Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.
April 20, 2023
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Just like you use SPF to protect your skin from sun damage, you should be using heat protectant to ensure your hair doesn’t get extra fried by hot tools. Plus, these products often have styling benefits far beyond their protective function.
It’s true that different hair types and hair situations will benefit from unique products, which is why we’ve compiled a carefully curated list of the very best heat protectants for each unique strand—plus, why it’s so important to use it in the first place.
mbg’s picks for the best heat protectants of 2023
Why you should use a heat protectant
“Heat protectants generally work by creating a barrier between your hair and heat by incorporating extracts rich in amino acids (proteins) that repair damaged hair and prevent further damage from heat tools,” Andrea Jaclyn, founder of BOMANE Salon in Los Angeles tells mbg.
If you skip it, the result will be heat-damaged hair that may appear fizzy, dull, tangled, and tangled. What’s more, your hair may become more brittle, making it even more susceptible to damage in the future.
So if you want your hair to look and feel its best, add one of these products to your routine.
How we chose
Heat protectants should do more than guard your hair from styling tools—they should nourish your strands, add shine, and contribute to better overall hair health. We selected products that contain nutrient-dense ingredients to check that box.
Some people prefer hair oils, some leave-in conditioners, others styling spray, and the list goes on. We compiled a versatile list of heat protectants so everyone will have a top-pick to consider, no matter what consistency you swear by.
Each hair type has unique needs when it comes to washing, conditioning, and yes, even heat protection. While all hair types will benefit from protection of some sort, we mindfully suggest formulas that are most compatible with the different hair types, densities, and more.
Accessibility & affordability
While heat protectant is a necessary step for those using hot tools, it doesn’t have to be expensive. Below, some budget-friendly picks and products that can be found at drugstores and on Amazon so you can get your next favorite item ASAP.
mbg’s picks for the best heat protectants of 2023
Best overall: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
Pro
Doubles as hair oil
Adds shine
Con
May be too heavy for super fine hair
Heat protection
Up to 450°F/ 230°C
Key ingredients: Grapeseed oilFermented green tea oilBis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate
Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-free
This one earns best overall because it’s more than just a heat protectant—it preps the hair for styling, adds shine post-styling, and helps repair damaged hair and improve texture, all in one step. The formula uses grapeseed oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids while fermented green tea helps increase absorption. Finally, you’ll find an ingredient called Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate that helps repair broken bonds and strengthen your strands.
What our tester says:
Clearly, I’ve tried plenty of heat protectants, but this is the one I always come back to. Not only does it help smooth flyaways and enhance any style I choose, but I know that it’s working to rebuild damaged strands, too. With many hair oils there’s a greasy residue left behind, but not with this one. Plus, the formula is super spreadable so you only need a few drops at a time, making the bottle last forever.
This unique mist contains Mirsalehi Propolis from the Mirsalehi Bee Garden, which contains multiple oils, vitamins, minerals and flavonoids to protect hair and keep it healthy. Fun fact: Propolis is used by bees to protect and strengthen the walls of the beehive, making it a richly fortifying ingredient for your hair. Beyond that, the formula is super lightweight which makes it great for thin and fine hair types.
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Curly hair types naturally crave more moisture but need just as much heat protection. One way to get the best of both: Natural hair oils with protective ingredients like this one. Nuele included only five ingredients (all of which are listed above), and all of them are naturally derived. Plus, the addition of rosemary oil makes this serum great for the scalp as well, given that rosemary oil was shown to improve hair growth just as effectively as 2% minoxidil (a popular commercial hair growth product), without the negative side effects. The formula is great for all hair types, but those with straight or fine strands should only use 1-2 drops each time to prevent the hair from weighing down.
Best for damaged hair: Kerasilk Liquid Cuticle Filler
Heat-activated Biomimetic Silk and blue lotus extract lead this formula, working to protect the hair from damage, pollution, and UV rays that can dull color and roughen texture over time. Not only that, but these unique ingredients help to rebuild brittle hair by healing the cuticle, boosting shine as well. The formula is gentle enough to be used on the scalp and throughout the hair. Though this product isn’t sold at most major beauty retailers, it is plentiful in salons (just search up your local zip code here ).
What our tester says:
“Famed hair stylist Harry Josh recommended that I use this, and he’s always right! But seriously, it’s a high-quality, lightweight product that smoothes over the hair fiber protecting it from heat, while adding a good dose of shine. I love it because it doesn’t gunk up my strands or roots—something I struggle with.” — mindbodygreen beauty director Alexandra Engler
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Best budget: Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer
Pro
Affordable
Multi-tasking
Con
May leave a residue on oilier hair types
Heat protection
Up to 450°F/230°C
Key ingredients: Argan oilSunflower seed oil
Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-free
This one is the ultimate budget-friendly find: Not only is it under $15, but it also functions as a detangling spray, fights frizz, and boosts shine all in a few mists. According to clinical studies, this formula is proven to provide 2X less frizz for 24 hours and proven to deliver 3X stronger hair for 3X less breakage, too. You’ll want to apply the formula to damp hair after you wash, brush or comb it through if you usually would, and then style. If your strands are prone to dryness, you may want to use a leave-in conditioner pre-mist as well.
Best for dry hair: Act+Acre Cold Processed Hair Oil
I know this hair oil comes with a steep price tag, but hear me out: Anyone with dry strands needs a good hair oil on deck, and this one is multi-functional. Apply it to your hair post-cleanse to help detangle and protect the hair from heat, finish off your look with a few drops to ease frizz, or use it on the scalp as an overnight treatment (AKA hair slugging). The simple and effective ingredient list calls upon nutrient-dense oils like meadowfoam, squalene, and argan oil that replenish brittle strands without weighing them down—yes, even super thin hair types. As with any hair oil, use only a few drops if your hair is on the finer side and crank it up to 4-5 if you have super coarse or thick hair.
What our tester says:
I believe quality is much more important than quantity when it comes to shopping for beauty products, hence why I adore this oil. While it certainly tops off a great blowout and preps my hair for any kind of hot tool, it’s also my go-to for leave-in scalp treatments. While it is on the higher end price-wise, you’re getting much more than just a heat protectant in this bottle.
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This spritz is ideal for thick or dry hair types, providing an easier way to work hydrators like shea butter through the strands. A blend of sweet almond oil, castor oil, hibiscus extract, and fruit oils simultaneously protects the hair from oxidative stress that comes from free radicals in your environment. The result: A surefire way to keep your strands healthy, and hair that looks beyond silky.
What our tester says:
I’m prone to tangles, so anything with rich plant butter is going to help me out. This one works as a heat protectant and natural detangler in one single step, all the while giving off a divine scent that makes me feel like I’m in the rainforest, not in my powder room. Plus, the fruit extracts boost antioxidant protection for my strands—an essential service for someone living in an urban area with tons of pollution.
Best for colored hair: Colorproof Essential Leave-In
Whether you’re trying to make your current hair color look its best or preserve the life of a new gloss treatment, minding your hair products is essential. Some ingredients can be stripping to sensitive hair dye, so opt for this leave-in protectant if these situations resonate. The formula uses Colorproof’s proprietary blend designed to repair, preserve and protect color-treated hair along with ceramides and jojoba oil for hydration as well as rose oil for smooth, slippery strands. You can even use it on dry hair to revive your strands before you touch up your style with a hot tool.
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Best for frizz: Ceramonia Guava Rescue Hair Heat Protectant Spray
Pro
Affordable
Great for all hair types
Cons
Strong fragrance may not be for everyone
Heat protection
450ᵒF/230ᵒC
Key ingredients: Guava fruit extractBlue agaveAvocado oil
Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-free
If you love tropical and fruity scents, this one is for you. While a fragrant hair experience may not be for everyone, this scent profile will take you to the beach in seconds. Part of the wonderful fragrance comes from the guava fruit extract, which doubles as a natural heat protectant. To ensure a frizz-free finish, avocado oil provides some healthy fats and slip to dry strands. This one should be used on wet or damp hair and it’s great for all hair types.
Best for coils: Bread Beauty Supply Elastic Bounce Leave-in Conditioning Styler Hair Cream
Coils, also known as type 4 hair, are even more prone to dryness than other curls. To ensure you get enough moisture and maintain spring and bounce in your hair, opt for a cream heat protectant rather than a light mist. This way your hair can soak up the nourishing plant butter (like mango seed butter and shea butter in this formula). Hydrolyzed quinoa protein and triglycerides envelop the hair in a silky barrier, protecting from heat and moisture loss. Apply this cream to damp hair and follow up with your diffusing routine, braid your hair, or let your coils are dry.
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Best for blowouts: JVN Complete Blowout Styling Milk
Con
Some reviewers note a sticky residue
Heat protection
Up to 450°F/230°C
Key ingredients: SqualenePeptidesOrchid extract
Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-free
Correctly prepping your strands for a blowout can make all of the difference. This formula is perfect for that purpose as it contains lightweight oils like squalene and incorporates natural antioxidants along with plumping peptides to deliver a silky, protected finish that’s still voluminous. Be sure to really work the milk into your hair before styling in order to prevent residue post-blowout.
Best for oily hair: dpHue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray
Pro
Doesn’t weigh down strands
Color-safe
Con
Not as nourishing as other formulas
Heat protection
450°F/230°C
Key ingredients: Dicaprylyl carbonate (skin conditioning agent)Vitamin E
Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-free
Those prone to oily strands will certainly want to skip one thing: Heavy and occlusive hair oils. Instead, opt for an ultra-lightweight formula like this one. While it does condition the hair and protect it from heat damage, you won’t notice an increase in weight or oiliness, so you can use it all the way up to your roots without worry. Plus, the formula is color-safe for those who frequent gloss or glaze treatments.
Best for straight hair: Davines Melu Hair Shield
Pro
Super lightweight formula
Con
Dry or curly hair types may need more hydration
Key ingredients: Lentil seed extractAmino acids
Lifestyle considerations: VeganCruelty-free
Anyone with straight hair knows achieving and maintaining volume is so easy task, especially when rich cream products weigh down your hair at the root. Instead, look for water-based formulas like this one from Davines—it’s simple, yet effective as it coats each strand in amino acids from organic lentils (pretty cool right?). You’ll have heat protection without having to feel like there’s anything in your hair at all—a straight hair dream. Of course curly strands can benefit from the protection too, but those hair types may need a bit more hydration from a leave-in conditioner or hair oil as well.
Multi-use products are always a win, and this high-hold heat protectant is no exception. Call upon this one if your hair is prone to falling out of curls, loosing volume mid-day, or you just want a bit more texture throughout your natural hair. It’s more of a functional styling product than a natural hair hydrator and leave-in, so this one is best used when the hair is brushed, combed, blown out, etc.
“Jojoba oil, sunflower seed wax, and crambe abyssinica esters are all film forming which create a barrier against heat. And baobab oil is a natural heat protectant as well as a strengthener for the hair,” says Holy Curls founder and hair expert Badria Ahmed. This one is a great pick for relaxed strands, working as a multivitamin to revive and strengthen the hair, but also for anyone with hair that craves moisture, curls that need deep nourishment, or even a dry scalp.
Obviously you’ll want to apply your heat protectant before going in with any hot tools, but how you apply it will depend on the product you’re using and your hair type. “I like to apply the heat protectant on damp, towel-dried hair before using a blow drier. Damp hair allows for more even distribution,” says stylist Travis Ogletree of Treehouse Studio in Los Angeles. He adds, “I use a detangling brush or a wide tooth comb after applying to the hair to make sure each strand is coated and protected.”
However, no heat protectant can fully prevent hot tools from damaging your hair—it’s simply unavoidable. For this reason, it’s important to space out your hot tool use if you start to see more damage than usual and chat with your stylist if you’re concerned about brittle, dry, or frayed strands.
What to look for:
Cream vs sprays vs oils: If your hair is on the drier side or you have textured strands (like curly, wavy, and coily hair) then a cream-based heat protectant may work best. Ingredients like shea butter and mango butter add deep nourishment to your strands all while protecting them from heat. On the other hand, water-based formulas and lightweight serums will help protect thinner and straight hair types without sacrificing volume. Finally, oils are generally great for all hair types, especially to mask split ends.
Antioxidants: Botanical oils and extracts will provide you with some antioxidant content (especially fruit extracts). When you apply these ingredients to the hair, your strands are more protected from environmental stressors called free radicals that can damage your locks.
Heat protection range: If you know you use high heat on your strands, then look for a formula with higher heat protection range, likely somewhere around 450°F/ 230°C. This doesn’t mean you should use your curling iron on a super hot setting, but the extra protection is still appreciated for frequent hot tool users.
Natural ingredients: While silicones may provide a barrier around your hair, they won’t do much for your hair health. Instead, look for natural plant extracts, oils, and butters to protect and nourish your hair simultaneously. Plus, they’re better for the environment, which is reason enough to make the switch.
FAQ
What does heat protectant do?
“Heat protectants generally work by creating a barrier between your hair and heat by incorporating extracts rich in amino acids (proteins) that repair damaged hair and prevent further damage from heat tools,” Andrea Jaclyn, founder of BOMANE Salon in Los Angeles tells mbg.
How to use a heat protectant spray
“I like to apply the heat protectant on damp, towel-dried hair before using a blow drier. Damp hair allows for more even distribution,” says stylist Travis Ogletree of Treehouse Studio in Los Angeles.
What to use as heat protectant
Use a pre-formulated heat protectant spray, cream, or oil. You can also use natural botanical oils like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, argan oil, etc. Or, opt for rich butters like shea butter and mango seed butter.
The takeaway
While anyone who uses hot tools will need a heat protectant, not everyone will prefer the same formula. When choosing your next must-have, take your hair type and concerns into consideration before committing to a formula. If you want to learn more about heat-damaged strands (including signs your hair needs T.L.C.), check out this guide.
