Because there's no time for heat-damaged hair in 2024
In a world where hair care has moved on from the laid-back carelessness of the burnt-ends 90s to a more curated regimen of self-care and nurturing—one product takes the cake for solving all your hair care woes, and that is the trusty heat protectant spray.
Gone are the days when we naively wielded faulty curling irons on our unprotected wet hair, oblivious to the damage we were causing—or in fact, the breakage we were causing.
Now, it’s 2024, and we're all about hair care, self-care, and, well, just about every kind of care imaginable.
From skincare routines that rival NASA's pre-launch checklists to mindfulness practices that would make Buddha proud, we've embraced a holistic approach to wellness that starts from within and radiates into everything else (or at least we try).
But amidst the chaos of life's demands, one essential element often gets overlooked—our hair. Whether we're battling humidity-induced frizz, trying to tame stubborn curls, or simply aiming for that picture-perfect blowout, our hair endures a lot in the name of beauty. And while we may have once been willing to sacrifice the health of our locks for the sake of style, today's consumer demands more. We want products that not only deliver stunning results but also prioritize the long-term health and integrity of our hair.
Enter the heat protectant spray—a modern-day superhero in the saturated market of hair care products.
This humble yet mighty product serves as a shield, defending our strands from the ravages of heat-styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers. But like with everything, not all heat protectants are created equal. With countless options flooding the market, it can be daunting to navigate the sea of sprays, creams, and serums calling our names. So, which to choose? Let us tell you.
Why trust TYME?
We work with some of the leading hair stylists in the industry to not only create salon-worthy products, but also how to keep your locks healthy as can be. Looking for a heat protectant, but find there’s too many? That's where we come in. At TYME, we believe in empowering our community to make informed choices about their hair care routines. That's why we've dedicated ourselves to researching, testing, and curating the very best products on the market. We've scoured the shelves, consulted with experts, and put each heat protectant through its paces to ensure that only the crème de la crème makes it onto our list.
From lightweight mists to luxurious creams, we've left no stone unturned in our journey to hair care perfection. These 10 products are certain to keep your locks looking flawless, no matter how high the heat gets—because when it comes to protecting your hair, only the best will do.
Our top 10 heat protectant sprays
1) The Lauren Ashtyn Collection Heat Protectant Moisture Hydrate Spray
Coming in as our number one favorite pick is The Lauren Ashtyn Collection’s Moisture Hydrate Spray. This heat protection spray offers light conditioning whilst also boosting your hair’s natural immunity. It targets already heat-damaged hair and helps it restore to soft, silky smooth locks that are easier to manage. The product disperses perfectly with its spray bottle and the whole TYME team loves its versatility. It’s not just a one-trick pony; it treats your damaged hair, too. Chefs kiss.
What TYME loves: The Lauren Ashtyn Collection's Heat Protectant Moisture Hydrate Spray is a standout for its dual-action formula that not only shields hair from heat damage but also infuses moisture for added hydration. Ideal for dry or damaged hair types, this spray leaves locks feeling silky-smooth and revitalized. It protects hair from heat styling up to 450ᵒF, so it’s a product that works overtime to keep those tresses locked with moisture.
What TYME doesn’t like: Absolutely nothing.
Hair type: Best suited for dry or damaged hair in need of hydration and protection.
2) Olaplex N.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Considering that Olaplex creates hair-strengthening products that have catapulted into a cult classic, we’re not surprised that this one is on our list. The Nº.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum has been infused with the renowned OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology to instantly shield hair from pollution and heat damage. It gives you a salon finish with every use, and it also protects your hair from heat up to 450ᵒF. We love.
What TYME loves: Olaplex N.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Serum is a social-media favorite among hair care enthusiasts, revered for its innovative formula that strengthens and protects hair bonds. Suitable for all hair types, this serum delivers unparalleled heat protection while fortifying strands from within. We love that it doesn’t leave a sticky residue on your hair like some other brands do.
What TYME doesn’t like: The high price point of this serum may put you off, seeing that it’s only 3.0 fl. Oz.
Hair type: Suitable for all hair types, particularly those in need of intensive repair and protection.
3) Moroccan Oil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant
Here at TYME, we LOVE LOVE LOVE Moroccan Oil, so it didn’t take us long to jump on board with the Perfect Defense Heat Protectant. This heat protectant is a weightless, dry aerosol that protects in a nourishing way. The formula is infused with argan oil meaning that it hydrates and penetrates the hair, leaving it smooth, silky, and luscious. No wonder it won the Glamour Beauty Awards in 2018, it’s a real goodie.
What TYME loves: Infused with argan oil, Moroccan Oil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant not only shields hair from heat damage but also imparts a healthy dose of hydration and shine. Lightweight and non-greasy, this spray is perfect for all hair types and won't weigh your hair down.
What TYME doesn’t like: Some people may find that this spray leaves behind a slightly oily residue, so it’s brilliant for dry hair.
Hair type: Suitable for all hair types, especially those in need of added shine and hydration.
4) Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Want to find the key to the Kardashian’s undeniable gloss and picture-perfect shine? Well, it’s the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray. If it’s Kim K’s secret to frizz-free hair, then you can count us in. The formula is specifically created for color-treated hair and it offers anti-humidity properties that fight dryness and frizz.
What TYME loves: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is a game-changer for those with frizzy or unruly hair. This innovative formula creates an invisible, heat-activated shield that repels moisture and humidity, keeping hair sleek and smooth in any weather. P.S. It lasts for up to 72 hours, so it’s a heat defense that works even on your third-day curls.
What TYME doesn’t like: It is super pricey but does come in 3 different sizes if you wanted to give it a go before you invest.
Hair Type: Ideal for frizzy or unruly hair in need of long-lasting frizz control.
5) Kérastase Genesis Défense Thermique
Kérastase is known and loved by stylists across the globe, so you are guaranteed to love whatever they’re churning out. The Genesis Defense Thermique heat protection treatment is a creamy solution for severely damaged hair. It has anti-fall-out properties, which are great for blow drying, as it is scientifically proven that hair becomes weaker when heat-styled. Infused with Edelweiss Native Cells, Ginger Root, and Aquaxyl, these ingredients promise to give you immediate hydration by 88%.
What TYME loves: Kérastase Genesis Heat Protecting Leave-In Treatment is specially formulated to strengthen and protect weakened hair from heat damage. Enriched with edelweiss flower extract, this leave-in treatment nourishes and fortifies strands, leaving hair resilient and protected.
What TYME doesn’t like: Some people may find this treatment to be too heavy for fine or oily hair types.
Hair type: Best suited for severely weakened or damaged hair in need of intensive repair and protection.
6) Gisou Propolis Infused Heat Protecting Spray
You don’t have to be a TikTok girlie to have seen Gisou making moves on the internet—they are everywhere. And though we may be in LOVE with their richly penetrating golden honey elixir, we’re loving the new addition of a heat protection spray.
The Gisou Heat Protecting Spray protects your hair from heat damage up to 446ᵒF and that’s in the sun, blow drying, styling, or any UV rays. It adds texture to flat limpless hair and prevents breakage due to the Propolis infusion—10/10 from us.
What TYME loves: Gisou Propolis Infused Heat Protecting Spray harnesses the power of propolis extract to shield hair from heat damage while imparting a healthy dose of hydration and shine. We love that it keeps both your hair hydrated in the Malibu sun and when you’re giving yourself a blowout—so it really is a people pleaser. Plus, if you’re looking for more volume, it adds texture and depth to your hair.
What TYME doesn’t like: The fragrance of this spray may be too strong for some, but we personally love the honey scent.
Hair type: Suitable for all hair types, particularly those in need of added hydration and protection against UV rays.
7) Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream
[net-sou] is inspired by the Japanese art of minimalism and netsu means "heat" in Japanese. If we’re taking anything from Japanese haircare, it’s that they’ve known what they are doing since day dot. Think Japanese Permanent Straightening, but without the chemicals—sounds like the holy grail of heat protection sprays to us.
It is an anti-frizz cream that protects your hair for up to 9 hours with its thermo-protection properties of up to 450ᵒF. It will give you a sleek, perfect blow-dry for even the frizziest of manes.
What TYME loves: Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream is a multitasking marvel that primes, protects, and perfects hair in one easy step. This lightweight cream smooths and protects hair from heat damage while enhancing manageability and shine.
What TYME doesn’t like: Some people may find this cream to be too heavy for fine or oily hair types and the price point is very high-end.
Hair type: Best suited for medium to thick hair in need of smoothing and heat protection.
8) Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray
The PhD Heat Styling Spray is a lightweight heat protectant that creates touchably soft hair that lasts up to 2 days—even without the use of silicones. It has a patent Healthy Hair Molecule formula which has been expertly crafted to protect hair without weighing it down. Living Proof makes some truly brilliant salon-quality products, so you can trust them to protect your hair.
What TYME loves: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray is a must-have for anyone who loves to heat style their hair. This lightweight spray provides heat protection up to 450°F and delivers long-lasting smoothness and shine without weighing hair down.
What TYME doesn’t like: It’s universally perfect, no complaints!
Hair type: Suitable for all hair types, especially those in need of lightweight heat protection and smoothness.
9) OUAI Leave-In Conditioner & Heat Protectant Spray
How have we got OUAI without ever using this heat protectant? (see what we did there?). The OUAI Leave-in Conditioner is a heat protector and nourishing treatment all in one simple spray. It offers unmatched detangling properties for fine, knotty hair, but also protects your strands from heat up to 450°F.
What TYME loves: OUAI Leave-In Conditioner & Heat Protectant Spray is a two-in-one wonder that nourishes and protects hair from heat damage. Enriched with keratin and amino acids, this lightweight spray strengthens and fortifies strands while providing essential heat protection.
What TYME doesn’t like: Some users may find this spray to be too full of fragrance, and a little sticky in residue.
Hair type: Suitable for all hair types, particularly those in need of lightweight conditioning and heat protection.
10) Oribe Balm d'Or Heat Styling Shield
Last but not least is one of the best heat protection sprays on the market, which is bougie with a capital B. The Oribe Balm d'Or Heat Styling Shield is a luxurious heat protectant spray designed to shield hair from the damaging effects of heat styling tools, whilst looking pretty good on your dresser, too.
Enriched with a blend of botanical extracts, including argan oil and hydrolyzed vegetable protein, this formula works to hydrate, strengthen, and protect the hair shaft. Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection, while pro-vitamin B5 helps to moisturize and smooth the hair cuticle. The scent of Oribe's signature fragrance not only enhances its appearance—it leaves your hair smelling great.
What TYME loves: Oribe is known for its luxurious products, and the Balm D'Or Heat Styling Shield lives up to this reputation. This heat protectant spray not only guards against heat damage but also nourishes the hair with a blend of botanical extracts and vitamins. The lightweight formula leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and beautifully fragrant.
What TYME doesn’t like: While the performance of this heat protectant spray is exceptional, the price point reflects its luxe feeling. Additionally, those with sensitive scalps or psoriasis may find the fragrance too strong.
Hair type: Suitable for all hair types, especially those in need of extra nourishment and protection from heat styling tools.
No matter which you choose, heat protection spray is a MUST
When you’re about to splurge on a heat protectant spray or cream, we recommend you consider several factors to ensure you're selecting the best product for your hair's needs. First and foremost, examine the ingredients list to identify key ingredients like silicones, which form a protective barrier, and nourishing oils like argan or coconut, which help hydrate and strengthen hair.
Along with this, opt for products formulated without harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens, as these can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause further damage and create dryness. Consider your hair type and styling routine before all else, and if you have fine hair, look for lightweight formulas that won't weigh your strands down, while those with thick or coarse hair may benefit from richer, cream-based protectants.
Finally, don't forget to check the heat protection level indicated on the product—ideally, it should shield hair from temperatures of at least 400°F or higher to effectively stop those strands from frazzling away. By keeping this LONG list of factors in mind, you can prevent any further damage to your hair and barely worry about heat styling again. Hello '90s blow-out, we’ve missed you.
