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We all love to experiment with our hair, whether it’s trying out a new hairstyle or adding a splash of colour.
However, with great hair adventures come great responsibilities, and one crucial step in maintaining healthy and beautiful hair is protecting it from the damaging effects of heat styling.
From sleek straightening to bouncy curls, heat styling tools have become essential in our beauty routines. However, the excessive heat can wreak havoc on our precious strands, leading to breakage, split ends, and overall damage.
Fear not, though, as we’ve scoured the beauty market to bring you the crème de la crème of heat-protectant products.
Whether you’re a seasoned styling pro or just dipping your toes into the world of heat styling, our carefully selected heat protectants are here to shield your hair from the thermal onslaught.
Does Heat Protectant Sprays Actually Work?
Heat protectant sprays are specifically designed to create a protective barrier between your hair and heat-styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers.
They work by coating the hair shaft with a heat-resistant film that helps to minimise the damage caused by high temperatures.
The primary purpose of heat protectant sprays is to prevent heat from penetrating the hair shaft and causing damage.
When you apply heat to your hair, it can lead to a loss of moisture, protein damage, and even structural changes to the hair shaft. This can result in dryness, frizz, breakage, and split ends.
By using a heat protectant spray, you can reduce the amount of damage caused by heat styling tools.
The heat-resistant film formed by the spray helps to retain moisture in the hair, minimises protein loss, and provides a buffer against high temperatures. This helps to keep the hair healthier, smoother, and more manageable.
Should You Use Heat Protectant Spray On Wet Or Dry Hair?
When it comes to using a heat protectant, it is generally recommended to apply it on dry hair before using any heat-styling tools.
The reason for this is that applying heat protectants on wet hair may dilute the product and reduce its effectiveness.
If you apply heat protectant on wet hair, the water present in the hair can mix with the product and potentially dilute it. This may lead to a less effective barrier against heat and increase the risk of damage to your hair.
To ensure proper protection, it is best to wait until your hair is completely dry before applying heat protectant. This way, the product can adhere to the hair strands and provide maximum protection when heat is applied.
However, there are some heat-protectant products specifically designed for use on damp hair. These are usually labelled as “wet-to-dry” or “pre-styling” sprays.
These products are formulated to be applied on towel-dried or slightly damp hair and can protect against heat while also helping to speed up the drying process.
1. Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray
A widely popular option, this spray offers heat protection up to 450°F/232°C and helps shield hair from breakage caused by styling tools.
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2. CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
Known for its advanced ceramic compound, this spray not only protects against heat damage but also adds a layer of shine to the hair.
3. Moroccanoil Perfect Defense
Infused with argan oil and panthenol (Vitamin B5), this weightless heat-protectant spray not only guards against heat styling but also nourishes and hydrates the hair.
4. GHD Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray
Developed by a leading brand in hair tools, this spray provides an invisible barrier against everyday heat damage and enhances the performance of styling tools.
5. Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
Suitable for all hair types, this lightweight spray not only protects against heat up to 450°F/232°C but also helps to detangle and add manageability.
6. Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair
Not only does this leave-in treatment protect hair from heat but it also contains Quinoa Protein for stronger, longer hair and nourishing Soy and conditioning Macadamia Oil to smooth hair’s surface.
7. Kenra Platinum Hot Spray
This spray is designed for high-temperature styling, offering protection up to 428°F and promoting a smooth, frizz-free finish.
8. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer
Combining heat protection with UV filters, this primer helps shield hair from both thermal and environmental damage.
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9. Redken Extreme Play Safe Heat Protection & Damage Repair Hair Treatment
Offering protection and repair in one, this cream helps fortify hair to prevent breakage caused by heat styling.
10. Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Spray
A quick-drying spray that provides thermal protection up to 410°F, leaving the hair with a clean, healthy finish.
11. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
While not specifically a heat protectant, this bonding oil helps repair and strengthen hair, providing an added layer of defence against heat styling.
12. John Frieda Frizz Ease Heat Defeat Protecting Spray
Formulated to protect against both heat and humidity, this spray is ideal for those looking to combat frizz caused by styling tools.
13. Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Resurfacing Strengthening Milk
This leave-in treatment not only protects hair from heat but also strengthens and smoothens the hair fibres.
14. SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Thermal Protectant
Enriched with Jamaican Black Castor Oil, this thermal protectant spray is designed to strengthen and protect hair during heat styling.
15. OAUI Heat Protection Spray
OAUI heat protectant spray has the ability to create a protective barrier around each strand of hair. This barrier helps to lock in moisture and prevent the heat from penetrating the hair shaft, reducing the risk of damage.
Final Thought
With these heat protectant products in your routine, you’re all set to style without the guilt. Think of them as your hair’s personal shield – keeping your look hot while your locks stay cool.
Now you can experiment with those styles you’ve been eyeing on Pinterest, especially those beachy waves or poker-straight looks, knowing you’re taking good care of your mane.
