Your haircare routine is incomplete without these heat protectants

Using hairstyling tools at home is almost the norm now. Thanks to online tutorials and easy-to-use gadgets, (we’re looking at you, Dyson Airwrap) it’s easier than ever to straighten, curl, crimp or get a blow-dry at home. This convenience comes with its own share of concerns—more often than not, we simply detangle our hair and begin styling without much prep, which leads to direct heat exposure that can easily damage your strands, and cause breakage or dryness. To counter this and not compromise on the quality of our hair, it’s essential that we use a heat protectant when styling our mane at home. Heat protectants come in multiple formulas—sprays, oils and creams. The easiest way is to pick one first for your hair type. If you have fine hair, opt for a lightweight spray or oil-based serum to provide protection without weighing your strands down. If you have thick or curly hair, you can use a cream formula and evenly distribute it through your lengths. Browse through our selection of eight heat protectants that’ll give your hair the care it deserves despite how often you expose it to a styling tool.

The best heat-protectant hairstyling products to prime hair

Aveda Brilliant Damage Control

While most heat protectants are sprayed on once you’re done detangling, this one’s a little bit different. This jasmine- and rose-scented spray looks after your hair from step one. Spray it on before you comb your mane to reduce hair breakage and also protect it from heat.

Batiste Shield My Locks Heat & Shine Spray

You’ve tried their dry shampoos and you love them. Now, give this heat styling spray a shot—it will protect your hair from temperatures up to 230 degrees and also add shine along the way. It’s the two-in-one product made for those always in a rush.

BBlunt Intense Moisture Hair Serum

If you’ve got dry and unmanageable hair or a very thick mane that refuses to stay flat, this hair serum is for you. The blend of avocado, jojoba and argan oils with Vitamin E will nourish your hair and smoothen it, while providing protection from both the environment and the hot tools.

TONI & GUY Hair Heat Protection Mist

One of the classics, this heat protection mist goes on damp hair and is perfect for those who love blow-dries. Expect a shiny, well-styled mane at the end.

Tresemmé Hair Heat Tamer Protective Styling Spray

If you straighten or curl your hair often, this backstage-approved product is the ideal heat protectant for you. It safeguards your strands from high temperatures and friction, and the Vitamin-enriched formula helps give them an added dose of health as well.

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Styling Heat Spray Volume

A heat protection spray that also makes your hairstyle last for longer? Yes, please. This hair mist protects against humidity, frizz and all kinds of hot tools while also adding volume to make your hard work last longer than just an evening.

Wella Professionals EIMI Thermal Image Heat Protection Spray

This heat protection spray by Wella Professionals checks all the right boxes—it’s easy on the wallet, it protects your hair from all kinds of styling tools, and it smoothens your hair to leave it looking healthy and shiny. What’s not to love?

Schwarzkopf Osis+ Curl Honey Curl Cream

Curly manes are always so much harder to work with, which is why they deserve products that are made just for them. If you find that every hair wash results into a whole bunch of frizz when you dry your hair, try this curl cream. Apply it through your lengths to define your curls and tame frizz, and then use your blow-drier for a bouncy mane that’s heat-protected.

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