The 12 best heat protectant sprays to defend your hair from damage, according to hairstylists

CNN

2 days ago

Heat protectant spray quick picks
Hydrating heat protectant spray: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer
Anti-frizz heat protectant spray: Color Wow Extra-Strength Dream Coat
Multipurpose heat protectant spray: Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-In Spray
Volumizing heat protectant spray: Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray If there's one thing every hairstylist in the world can agree on, it's that you need to be using the best heat protectant when styling your hair. Whether your routine involves a simple blowout or an at-home silk press, a little prep goes a long way when it comes to keeping your hair healthy, strong and shiny.
Fortunately, heat protection comes in many forms nowadays. You can find it in rich serums, nourishing oils and, perhaps its most popular and easy-to-use form, sprays. Ahead, we've consulted expert hairstylists on what you should be looking for in a heat protectant spray, how to choose the right option for your hair type and their top picks, many of which come with a host of multitasking benefits.
R+Co Hypersonic Heat Styling Mist
A lightweight formula is key when it comes to a great heat protectant spray, said Garren, a celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of R+Co. This option — his personal favorite on the market — is 'light, airy and doesn't overwhelm the hair, so you still get movement.' Designed for all hair types, its formulation focuses on delivering intense shine and reparative benefits alongside protection against heat-styling damage, he said.
Olaplex Volumizing Blow-Dry Mist
'This is my absolute favorite,' celebrity hair colorist and Olaplex ambassador Tracey Cunningham said. 'It adds volume and protects your hair up to 450 degrees [Fahrenheit],' she said, 'which is typically the temperature people are using with their irons,' though she advises against it. 'Most of the time, you don't even need it that hot!' Because the reparative spray is so fine, you can also use it on wet hair, let it air-dry and then heat style.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Hair Primer
Queen Adrienne Monroe, a curly hairstylist and expert at Curls on 5th in New York City, recommends this multitasking spray. In addition to protecting your hair against heat and UV rays, it also hydrates and detangles, making it a great option for those with dry or damaged hair. 'It works wonders both before blow-drying and when used on dry hair for touch-ups,' she said. 'My hair feels consistently softer and looks glossier.'
Color Wow Extra-Strength Dream Coat
This spray goes beyond styling protection, creating a humidity-blocking seal to combat frizz while keeping your hair sleek and shiny. 'It's designed to replicate the benefits of a keratin treatment and ideal for achieving glass-like hair,' Monroe said. 'It made my naturally frizzy hair smooth and manageable for multiple days.'
IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray
Florida-based hairstylist Flower Avila recommends this aerosol-style spray, which she described as her 'go-to prior to using a hot tool like a curling iron or a flat iron.' According to Avila, it works great on wet or dry hair, and it's a great option for those with thin or fine hair who don't want to weigh their hair down.
Giovanni 2chic Ultra-Sleek Flat Iron Styling Mist
Celebrity hairstylist Flo Witherspoon always keeps this protective styling mist in her kit. Formulated with keratin and Moroccan argan oil, it's nourishing, super smoothing and 'perfect for those who frequently use flat irons and desire a frizz-free look,' she said.
Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-In Spray
While this multipurpose spray is a great option for all hair types, Avila said it's a particularly great option for anyone who needs a little extra moisture in their hair. She recommends applying it exclusively to wet hair, but as a multibenefit detangler and heat protectant, it can also be used ahead of heat styling or if you're air-drying your hair. Especially when I was regularly coloring and dyeing my hair, I always had this versatile product on hand.
Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray
'This heat protectant doubles as a lightweight detangler and leave-in conditioner,' Monroe said. A great option for those with damaged or dry hair in need of extra moisture and protection, it works up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and leaves hair silky and smooth. 'I loved how it instantly softened my hair and helped with detangling,' she said. 'It even reduced the appearance of split ends over time.'
Oli G Chemical Addiction Peptide Bonding Spray
'I love products that serve multiple functions and benefits because not everyone wants to purchase a laundry list of different products,' Avila said. 'And with all the options available today, it's easy to get overwhelmed.' This option protects hair from heat as well as chemical stress. 'It's effective, lightweight and universal for all hair types,' she added.
Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray
Cunningham recommends this styling spray that offers heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while working to repair existing heat (and other) damage to your hair. A longtime personal staple, it gives hair that perfect amount of hold and texture that helps hold styling and maintain volume even on hot and humid days. Plus, it smells incredible.
OSiS+ Freeze Hair Spray
'I always tell my clients that if an iron can burn your skin when you barely touch it, imagine what it's doing to your hair,' Cunningham said. If you tend to forget about a heat protectant ahead of styling or don't love the idea of adding yet another product to your routine, she recommends this medium-hold hair spray.
Paul Mitchell Hot Off the Press Thermal Protection Hair Spray
For Witherspoon, this protective hair spray is a go-to for clients with fine hair. 'It adds a bit of texture and has a built-in hold,' she said, 'which is perfect for styling.' 'Think of heat protectants like SPF for your hair,' Witherspoon said. 'A good heat protectant creates a lightweight barrier that helps lock in moisture and shields your hair from excessive heat. It's not invincible, but it definitely reduces the damage.'
Monroe recommends looking for heat protectants with silicones like dimethicone or cyclomethicone that 'coat the hair shaft, creating a barrier that protects the cuticle from direct heat exposure.' Similarly, polymers like polyquaternium form a thin film that reduces the transfer of excessive heat. 'This barrier technology not only shields your hair but also helps distribute heat uniformly across the strand, preventing localized 'hot spots' that can cause breakage,' she said.
Heat protectant sprays can also help maintain your hair's natural moisture, as well as work to retroactively repair and proactively strengthen it. 'A top-tier heat protectant will include humectants like glycerin or propylene glycol,' Monroe said, 'which attract and retain moisture within the hair shaft.' This is particularly important for those with curly or color-treated hair, she added, which are more prone to dryness.
Sprays that contain hydrolyzed protein, keratin or amino acids go beyond simple protection by 'reinforcing the structural integrity of your hair,' Monroe said. They essentially target weak spots in your hair shaft, filling in those weak spots and repairing minor damage. 'If your hair feels weak or prone to snapping, this can be a game changer for adding resilience over time,' she said.
Finally, a good heat protectant spray will be a breeze to apply, forming a protective barrier without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. 'Lightweight sprays are especially crucial for fine or thin hair, where heavier products can weigh the strands down and make them appear limp,' Monroe said. It's also helpful to look for fine mist applicators that distribute product evenly throughout your hair.
Many heat protectant sprays are universal, meaning they work well for any and all hair types. For those who don't have any specific needs or hair concerns in mind, there are a lot of different options, though anything you opt for should be protecting your hair up to the temperature you'll be using to style with, providing even distribution and including some anti-frizz properties for a sleek and shiny look.
'For fine hair, I tend to go for a lightweight mist,' Witherspoon said. 'Nothing too oily or heavy — think airy and volumizing.' For those with thicker or coarser hair, you can opt for a richer spray with 'nourishing oils like argan or Jamaican castor oil,' she added, noting that a little can go a long way. For those with curly hair, maintaining your hair's moisture is key. 'Choose protectants with humectants and oils to keep curls bouncy,' she said. And for those with chemically treated or dyed hair? Monroe recommends that you 'prioritize sulfate-free, color-preserving formulas to prevent stripping or fading.'
The following FAQs have been answered by hairstylists Flower Avila, Tracey Cunningham, Garren, Queen Adrienne Monroe and Flo Witherspoon.
Do heat protectant sprays actually work?
Do heat protectant sprays actually work?
In short, absolutely. 'When you apply heat to your hair, whether through a blow-dryer, flat iron or curling wand, you're exposing it to temperatures that can reach up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit,' Monroe said. This extreme heat causes damage to the outer cuticle layer of your hair. 'Once the cuticle is damaged, the inner structure of your hair becomes vulnerable to breakage and dryness. Heat protectant sprays are designed to minimize this damage.'
Most heat protectant sprays feature a combination of different ingredients that provide your hair with a range of benefits. Ingredients like silicones and polymers help the spray coat the entire surface of the hair, lowering the overall risk of heat damage, Monroe said. They also work to reduce friction that can occur while styling to minimize hair breakage. Ingredients like glycerin and natural oils help lock moisture into your hair, while keratin and other fortifying proteins work to prevent future damage against styling tools as well as common environmental stressors.
Is it better to apply heat protectant to wet or dry hair?
Is it better to apply heat protectant to wet or dry hair?
While some heat protectant sprays are designed for both wet and dry hair, usage instructions vary from product to product, so our experts recommend checking the label. They also encourage opting for more than one type of heat protectant and applying it throughout your styling process.
'Layering is key when using multiple hot tools,' Monroe said. 'Start with a protectant for wet hair before blow-drying, and then reapply a formula designed for dry hair before straightening or curling.' The wet application ensures even distribution as you comb it through your hair, also working to protect hair against the initial drying phase, which can be especially damaging for frizz-prone strands or strands that lack moisture, Monroe said.
When it comes to tools like flat irons and curling wands, which should only be used on dry hair, you'll need a heat protectant formulated specifically for that process. 'These sprays often contain ingredients that evaporate quickly, such as alcohol, to avoid wetting the hair before styling,' Monroe said. 'They also include high-heat polymers that create a protective shield over the hair shaft and ensure even heat distribution,' she added, and they are formulated with shine, smoothness and anti-frizz benefits in mind.
When it comes to dry hair application, Garren recommends flipping your hair upside-down and spraying it evenly through your hair. Let it settle a bit, then start using your heat tools. 'I don't like spraying each section of the hair and then applying heat,' he said, 'because that flattens out the hair cuticle so much that you don't get any bounce or natural movement.'
Is a serum or spray better for heat protection?
Is a serum or spray better for heat protection?
'If you have fine or thin hair, or if you're looking for a quick, fuss-free option, a spray is likely your best bet,' Monroe said. Both Cunningham and Garren prefer a heat protectant spray, mainly because of its ability to evenly distribute product throughout the hair. Spray formulations are also more lightweight, making them an ideal option for those with fine or thin hair, as they're less likely to weigh down your hair throughout the day.
'Serums are richer in texture and tend to be oil based, offering deeper hydration and nourishment,' Monroe said. 'They create a smooth, protective barrier over the hair shaft, making them excellent for high-heat styling and taming unruly textures.' Witherspoon also loves a heat protectant serum, noting that they're especially beneficial for those with thick, curly or frizz-prone hair. She described one of her favorites, the Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum, as a great option for those with damaged or overprocessed hair.
Depending on your routine, you might even benefit from combining both, Monroe said. But just keep in mind the order in which you're applying products and the drying that should happen in between each step of the process. 'If you have hair oil or serum on your hair, and then spray heat protectant over that, it'll get gummy,' Garren said. He recommends applying oil on your hair as a final step after styling.
For this article, we consulted the following hair experts to gain their professional insights.
Flower Avila, Florida-based hairstylist
Tracey Cunningham, celebrity hair colorist and Olaplex ambassador
Garren, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of R+Co
Queen Adrienne Monroe, curly hairstylist and expert at Curls on 5th in New York City
Flo Witherspoon, award-winning celebrity hairstylist
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, former editorial coordinator and contributing writer Noelle Ike interviewed hairstylists about the best heat protectant sprays. She has previously covered the best volumizing shampoos, best shampoo for oily hair and best hairstyling tools.