Best Heat Protectant Spray to Prevent Damage
Do you have a love-hate relationship with your hair? From brittle split ends to super annoying flyaways, it’s 2024 and there’s really (like, literally) no excuse for using styling tools without a proper heat protectant spray. Heat protectant spray is the secret weapon to your locks. Not only does it protect against heat-related damage, but also helps you get back that gorgeous hair we know is hiding in there somewhere! A few spritzes on damp hair before blow drying will leave you with smooth, shiny locks that are ready for any style—be it beachy waves or summery, voluminous curls.
Not all heat protectant sprays are created equal. While some are filled with harmful chemicals, others can make your hair feel stiff and crunchy. To help you with your purchase decision, we’ve curated a list of some top heat protectant sprays of 2024.
-
Best Overall
HSI PROFESSIONAL Heat Protectant Spray
-
Budget-friendly
CHI Heat Protectant Spray
-
Best for Frizzy Hair
L’Oréal Paris Heat Protectant Spray
-
Acclaimed Formula
Hair Food Heat Protectant Spray
-
Best for Color-Treated Hair
OGX Heat Protectant Spray
If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more!
How To Find a High-Quality Heat Protectant Spray: A Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to hair care products, you can’t just go into the store and pick the first product you see. To help you out, we’ve prepared this handy guide so you can pick the right product according to your needs.
Thermal Protection Level
Heat protectant sprays create a protective barrier against your hair and hair styling tool, allowing you to add bouncy curls or beachy waves without worrying about hair damage. Look for a product that has a thermal protection level of 450 degrees. You should also consider how well the spray holds up against humidity and rain. A firmer hold will help keep your style intact even if you are exposed to moisture or humidity.
Ingredients
Heat protectant sprays come with different ingredients depending on their function and effects. Many of them contain silicones, which coat your hair with silicone molecules that lock in moisture and prevent frizziness and flyaways. On the downside, they can also build up over time if used too often or improperly rinsed out.
Other products include ingredients such as amino acids that replenish moisture in hair and ceramides to repair damaged cuticles. Panthenol is also sometimes included to soothe irritated scalps.
Brand Instructions
Some products can be applied to wet hair. Others will require you to leave it in for at least three minutes before using any kind of heat styling tool. Using a product incorrectly can cause more harm than good, so it’s important that you read through all instructions carefully before applying it to your hair.
Scent
Just like other hair care products, heat protectant sprays are infused with different scents which can be appealing for some but appalling for others. If you’re going to use heat styling tools on it every day, you should consider avoiding scented products altogether. This way, you won’t have to worry about lingering smells competing with the scent of your lotion and perfume.
Hair Type
If you have fine or thin hair, you should use a lightweight formula. This will help prevent the strands from becoming weighed down and flat. If you have thick, coarse hair then it’s best to stick with a product that’s infused with different ingredients such as essential oil or silicone. This will moisturize the hair shaft, help tame frizz and give your curls more definition.
Packaging
The packaging of the product should be easily accessible so you don’t have to struggle with opening it every time you want to use it. Also, make sure the cap is tight as some heat protectants are known to be flammable.
Comparing the Best Heat Protectant Sprays of 2024
HSI PROFESSIONAL Heat Protectant Spray
Pros
- Adjustable nozzle pump for precise application
- Available in two different sizes
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Has an off-putting scent
CHI Heat Protectant Spray
Pros
- Protects hair and adds shine
- Infused with vitamins and minerals for nourishment
- Available as a leave-in cream conditioner and serum
Cons
- Might make your hair greasy
L’Oréal Paris Heat Protectant Spray
Pros
- Dairy-free and unscented formula
- Offer protection for up to three days
- Improve hair texture and volume
Cons
- Only available in one size
Hair Food Heat Protectant Spray
Pros
- Chemical-free formula
- Enriched with fortifying ingredients
Cons
- Might make your hair a bit sticky
OGX Heat Protectant Spray
Pros
- Cruelty-free formula
- Cuts drying time in half
- Add shine and volume to hair
Cons
- The nozzle might get clogged
People Also Ask
-
Q: Why does my hair feel so stiff after using heat protectant spray?
A:If you notice that your hair feels stiff after using a heat protectant spray, try rubbing a small amount of oil on your hands and apply it evenly through damp hair. The stiffness will go away once your hair is completely dry.
-
Q: Can I use heat protectant spray on chemically treated or dyed hair?
A:Yes! You can use heat protectant spray on chemically treated or dyed hair. However it is recommended that you test the product on a small patch of your hair to ensure that it does not cause any adverse effects.
-
Q: Should I apply heat protectant spray on wet or dry hair?
A:This will depend on the brand and formulation of your specific heat protectant spray. For example, while some brands recommend spraying the heat protectant on wet hair others suggest applying it on dry hair. If you have allergies, apply the product to a smaller section to test your reaction.
Why trust Us
At Us Weekly, we aim to inform readers to make smart purchasing decisions, saving you both time and money. Our editors are obsessed with finding products in a variety of categories from fashion and beauty, to home and fitness.
We try various products, so we can recommend our favorites, and we also summarize feedback and data from other customers. Data, like product reviews and ratings, helps us recommend the best product choices for individual price points and needs.
On top of that, we highlight unique product features for special use cases, ingredients preferences, and more. We strive to make sure you are discovering new products that can make your life easier, while keeping you up to date with the best product choices for types of items you already know and love.
