Once you use and realize the benefits of the best heat protection sprays, there's no going back. You would have surely seen TikTok comparison videos, with heat protectant sprayed on one paper and left on another. Inevitably, the untouched paper gets damaged and burnt while our savior thermal protectant saves the paper it was applied to. 

Our contributor ​​Eliza Pineda, In-House hair expert at Mayraki Professional states, “Many heat protection sprays offer thermal and UV protection. In order to choose such sprays, the key is to look for ingredients like ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, methoxydibenz-oylmethane, or Parsol SLX.”

We all want bouncy, shiny, perfectly styled hair all the time. But of course heat styling comes with its own set of side effects. Thanks to heat protectants, we have a solution to minimize this damage. Whether you apply it pre-, post-, or for re-styling, it combats a range of concerns like frizz and static while forming a protective barrier on your hair strands. 

 As per our contributor Eliza Pineda, the most important feature of heat protection sprays is to keep your hair protected at high temperatures. “Heat protection sprays should at least go up to 395° F to 400° F level of protection.”, she adds.

Now that we have lured you into wanting a heat protection spray right away, let's take you through the different varieties in the market.

• 1
  Best Overall for Sleek Hair

  CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

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Celebrity-inspired salon sleek hair is not a far-fetched dream, thanks to the CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray. It is developed to be used for everyday styling of dry hair and protects them from thermal damage and breakage. An extremely lightweight formula, it helps to seal the cuticles to prevent future damage while not leaving behind any residue or stickiness, unlike other regular heat protection sprays. The formulation's ingredients, such as keratin and silk proteins, further add the essential moisture, condition the hair, and help to maintain the hair's tensile strength. 

Key Ingredients: Vitamins A and E, panthenol, jojoba oil, olive oil, keratin and silk proteins

2

Most Travel-friendly

ORIBE Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray

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Unleash your inner hairstylist with Oribe's Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray. The formula is lightweight, gluten-free, and paraben-free. It not only tames hair that's unruly but also conditions, fortifies, and leaves it with a pleasant Cote d'Azur scent. Suitable for all hair types, it quickens the drying process, repairs split ends, and makes the locks soft, smooth, and glossy. To use it, apply the mist sparingly to damp hair, blow dry, and show off your salon-quality blowout wherever you go.

3

Bold Uniq Coconut 10 Effects Long Lasting Treatment

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Get transported to the Bahamas with the coconut scent of the Bold Uniq Long Lasting thermal heat protection spray. This multiuse leave-in conditioner spray keeps your gorgeous hairstyle in place and minimizes the risk of heat damage. Ideal for dry and damaged hair, this anti-static styling solution offers 230°C heat protection and aids to reduce flyaways, knots, and tangles caused by dry hair. We already know that coconut does wonders to keep hair moisturized (1). The lauric acid and medium-chain fatty acids additionally help the coconut oil to profoundly permeate hair strands for a long-lasting effect. 

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, lauric acid, medium-chain fatty acids

4

The Cult Favorite

MOROCCANOIL Perfect Defense Protect

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Offering 230⁰C thermal damage protection, the Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Protect is among the best heat protection spray. Developed by a cult favorite hair care brand, this spray will blend seamlessly with your other hair products. You can use it over both damp and dry hair. The aerosol spray makes it easy to apply evenly without weighing down the hair. The argan oil in the formula helps to nourish as it is high in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants (2). Panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, hydrates and imparts a glossy finish to the hair. As a result you get silky and lustrous locks.

Key Ingredients: Argan oil and panthenol

5

Best for Curly Hair

PAUL MITCHELL Flexible Style Hot Off The Press

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Flaunt the scent of orange, grapefruit, and lily with every hair flip after using the Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press. This quick-drying thermal protection spray contains rice hull extract, which builds a lightweight shield between the hair and heat-styling tools. The wheat proteins thereafter boost the hair's tensile strength. The formula is made to be humidity-resistant and frizz-fighting. This enables the perfect finish to any style — curly or straight. Once styled, you can go ahead with a second coat of this spray to lock in the hairdo. Plus, the aerosol outlet makes it very easy to use on the go (take note, busy ladies!).

Key Ingredients: Rice hull and wheat protein

6

Best Frizz-Control

ARVAZALLIA Professional Series Heat Protectant Plus

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Arvazallia Professional Series Heat Protectant Plus protects the hair from thermal damage caused by the daily use of hair dryers, flat irons, curling rods, and other heat-styling tools. This professional heat protectant spray features an advanced lightweight two-layer protection technology that helps the product deeply permeate the hair follicles to repair existing damage while preventing breakage and split ends. The detangling agents in the formula further help control static and tame down frizz. And, of course, argan oil moisturizes, conditions, and transforms the texture of the hair, leaving it softer, smoother, and shinier.

Key Ingredients: Argan oil

7

Best for Dry Hair

BEYOND THE ZONE Turn Up The Heat

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One of the best drugstore heat protectant sprays, the Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat is free from toxins such as dye, talc, soy, mineral oil, etc. We have found from using this product that it seals the cuticles for silky, smooth-looking hair, leaving it softer and more manageable. This heat protectant spray lays the foundation for effortless heat styling using any tool. It has a slightly oily texture, which makes it ideal for people with thick, dry hair to tame down the frizz and make the hair sleeker. All the curly hair girls, give this heat protectant a shot!

Key Ingredients: Water, fragrance, tocopheryl acetate, linalool

8

Best for Color-Treated Hair

TRUSS Miracle Heat Protectant Spray

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Free from parabens, gluten, dye, lactose, sulfates, lead, etc., the Truss Miracle Heat Protectant Spray boasts a nourishing formula. It is an all-in-one heat protectant, color protectant, and hair detangling spray, which helps make every day a good hair day! The conditioning ingredients in the product ensure a smooth glide to minimize breakage while combing. Made to infuse hydration in the hair, it is ideal for wash-and-wear styles, especially if you have curly or wavy hair texture Its moisture lock technology further protects your locks against frizz and humidity damage. We are impressed by the glossy and smooth finish this heat protectant for hair gives. 

Key Ingredients: Amino lipotropic nutrients, blend of miracle oil, vegan keratin

9

Best Long-lasting Shine

KENRA PROFESSIONAL Platinum Blow-Dry Spray

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The Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray is ideal for people who flaunt their thick, luscious hair but are tired of the amount of time it takes to blow-dry them. This advance-dry thermal protectant for hair noticeably reduces blow-dry time up to 50%, and once you apply it, it feels quite lightweight and won’t transfer onto your hands or other surfaces when styling. It detangles, smooths, and softens the hair while eliminating frizz and protecting the hair against humidity. The best way to use this heat protectant is on damp hair so that you are left with a long-lasting shine after the blow-dry. 

Key Ingredients: Argan kernel oil and jojoba seed oil

10

Best Scent

SILK ELEMENTS Coconut Heat Protection Spray

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Seal and strengthen your hair follicles with the goodness of coconut in this spray by Silk Elements. A must-have for people with dry, coarse, thick hair, this protective spray takes your hair from drab to fab within minutes. You may use it after a fresh hair wash on damp hair or on dry hair for restyling purposes. It is easy to apply and adds an instant shine to the tresses while making them appear smooth and healthy. Therefore, if your expectations from a heat protectant spray are beyond shielding against thermal damage, this could be your next favorite hair care product. 

Key Ingredients: Coconut fruit extract

11

Best Salon Shine Finish

SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL Trilliant

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We are sure you will switch to a "gorgeous hair, don't care" attitude after using the Sebastian Professional Trilliant. This hairspray not only protects the hair from heat damage but adds a bounce and volume to all hair types. It contains specks of glitter which deliver a noticeable sparkling shine to the hair. The multifaceted complex containing rock crystal extract is designed to gently condition the hair and offer long-lasting protection while keeping your hair styling intact. Since it is lightweight, it will get easily absorbed by your tresses. Made for both damp and dry hair styling, it is a hair stylist-recommended product. 

Key Ingredients: Rock crystal extract

12

OUAI Heat Protection Spray

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The Heat Protection Spray formulated by Ouai (read: pronounced as 'way', which refers to 'yes' in casual, Parisian vernacular) offers luxury salon-like styling at affordable prices, which are also easy to use. Developed to strengthen and condition the hair, this heat protection hair spray is free of gluten, paraben, phthalate, SLS, and SLES. This lightweight mist can be used on damp or dry hair to protect it from thermal damage while infusing a professional blow-out shine. Additionally, the protective formula is packed with thermal polymers, which is safe for individuals with color-treated and keratin-treated hair. A win-win indeed!

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, witch hazel, thermal polymers, panthenol and jojoba seed oil

13

VELLASIO Altimate Heat Protector

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We love an effective, budget-friendly product, and Vellasio Altimate Heat Protector definitely passes the test with flying colors. Suitable for all hair types, this non-greasy heat protectant helps restore the natural luster of the hair while fighting frizz and detangling the locks. The grapeseed oil in the formula aids to restore hair's vibrancy by regulating the scalp's sebum production. This multi-use product can be used before and after shampooing to detangle the hair and for styling besides overnight hair therapy for brittle, coarse tresses.  With thermal and UV protection up to 230°C, this gets our nod of approval. 

Key Ingredients: Phenolic, argan oil, grape seed, aloe vera, vitamin E

14

Just Peachy KerArgan Heat Shield

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Boasting a 100% vegan formula, the Just Peachy KerArgan Heat Shield is a pre and post styling heat protectant that doubles up as UVA/UVB protector and anti-frizz and smoothing spray. Best suitable for normal to dry and frizzy, unmanageable hair, this heat spray is enriched with powerful ingredients. Vitamin E, for instance, is a natural antioxidant that alleviates the impact of free radicals, thereby assisting in hair strengthening (3). Argan oil, additionally, hydrates and softens the strands, restoring shine and adding life to dull strands. Whereas keratin, as we all know, helps tame and smooth the hair, giving a glossy finish and making hair more manageable (4).

Key Ingredients: Keratin, argan oil, vitamin E

15

TONI & GUY Heat Protection Mist

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Toni & Guy Heat Protection Mist is developed for heat protection and everyday salon-like hair styling at home while delivering a smooth and prepped finish to your hair. Trusted by many hair stylists and professionals over the world, this brand's products are frequently used by celebrities and top models. With up to 425°F thermal protection, you can safely create different hairstyles for work, parties, and other occasions. The spray nozzle makes the application quick and simple, and because the solution is lightweight, it does not leave your hair feeling heavy or greasy. To add to that, it helps control static and frizz and keeps hair looking smooth and shiny for a long duration. 

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil

16

BERINA Hair Heat Protector

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Nurture and protect your beautiful hair from heat with the Berina Hair Heat Protector without burning a hole in your pocket. With the weightless liquid formula, this heat protection spray for hair forms a shield coating without leaving behind a greasy residue. It is infused with pro-vitamin B5, which prevents dryness and makes the hair manageable. After trying out this product on different hair types, we can confirm that it works well for everyone. Moreover, the light, refreshing scent does not overwhelm your nostrils. The anti-frizz agents in the formula ensure you get smooth, tangle-free hair that you can easily run your fingers through. 

Key Ingredients: Pro-vitamin B5 

We have been talking about the best heat protection sprays, but do we understand what they actually are and why they should be an essential product in your hair styling routine? Let's find out.

A heat protectant spray is like SPF for your hair. It works as a barrier between your hair strands and external sources of damage, such as thermal and sun damage. While it may not be able to eliminate the effects of heat damage completely, it certainly protects the hair to minimize the harm. Your heat protectant is a leave-in product that is applied to damp or dry hair before you go in with your styling tools like a blow dryer, hair straightener, or curling rod. It comes in different forms like aerosol sprays, creams, or oil and water based serums. Apart from shielding the hair against heat damage, some heat protectants offer additional benefits, such as eliminating frizz and static, softening and smoothening the hair, and adding shine. 

Whether they are walking the ramp or attending an event, celebrities, models, and influencers have a whole team of professionals who ensure their hair looks immaculate. But we may not be able to afford a hair stylist or even a salon appointment before every important event. However, we can certainly use hair styling tools to make our hair look the way we desire. And as we already discussed, like bread and butter, a heat protectant spray is the loyal companion of a heat styling tool. So, come, let's look at the things you should consider to buy the best heat protection spray. 

Ingredients

When it comes to parabens, sulfates, SLS, and other harmful toxins, the safe word is always 'NO'. Especially in the case of leave-in products that stay on your hair for a long duration. On the other hand, some good ingredients to look for in your heat protectant are humectants. These are hydrating agents such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol (vitamin B5). Further, strengthening ingredients such as amino acids, keratin, and wheat protein are the green flag you should be aware of. 

Formula

Not all heat protectants are the same. There are serum-based solutions that have an oily consistency. Then there are weightless and watery or aerosol sprays. There is no one size fits all approach here. Just make sure that your heat protectant does not dry out your hair but adds hydration and shine. And, of course, steer clear from sprays that make your head a grease factory! 

Hair Type

Just like our personalities, our hair types are also distinct and unique from one another. Some of us have curly hair, while others flaunt straighter tresses. Some of us deal with dry, brittle hair, whereas others may have so soft and slippery hair that it's a challenge to style them. Based on your hair type, therefore, choose a heat protection spray that caters to your requirements.

Additional Benefits

Selecting a full-proof heat protectant is not just about buying a spray that shields your hair from direct heat. It should help with static and frizz control, detangling hair, retaining moisture, adding shine, and making hair softer and smoother. 

Apart from these crucial factors, you can also look at the ease of use. You may prefer an aerosol spray over nozzle-like liquid spray, for instance. This determines the even distribution of your heat protectant. 

Although there is not much nitty-gritty involved in using the best heat protection spray, some tips go a long way in utilizing their benefits to the fullest. 

Now you know that you can use the best hair heat protection spray on both damp and dry hair. Just make sure to section your hair to distribute the product evenly. Combing through the hair at this stage also helps in spreading the product to coat every single strand. Further, to avoid greasiness and residue buildup, use small quantities, 2-3 sprays at a time, depending on your hair length. 

Although you should keep heat styling to a bare minimum, use a heat protectant every time. Even if you style your hair 1-2 times a week. Also, keep a note that the chemicals in the spray may irritate your skin and eyes. So maintain a careful distance from the face to avoid contact. Read through the instructions for your product for the best results. 

To sum up, here is our final verdict. While your best heat protection spray may be a fighter, it is not a hero. What we mean is that it should definitely be a part of your hair styling routine, and the advantages it offers are uncountable. However, it acts as an insulator and not a complete eliminator. This means that heat protection sprays help to minimize thermal damage but cannot entirely seal your hair from all the ill effects. Heat protectants are a blend of polymers, humectants, proteins, and essential extracts, which makes them a profitable investment for the long-term care of your beautiful tresses. 

Contributor: Eliza Pineda, In-House Hair Expert at Mayraki Professional