6 Best Heat Protectants For Hair in 2023 [Updated]
After using your straightening iron everyday, you can become victim to many issues like dry hair, rough texture, split ends, knots, tangles and breakage. You have to use only the best heat protectant for hair to save yourself from damaged and frizzy hair.
If you’ve watched America's Next Top Model or seen celebrities constantly rocking new hairstyles which require frequent dying, blow-drying, and priming, you’re probably aware of the dangers of using styling tools on your precious locks. Going from black hair to platinum blonde certainly doesn’t help, but even daily use of a straightening tool is no joke and can cause serious damage if you aren’t taking the necessary precautions to protect your hair. These models make sure to use the best products for their hair so keeping their prim and stunning looks while taking care of their hair as well.
There are a few things you can do to improve the look of damaged hair besides using some of the best hair products, for example using good haircare products such as nourishing hair oils (jojoba and Moroccan oil are some cult favourites), getting a haircut, repairing hair masks, etc. These are great tips, and we strongly recommend following all these regardless of your hair health. However, if you’re having a hair crisis, look at our best heat protectant hair products below to ensure that your hair shines with that glossy look despite constant bleaching and heat use and what made them a part of the best heat protectant for hair products list.
These are great tips, and we strongly recommend following all these regardless of your hair health.
Our team answers the 3 most popular questions about fixing heat-damaged hair.
1. Is there any quick fix for heated hair damage?
Unfortunately, there is no quick fix to hair damage but the best way to keep hair healthy when using heat is through prevention. However, if you’re already dealing with damaged, frail hair a good heat protectant can critically help in reducing breakage and repairing brittle ends. Heat protectant acts as a guard against further heat damage caused by heating products and, by adding essential nutrients to your hair, provides much needed support.
The key to keep your hair healthy is through prevention.
Beauty bloggers all over the internet (from Tik Tok to YouTube) claim that some oils are magic and will give better results than some heat protectants. Yes, to an extent, it’s true, as good oil is a staple in any hairdresser or beauty guru’s arsenal. They rehydrate and nourish hair and are perfect for taming annoying frizz, but unfortunately, they do not give your hair protection from the heat on the same level as a heat protector. So even by using oils which are beneficial for your health, you do have to use heat protectant to keep them damage free. Some oils can even cause more damage by allowing your flat iron to fry your hair so knowing which products are best for your hair when using a straightening iron is a must.
Most oils perform best when used on hair after it has been styled with heat as a finishing product. When using tools that heat up to 365 degrees in just 30 seconds, it’s generally best to use products that have been formulated specially to protect your hair and keep them shining. All the best heat protectants include these ingredients for their benefits regarding the wellness of hair.
2. Which ingredients in hair heat protectant are most effective for safeguarding my hair?
The ingredients you should keep an eye out for when looking for the best heat protectant for hair products are as follows:
2.1. Silicone
A common ingredient in mostly all the heat protectants is silicone. This is because:
- It has low thermal conductivities, which coat hair fibres in a protective layer to prevent your strands from heating up too quickly and getting damaged.
- Silicone also creates a film on the cuticle, making the hair slippery so that heat tools can pass over your hair effortlessly.
2.2. PVP/DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer
This polymer helps to reduce surface damage to the hair strand. Like silicone, it coats the hair fibre to prevent moisture from escaping, thus making its place in the ingredients chosen for the best heat protectant products.
2.3. Quaternium 70
When used in heat protectants, quaternium-70 has several advantages. It offers a layer of defence against the hair becoming overly dry or fragile, which can cause breakage and broken ends. Additionally, this component can aid in reducing frizz and flyaways, giving hair a softer, simpler to manage appearance. The use of quaternium-70 on all hair kinds, including colour-treated and chemically-treated hair, is also possible because of its gentleness. Because of these abilities, Quaternium 70 has got its place as one of the main ingredients in the majority of heat protectants products.
2.4. Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
This is another common ingredient in cosmetics produced by the acid of wheat gluten. It nourishes and adds moisture to your hair for ultimate shine. Because it fortifies and shields the hair filaments from the inside out, hydrolyzed wheat protein, when used in heat protection products, aids in preventing heat damage making it an ultimate fit in the main ingredients for hair products. It functions by repairing any gaps or breaches in the hair barrier brought on by heat damage, which lessens frizz, breakage, and split ends. Additionally, by boosting the moisture content and natural shine of hair, hydrolyzed wheat protein can aid in improving its general health and look.
3. Which heat-protectant products are worth it?
A good hair protectant to use while styling is a must, so we’ve created a hair styling product list of our great heat protectants for hair that will ensure your hair remains flawless and damage-free. Check them out below:
A thermo-protective serum formulated for all hair types. This conditioning serum is gluten-free, paraben-free, and PH balanced. Formulated to nourish and strengthen the hair's inner structure with Keratin, Sweet Almond oil, and Bamboo Extract.
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360 Be Fill Serum 100mlSpecial Price $22.46 Regular Price $24.95
Recommended product
The reason for this product to be included in the heat protectant product list are the Ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, and Panthenol which work to infuse the hair cuticle with hydration and moisture. Use this serum along with Be Fill Shampoo for optimal protection when you use your hair straightener.
This heat protectant spray works best on thick hair. It protects against heat damage while also containing castor oil to deeply hydrate. Flatliner Protection Spray increases hair management and makes it look healthy, shiny, and smooth.
Recommended product
This product also reduces frizz and protects against humidity with Lactic Acid, resulting in your hairstyle lasting longer. Simply spray on damp or dry hair and proceed with styling using your hot iron.
Redken Extreme Play Safe Leave-In Treatment 200ml is a 3-in-1 heat protection treatment formulated with plant protein and tourmaline to increase hair elasticity and moisture. This cult favourite also prevents hair
damage from heat up to 450 degrees.
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Redken Extreme Play Safe Leave In Treatment 200mlSpecial Price $30.75 Regular Price $45.00
Recommended product
We recommend Play Safe Leave-In Treatment for people who use hot tools every day. For best results, pair with Redken Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner!
Keune Style Hot Iron Spray 200ml adds a gorgeous shine to hair and prevents up to 90% of cuticle damage caused by hot tools. We find that this spray works best when applied to dry hair before using a hair straightener or curling iron.
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Keune Style Hot Iron Spray 200mlSpecial Price $39.08 Regular Price $42.95
Recommended product
The primary objective of this product being in the best heat protectant for hair products list is that it acts as a barrier between heat styling products and hair. Its composition combines components that work together to shield the hair from harm while also bringing about additional advantages like enhancing lustre and reducing frizz.
Avoid dull and dehydrated hair by using heat protectant.
Pureology Colour Fanatic Hair Beautifier 200ml is not only a detangler and moisturizer but also heat protection designed for colour treated hair. This spray is a favourite among many hairdressers for its anti-frizz technology and its ability to make all hair types feel and look silky smooth.
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Pureology Color Fanatic Leave in Conditioner 200mlSpecial Price $45.95 Regular Price $48.00
Recommended product
Feel good using this vegan spray formulated with Pureology’s AntiFade Complex Essential that deeply nourishes damaged hair, detangles knots, prevents colour fade as well as dry and split ends. Because of its vegan-friendly nature, it has a special place in the best heat protectant for hair products list.
This New Me Thermal Protectorº protects hair from damage when using heat tools. The lightweight formula makes it perfect for all hair types and adds a tousled texture with a dazzling glossy finish.
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New Me Thermal Protector 125mlSpecial Price $19.95 Regular Price $29.95
Recommended product
The new me Thermal Protector is a hair product that provides heat defense, moisture maintenance, reduces frizz and split ends, and protects hair color. It is nourishing, hydrating, and free of silicones, sulphates, parabens, and artificial colors. Additionally, it is made in Australia.
The Redken 22 Hot Sets Thermal Setting spray is a high-quality styling product designed to protect hair from heat damage caused by styling irons up to 230 degrees Celcius.
Recommended product
Redken 22 Hot Sets Thermal Setting Spray is a protective styling product suitable for all hair types. It shields your hair from high heat damage (up to 450ºF/230ºC), maintaining hair health and preventing breakage associated with frequent styling. The lightweight, frizz-reducing formula imparts shine and is conveniently dispensed via a spray bottle for on-the-go styling. Additionally, it provides maximum hold for your hairstyle throughout the day, even in humid conditions, allowing for a variety of looks, from sleek and straight to voluminous curls.
4. Why are these products the best heat protectant for hair
As we all know, constant exposure to high temperatures (above 360 degrees) will cause severe damage to your hair. While styling with heat induced products ensures your hair looks amazing in the short term, frequent use of heat tools can change your hair colour and texture due to damage caused to the hair fibres proteins. We all want to avoid dull and dehydrated hair while looking stunning. Due to the amazing list of ingredients that guarantee best hair health, make sure to use these best heat protectant products to achieve glossy locks and ensure that your hair remains undamaged and in the best health.
Check out our latest reels that shows how thermal protectors work wonders! Follow our page for more hair care tips and tricks, and never let bad hair days bring you down again. Don't miss out on this valuable knowledge - hit that follow button now!
In this blog post, we're simplifying the task of choosing a heat protectant for your hair. Explore our informative table to learn about essential ingredients and our top product recommendations for maintaining healthy, heat-styled hair.
| Specification | Description |
| Prevention | Prevention is key when it comes to heat-damaged hair. There's no quick fix, so it's essential to use a quality heat protectant to prevent damage in the first place. |
| Use of Oils | While oils such as jojoba and Moroccan oil can nourish and rehydrate hair, they don't offer the same level of heat protection as a dedicated heat protectant. Oils should be used in conjunction with a heat protectant for optimal hair health. |
| Key Ingredients | Look for heat protectants that contain Silicone, PVP/DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer, Quaternium 70, and Hydrolyzed wheat protein. These ingredients offer various protective benefits against heat damage. |
| Recommended Products | Consider products like 360 Be Fill Serum, Schwarzkopf OSiS Flatliner Heat Protection Spray, Redken Extreme Play Safe Leave-In Treatment, Keune Style Hot Iron Spray, Pureology Colour Fanatic Hair Beautifier, New Me Thermal Protector, and Redken Thermal Spray 22 High Hold. These products are specifically designed to protect against heat damage. |
| Product Benefits | The benefits of using these products include preventing heat damage, improving hair health, maintaining moisture, reducing frizz and split ends, and protecting hair color. |
| Styling Tools' Temperature | Regular exposure to high temperatures (above 360 degrees) causes severe hair damage. Hence, using heat protectants can protect hair fibres proteins from damage, preventing color and texture changes. |
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