8 Best Heat Protectants for Hair to Buy in 2022, According to a Hair Stylist
Arm your hair against heat damage from styling tools for as little as $4.
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Is heat standing in the way of your strong and healthy hair goals? It’s one of the biggest issues certified hair stylist and makeup artist Nikki Goddard sees.
“Hot air affects the hair structure by penetrating into cuticles and destroying the pigments and keratin,” Goddard says. “It’s important to have the shaft sealed before a blowout—that’s where washable conditioners or sprays for thermal protection come in handy.”
Although heat damage is unfortunately common, it doesn’t have to be. Using heat protectants can literally be the saving grace difference to help your hair continue to thrive, Goddard adds. “It seals cuticles and prevents damage and drying. Additionally, heat protectors include nourishing components that moisturize and restore hair. Some of them protect against UV rays, as well.” That barrier protecting your hair offers a handful of additional benefits including less split ends and brittleness. Ultimately that means less frizz and straight hair which is soft and easy to style.
So, what should you look for? Goddard recommends products that are oil-based sprays, those made of herbal extracts, or ones that are silicone-based. Heat protectants containing humectants and keratin are other options. Whether you’ve always used heat protectants or are guilty of skipping this step when using hot tools, below are eight recommendations from the pros.
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
The Bumble & Bumble Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer acts as a leave-in treatment to provide lots of moisture to the hair. It reduces frizz, eases tangles, and protects strands from styling tools. It also contains UV protection so hair won’t dry out in the sun.
Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant
Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant
This heat protectant spray protects hair from heat of up to 425°F. The lightweight product strengthens strands and enhances your hair’s overall health and shine. It also reduces frizz and tames any flyaways for a super sleek and smooth finish.
Mixed Chicks Thermal Protectant for Heat Styling Straightening Serum
Mixed Chicks Thermal Protectant for Heat Styling Straightening Serum
As the name implies, this heat protectant spray particularly helps to smooth and straighten hair. Although it was designed with curly and natural strands in mind, the serum works on all hair types. The formula is also humidity resistant and eliminates frizz.
This oil offers a variety of benefits including heat protection for your hair. The blend of oils including mongongo, coconut, American palm seed, and broccoli seed, hydrates hair to nourish and protect strands.
TRESemmé Thermal Creations Leave-In Heat Tamer for Hair Heat Protection
TRESemmé Thermal Creations Leave-In Heat Tamer for Hair Heat Protection
If you’re in need of a reliable heat protectant at a great price, this drugstore option is the way to go. It protects against friction and heat damage, promising a soft and shiny finished look. The nozzle design also makes it easy to spray and cover your hair.
Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Serum
Design Essentials Agave & Lavender Serum
Just a few drops of Design Essentials Natural Agave & Lavender Weightless Thermal Protectant Serum will have your hair covered. This heat protectant seals in moisture and gives hair a silky-smooth finish, without weighing it down.
Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray 4oz
Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray 4oz
In addition to protecting your strands from hot tools, this heat protectant spray promises to eliminate frizz, repair split ends, and add shine. Containing a blend of oils including almond, argon, sacha inchi, and mongongo, regular use can help promote healthy hair and scalp.
Mizani Thermastrength Heat-Protecting Serum (2-Pack)
Mizani Thermastrength Heat-Protecting Serum (2-Pack)
The Mizani Thermastrength Heat Protecting Serum ingredients are activated by heat to offer your strands both shine and a full body appearance. The serum also strengthens strands and contains anti-breakage properties, leaving your hair feeling stronger with each use.
Carlett Spike is a New Jersey-based writer who earned her BA in Journalism and English from Rutgers University and her MS from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She writes some of everything, but is particularly interested in race, health, and food topics. She has been featured in Shondaland, New Jersey Monthly, and Good Company among other publications. Follow her on Twitter @CarlettSpike and Instagram.
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