The harsh reality is that just about whatever we do to our hair—coloring, brushing, styling—has a negative impact on our tresses. And of all the things that can cause hair damage, heat styling, and the irritating dullness and dryness that can ensue, is one of the worst. The good news is… It’s also quite simple to avoid this form of injury. No, you do not have to abandon your favorite hair dryer or curling iron. All you need to do is prep your strands with a decent heat protectant for hair.
Top 10 Best Heat Protectant For Hair Professionals Choice
Many of the best will not only keep flyaways at bay but will also provide moisture and reinforce strands against regular heat protectant for hair. Consider them to be sunscreen for your hair—a necessary protective measure to keep your hair smooth, strong, and healthy. Heat protectant for hair works as a barrier between your hair and a hot instrument, keeping it from burning, drying out, or getting dull. A heat protectant for hair will help smooth the cuticle and keep the hair looking lustrous and healthy,” says Alex Brown, a celebrity hairdresser based in Chicago.
Meet the Professionals
- Alex Brown is a famous hairdresser and salon owner located in Chicago who also spends time in New York and Los Angeles. Alex, a former Jen Atkin assistant, has styled hair for celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Bella Hadid, and Olivia Culpo.
- John Pulitano is a Sydney-based hairdresser and the co-owner and creative director of Headcase Hair. He’s been in the fashion industry for over a decade, and his work can be found in a variety of magazine editorials, advertorials, and on the runways of all international Fashion Weeks.
1. Best heat protection spray for straightening hair: Living Proof Restore Instant Protection Spray
We adore the heat protectant for hair that this gentle spritz provides, but we also adore its adaptability. It may be used on wet or dry hair (ideal for using your straightener for a fast touch-up on second-day hair), and it also functions as a UV protectant. Also, no matter how you use it, it produces a mirror-like brilliance.
2. Best heat protectant for dry hair: Pantene Pro-V Nutrient Boost Heat Primer Thermal Heat Protection
Perhaps you use hot tools on a regular basis and go through protective items like water, or perhaps you just do not want to spend a lot of money on your hair care regimen. In any case, this drugstore classic is a good pick. Mist it all over your hair before styling and let the formula’s protective polymers do their job, protecting it from temperatures as high as 450 degrees.
3. Best for Dry Hair: Leonor Greyl Lait Luminescence Bi-Phase Detangling Milk Styling Spray
By the name alone, you can know this is going to be a fantastic choice for dehydrated tresses. The creamy spray is oil-based to add hydration and condition hair, but it also works as a terrific detangler and, of course, a heat protectant. It does have a strong aroma, which may be off-putting to some.
4. Best for Thick Hair: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
This heat protectant for hair, as the name implies, is filled with rich oils (coconut, argan, and macadamia, to name a few) that moisturize and soften even exceptionally thick or coarse hair. It also works well to control frizzies and protects against heat and UV damage, all without leaving any form of residue.
5. Best for Relaxed Hair: Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant
Despite the fact that rich argan oil is the main component in this aerosol spray, it is surprisingly dry and weightless, making it an excellent choice for relaxed hair. It also includes conditioning panthenol and has an enticing trademark aroma that will have you reaching for it on a daily basis.
6. Best for Curly Hair: Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray
Heat protectant for hair are especially 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 spirals. Enter this option, which uses a blend of organic oils to protect strands from heat, add shine, and smooth frizz.
7. Best for Colored Hair: Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray
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 the color.) This spray has 21 advantages, including color retention and heat protection, and is suitable for all hair types and textures.
9. Best heat protectant for dry hair: Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème
While this is a wonderful choice for all hair types, it’s especially useful for people who are always fighting flyaways. Rosehip oil in the recipe regulates moisture levels (the key to preventing frizz), while argan and coconut oils moisturize and smooth further. Furthermore, the heat protectant cream consistency is a welcome change for individuals with thicker strands who might find sprays too light. Depending on the length and texture of your hair, use one or two quarter-size dollops.
9. Best for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
A heat protectant for hair is essential for preventing future stress, but if the damage has already occurred and your hair requires some additional TLC, look for this reparative and heat-protective oil. It works by targeting and mending the damaged protein links in the hair, much like all other Olaplex products (which Byrdie editors like). In a nutshell, the strands are smoother, softer, shinier, stronger, and have a more bright color.
10. Best Multi-Tasking: Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
Yes, another Living Proof product made the cut—the company is that skilled at making protective gear. This is a good option for individuals who want to get several advantages from a single product; it works as a strengthening leave-in conditioner, smoothing detangler, and heat protectant all in one. Unlike its predecessor, it is a spray rather than an aerosol, making it perfect for individuals who choose not to use aerosols for environmental reasons.
Final Words
The Living Proof Restore Instant Protection is one of our favorite multi-tasking styling products in general, and providing an outstanding heat protectant for hair is just one of many advantages it provides. (It may be used on dry strands, making it great for second-day heat style.)
As far as drugstore choices go, the Pantene Pro-V Nutrient Boost Heat Primer Thermal Heat Protection is a standout value, offering the same amount of protection (up to 450 degrees) as many of its more expensive equivalents. If you have damaged hair, a heat protectant for hair is an absolute must; try the Olaplex No7 Bonding Oil. If you like a daily blowout, choose the Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer, which protects against heat while also accelerating dry time to reduce damage.
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
According to Brown, looking for strengthening components in a heat protectant is also a smart idea—they’re an extra layer of resistance against any heat-induced harm. Amino acids, keratin, and wheat protein are all acceptable choices.
Questions
How should you apply a heat protectant?
Heat protectants, according to John Pulitano, hairdresser and creative director of Headcase Hair, should be the first step in your post-wash hair care regimen. Spray generously over damp hair before using any additional style products, such as volumizer or smoothing lotions, and then proceed with your styling process,” he explains.
Is it safe to use on dry hair?
“Also, make sure to apply it completely,” he advises. I prefer to hold the product 30cm [about a foot] away to achieve a beautiful even covering with minimal stickiness.”
How crucial is it to use a heat protectant?
If you’re going to be performing any type of heat style, whether blow-drying or utilizing hot tools, Pulitano believes heat protectants are a must-have in your routine—”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.