23 April 2024 , 11:42
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Your hair goes through a lot - with daily exposure to UV rays and intense heat from styling tools and blow-drys it could probably do with some TLC. Just like you'll find with skincare, prevention is better than a cure so having a heat protection product for hair on hand could save your locks from a lot of damage in the long-run.
The best heat protectants for hair come in all types of formulas, including sprays, serums, mists and oils, but they all have on feature in common. Packed with hair-nourishing ingredients, they'll lower the chance of your strands frazzling when in contact with high temperatures and some even repair any damage that has already been done.
Below you'll find our top picks for all hair types and budgets, covering bestselling brands from Olaplex to ghd and Cantu to Kérastase.
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Best heat protectants for hair 2024
- Best hair heat protectant for coloured hair:
- Best hair heat protectant for sun damage:
- Best hair heat protectant for textured hair:
- Best hair heat protectant for repairing split-ends:
- Best hair heat protectant for dry hair: Moroccanoil Perfect Defense
- Best hair heat protectant for humidity:
- Best hair heat protectant for styling tools:
- Best hair heat protectant for bouncy hair: Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-In Conditioner
- Best hair heat protectant for wet hair: Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique Heat Protector
1. Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Treatment Spray
Shoppers say they "swear this is the reason" their hair "hasn't snapped off" (Pureology)Pureology are popular for their hardworking shampoos and conditioners, but you might not know they also have a leave-in treatment spray, too. Ideal for those who colour their hair making it even more susceptible to heat damage, it helps prevent split-ends and repair any already broken strands.
It can also be used as a hair smoothing spray, silky hair treatment, anti-frizz hair spray, hair refresher spray, hair shine treatment or to seal cuticles, reduce dryness and minimise static.
Buy from LookFantastic, Amazon, or Boots (£31.20)
2. Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Primer
The invisible oil has been praised for it's "lovely smell" and how soft it leaves locks (Bumble and Bumble)Protecting your hair from heat damage is even more important in the warmer months where UV rays from the sun are stronger. Infused with six oils, this primer oil from Bumble & Bumble helps soften, detangle, de-frizz, tame flyaways, ease styling and protect against breakage, heat-styling and UV damage.
It won't feel heavy or greasy as the oils are lightweight, however it should be used sparingly as a little goes a long way according to users.
Buy from LookFantastic, Amazon, Boots, or John Lewis (£30)
3. Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protect
Cantu's hair protectant spray uses shea butter to nourish and replenish broken strands (Cantu)Cantu Thermal Shield Heat Protectant is a pre-treatment for all hairstyles to help minimise damage caused by flat irons and other heated styling tools up to 220°C. The formula contains shea butter to replenish moisture, while also minimising the appearance of flyaways. It is suitable for textured, coloured or permed hair.
Priced at under a tenner, it's an affordable option if you use heat on your hair most days and want a product that you can use liberally without having to re-buy an expensive item.
Buy from LookFantastic, Amazon, or Superdrug (£8.50)
4. Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Olaplex can transform dry and damaged hair (Olaplex)Well-known for revolutionary hair technologies, Olaplex products use a unique bond building formula to repair any existing hair damage. The silicone and antioxidant free serum should be left in your hair, creating a weightless veil that protects against pollution and heat up to 232°C.
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The hair serum also claims to leave a satin and shiny finish to your strands. Users confirm this, with one person writing: "The texture of the serum is so light and my hair drinks it up, and after blow drying my hair was so smooth and soft without feeling heavy or greasy."
Buy from LookFantastic, Amazon, Cult Beauty, or Space NK (£21)
5. Moroccanoil Perfect Defense
Moroccanoil products use Argan oil to soften strands and keep them nourished (Moroccanoil)Harnessing the powers of Argan oil, this vitamin-rich mist will moisturise your locks as well as providing defence against styling tools up to a temperature of 230°C. Suitable for all hair types, it can be applied to both wet or dry hair and users have said that it "smells fantastic."
The fine mist will ensure that your hair is not left oily or greasy and it can be used for second-day hair touch ups.
Buy from LookFantastic, Amazon, or Sephora (£27.85)
6. Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray
Humidity is no match for the Amika shield heat protectant hair spray (Amika)Not only are Amika products packaged beautifully making them a lovely addition to your bathroom shelf or dressing table, the formula inside is said to keep hair "frizz free." One review stated: "I have curly, frizzy hair that reacts to any hint of moisture within 1,000 miles. I used this while travelling in Japan during high humidity and it kept my hair frizz free and poker straight."
The Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray also contains UV filters to prevent any damage caused by sun exposure and protects against heat styling of up to 230°C.
Buy from Amika, Space NK, or Amazon (£11)
7. ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray
Reviewers say that it "smells divine" and doesn't make the hair feel sticky or greasy (ghd)When you think of ghd, their iconic hair tools probably come to mind so it's only natural that the brand would make an epic heat protecting spray to follow suite. Ghd's Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray creates two levels of heat protection between the heat of a styling tool and the hair using polymers and conditioning agents.
It coats each strand of hair with the formula so the user has a smooth and silky base to start styling hair with, however it doesn't specify the max temperature that it can be used with so we would go no higher than 230°C.
Buy from LookFantastic, Sephora, Cult Beauty, or Amazon (£23.95)
8. Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-In Conditioner
Give your hair a bouncy boost as well as protecting it from heated tools (Philip Kingsley)If you're a fan of the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Treatment this leave-in conditioner should be right up your street. It promises to leave the hair 'bouncy' as well as shielding it during heat-styling and giving it a gorgeous glossy finish. The leave-in formula is no hassle to use, simply spray through lengths after washing.
One person explained that it is a "great detangler", so it's well suited for those with long hair that is susceptible to knotting.
Buy from Philip Kingsley, Sephora, or John Lewis (£30)
9. Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique Heat Protector
This product is ideal for those who are frequently blow-drying their hair (Kérastase)We couldn't do a hair-care edit without including bestselling brand Kérastase. If your hair is prone to breakage, turn to this anti-breakage heat protectant. Spritz the light fluid on wet hair, comb through and dry. It gets to work strengthening a weakened hair shaft, so the more you use it the healthier your hair will look and feel.
Shoppers describe how they noticed instantly how better hydrated their strands looked, as well as how it tamed frizz.
Buy from LookFantastic, Sephora, or Amazon (£34)