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The 14 Best Heat Protectants for All Hair Types


Best Heat Protectants for Hair


Spring is on the way, and it’s not just temperatures we’re expecting to heat up. We’re priming our hair to be louder, glossier and hotter - but all without the damage. Expert stylists, at-home hair experts and beginners alike - here is our roundup of the best heat protectants right now - and always.



Q: What is heat protectant for hair?


A: Heat protectant is a product designed to shield hair from damage caused by heat styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. Using these tools can be damaging as they reach very high temperatures that can strip away the hair's natural moisture, causing structural damage to the proteins in the hair. The result? Dry, brittle hair with split ends that are prone to breakage. Typically coming in the form of sprays, serums, oils, or creams, heat protectants can help to reduce damage, maintaining overall hair health. Sign us up.


Q: What does heat protectant do?


A: The clue really is in the name with heat protectant, with each high-performance formula promising to protect your locks from *at least* 180 degrees. Sealing strands with a non-sticky film, they provide a physical or chemical barrier to stop heat penetrating into your hair follicles. This reduces the impact of direct heat and friction on the hair, minimising moisture loss and counteracting they drying effects of heat styling. And the best ones? They go far beyond just this. With some expert formulas containing a host of active ingredients, vitamins and oils, you’ll experience stronger, healthier hair instantly and over time. Shiny, smooth hair that's more manageable and vibrant in colour? We can't complain. 


Q: How to use heat protectant spray


A: If you're wondering, when should I use heat protection spray? It should be before reaching for heat styling tools. Start with clean, towel-dried hair that's free from product buildup. Then choose a heat protectant that suits your hair type. Shake well and spray evenly over sections of your hair, about 6-8 inches away starting from the roots to the ends. For maximum protection, be sure to cover the full length of  your hair. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers and leave it a couple of minutes to fully absorb into your hair. Once dry, you've got the green light to go ahead with your heat styling tools.


Q: How much heat protectant spray to use


A: The amount of heat protectant you should use all depends on the length and thickness of your hair. For fine or short hair, start small with 1-2 spritzes per section. If you have medium-length hair, you may need to up your amount slightly to 2-4 spritzes. And for those with thick or long hair? You'll need a bit more product to ensure complete coverage. Consider using 4-6 spritzes or more, making sure the heat protection hits every strand. Be careful not to load up on too much, though, as applying more than you need can make hair feel weighed down or greasy (trust us, we've been there).


Q: How to repair the condition of heat-styled hair


A: While each product works in its own wonderful way to protect your hair from heat damage and styling, there are a few more steps you can take to keep your tresses looking soft, sleek and most of all, healthy. Mainly, we recommend applying a repairing mask (like Philip Kingsley’s iconic Elasticizer) once a week to rebuild bonds, seal split ends and keep hydration locked in. Then follow with a drop of oil onto the ends of damp hair. One of our all-time favourites is the cult Moroccanoil Treatment, or you can use a leave-in conditioner like this Anti-Snap Treatment from Redken for extra nourishment.


By Sephora UK Haircare Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 2 May 2024