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Before you reach for your trusty curling iron, straightener, or even blow-dryer, there's one important step stylists say you should never skip: heat protectant.
These products "absolutely work," says celebrity stylist Michelle Cleveland. "Heat protectant is a must-have product for anyone who picks up a heat appliance," she says.
Why? Whether you have super thin, fine straight hair or thick and curly natural hair, heat protectants—also known as
thermal sprays—coat the hair with a layer of ingredients like humectants, amino acids, and keratins to lock in moisture and create a shield-like layer of armor once the heat is applied, Cleveland explains. This helps keep any excessive damage—breakage and dry brittle ends, for example—from happening to the strands.
1
Best Overall
Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Moroccanoil
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2
Best for Dry Hair
Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist Garnier Fructis
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3
Best Vegan and Cruelty-Free
Heat Protector Spray Sun Bum
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4
Best for Frizzy Hair
Thermal Creations Keratin Smooth Leave-In Heat Protectant Spray TRESemmé
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5
Best Sulfate-Free
EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer L'Oreal Paris
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There are multiple types of heat protectants out there: fine mist sprays, creams, serums, and more. But Cleveland says it's not worth stressing over this particular attribute. "It's really all about preference," she says. "I personally love a good spray-on heat protectant. I feel it disperses more easily and evenly all over the hair."
More importantly, though, focus on the ingredients in the spray you're considering. Try to avoid formulas that contain silicone or sulfates—especially if you have color-treated or a sensitive scalp—since these ingredients strip color and leave behind potentially irritating buildup, says stylist Kevin Kelly.
1
Best Overall
Moroccanoil Perfect Defense
2
Best for Dry Hair
Garnier Fructis
Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist
3
Best Vegan and Cruelty-Free
Sun Bum
Heat Protector Spray
4
Best for Frizzy Hair
TRESemmé
Thermal Creations Keratin Smooth Leave-In Heat Protectant Spray
5
Best Sulfate-Free
L'Oreal Paris
EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer
6
Best for Styling
Kenra Professional
Platinum Heat Block Spray 22
7
Best for Curly Hair
Artnaturals
Thermal Hair Protector Spray
8
Best for Fine Hair
BIOLAGE
Theramal Active Spray
9
Best Smelling
OGX
Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray
10
Best for Natural Hair
Hair Food
Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant Spray
11
Its a 10
Miracle Blow Dry Balm
12
CHI
44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
13
Not Your Mother's
All Eyes On Me 10-in-1 Hair Perfector
14
Pantene
Smooth and Sleek Heat Protecting Spray
15
Aussie Prime & Proper Hair Primer Treatment, Heat Protectant Spray, Paraben & Dye Free, Infused with Australian Manuka Honey and Caviar Lime, RED, 3.4 Fl Oz