in love!” - Sharni, Customer Review
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Briogeo
Farewell Frizz™ Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème
Best heat protectant cream for coily hair
Briogeo never fails to deliver products that work on all hair types, but this heat protection cream is great for keeping our coils bouncing. Featuring Rosehip, Argan and Coconut oils in a lightweight formula that never weighs coils down, you say jump and we *always* say how high. As one of many happy reviewers tells us, there’s nothing nasty in this cream, but everything is good. So each time we need heat protection for up to 230 degrees, this is the cream we rely on. And now, so do you.
Tried and tested:
“After years and years of chemical relaxers, I am now free of harsh and dangerous chemicals. I can achieve a sleek blow out in my very coily hair with this cream. I apply after conditioning and Farewell Frizz Rosarco Spray. Wait to apply any oils to the hair until the blowout is complete. I curl my hair with a flatiron. Results are perfect! Healthy looking and bouncy curls. Love this!” - Josyln, Customer Review
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OLAPLEX
No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Best heat protectant for all hair types
Protect your hair without weighing it down with Olaplex Heat Protectant. Antioxidant-rich and silicone-free, it's *the* most nourishing hair serum to shield hair. It nurtures hair while blocking pollutants and neutralising free radicals. There's almost nothing this brand can't do. Experience satin shine, bounce back curls, and better style memory. All with heat protection up to 450°F. An easy win to give all hair types what they want and need.
Tried and tested:
“On my second bottle!! I love all of the Olaplex products, but this one really stands out. I use this every time I wash my hair and it helps strengthen and smooth out my hair, especially where I have bleached it out! Thank you for such a great product!” - Jodie, Customer Review
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Beauty Works
Heat Protection Spray
Best for minimising hair damage
Beauty Works Heat Protection Spray is definitely not shy to take on the heat. This lightweight formula is an essential if you style your hair daily with heated tools. Whether on natural hair or hair extensions, extend your hair's lifespan with this spray. Working best on wet hair, blow dry into strands to protect from colour fade. Add this heat protectant into your haircare routine for silky strands every time, without fail.
Tried and tested:
“Amazing. This heat spray is the best I've used yet. It protects your hair so well, and it doesn't make your hair sticky or like straw, it has a nice scent. I would really recommend.” - Customer Review
