It’s that time of year when our blowdryers get a real workout. No one wants to head out into the cold with wet hair (even for fashion’s sake), which makes picking the best heat protectant products a top priority.
Whether you prefer no-mess sprays or easy-to-apply lotions, there’s a heat-protecting formula for you. Most heat protectors don’t just prevent heat damage from overuse of hot tools (like hair dryers, curling irons and flatirons). The best heat protectant products include renewing hair oils like argan oil and mane-boosting vitamins. These must-haves also feature protection from harmful UV rays and color fading.
So go ahead: dry, curl or straighten your strands to your heart’s content with these heat protectants in your hair care arsenal.
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Best Heat Protectants
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Briogeo
Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Crème, $24 at Sephora
Protect your mane from blowdrying with this weightless finishing cream. It safeguards your strands against heat damage up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. And even contains good-for-your-hair rosehip, argan and coconut oils to smooth, enhance shine and tame frizz.
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Kenra Professional
Platinum Blow-Dry Spray, $29.75 at Macy’s
There’s a reason this one is called platinum. It not only provides heat protection, the spray also cuts down on blowdry time by 50 percent. The lightweight formula tackles frizz as it detangles, smooths and softens.
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Oribe
Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray, $69 at Oribe
Give your hair the royal treatment with this heat protectant spray. An exclusive silicone complex smooths while speeding up drying time. Plus, it tackles split ends and strengthens hair with some help from argan oil for healthy-looking locks with plenty of body and shine.
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OGX
Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray, $8.99 at Target
Protect your locks while decreasing their time under high heat with this thermal spray. Boasting hydrolyzed silk and quinoa, it has your strands covered up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Just spray on damp hair from roots to ends, comb through and then dry.
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TRESemmé
Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray, $5.49 at Ulta Beauty
You don’t have to spend a fortune for protection. This heat-activated spray can stand up to any hot tool by enhancing your hair’s flexibility as it prevents styling damage. Simply spray six to eight inches away from the mid-shaft to ends on damp hair, then blowdry. Or spritz on dry hair before curling or using a flatiron.
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Drybar
Hot Toddy Heat & UV Protectant, $30 at Ulta Beauty
Of course blowdry central Drybar would produce a top-quality option. This heat protectant lotion not only prevents damage and color fading, it actually helps protect your mane from UVA/UVB exposure. Plus, there’s artichoke leaf extract to tackle dehydration for fresh-looking locks.
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Kristin Ess
Style Assist Blow Dry Mist, $14 at Target
Blowdry every day this winter with a little assistance from this mist. It reduces drying time, ups the shine quotient and detangles. Just apply a thin veil before breaking out your blowdryer.
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Bumble and bumble
Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer, $28 at Sephora
Get silky strands while protecting them from both heat and UV damage (a year-round issue) with this primer. Six light oils instantly make your mane softer, smoother and untangled. It even protects against breakage.
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Alterna Haircare
Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Leave-In Heat Protection Spray, $32 at Sephora
This leave-in spray repairs and prevents heat damage by creating a protective barrier that prevents breakage, split ends and frizz. Vitamin-enriched, it repairs and seals the hair surface to strengthen and shield strands. It’s so effective that it actually reduces breakage and split ends up to 99 percent.
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Moroccanoil
Perfect Defense, $28 at Moroccanoil
Moroccanoil’s weightless aerosol spray rehydrates hair as it protects from heat styling damage up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It boasts argan oil full of vitamin E, essential fatty acids and antioxidants to nourish strands. There’s also a form of vitamin B5 that offers a noticeably glossy finish.
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Ouai
Heat Protection Spray, $28 at Ouai
This lightweight spray works as a primer before heat styling. It protects your hair from hot tools while adding shine.
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CHI
Total Protect, $16.50 at Ulta Beauty
CHI’s lightweight lotion shields strands from heat styling, sunlight and color fading. It relies on CHI 44 Ceramic thermal styling to strengthen and protect your mane from thermal tools. With silk to lock in moisture and dimethicone to prevent frizz, this pick is a multitasking superstar.
