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Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
No doubt coloring your hair and using hot tools frequently contributes to hair damage, leaving it looking dull and frizzy. However, applying a heat protectant spray, oil, or cream can help repair and prevent this damage, even on color-treated hair. “Heat protectants act as a protective barrier between your hair and a hot tool, protecting it from burning, drying out, and becoming dull," explains celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown. "It will also help smooth the cuticle and leave hair looking shiny and healthy.”
So which one is right for you? We spent hours researching and testing the top-rated options to find the best heat protectants for hair. We had a group of testers with different hair types and concerns each use a heat protectant in their hairstyling routine consistently over two weeks, evaluating it based on application, absorption, efficacy, hair feel, and overall look. Finally, we analyzed our findings and compiled this list of the best heat protectants on the market. From sprays and creams to options for fine hair and tight curls, we’re sharing the heat protectants that are officially Byrdie-approved.
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Fast-absorbing
Enhances shine
Smoother hair
Very lightweight
Doesn't leave a residue on hair
Nothing
Hair Type: All | Highlighted Ingredients: Red algae extract | Size: 3 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Known for its hair-strengthening products, Olaplex delivers another winner with their nourishing Bond Protector serum. The ultra-lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving no residue while instantly smoothing strands and boosting shine—even after heat styling, hair feels incredibly soft and healthy. Red algae extract provides antioxidants and pollution protection, while the brand’s patented bond-building technology repairs damage. If you want an easy-to-use serum for heat protection with the added bonus of frizz control and enhanced shine, this is your new go-to.
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Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Emily | Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Tester
"The serum has a thin consistency and is very easy to work through my hair. It feels a bit tacky in my hands but even when I apply it to my roots, it absorbs quickly without making my hair look greasy. My hair usually looks damaged after I flat iron it, but when I apply the Olaplex Bond Protector before using my hot hair tools, my styled hair looks shiny and healthy and feels so soft. I use other Olaplex products and I’ll be adding this one to my collection."
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Softens hair
Enhances shine
Reduces frizz
Lightweight
Can be a bit tricky to figure out appropriate amount to use
Hair Type: All | Highlighted Ingredients: Rosehip, coconut, argan oils | Size: 4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: YesFrizz got you down? You can count on this protective blow dry cream to keep hair smooth and flyaway-free. Ideal for all hair types, its blend of rosehip, argan, and coconut oils seals in moisture, adds shine, and prevents frizz. Even if you’re in the habit of using your styling tools on the highest settings, you’ll get heat protection up to 450 degrees. Since this is a rich formula, we recommend starting with a dime-sized amount for residue-free results.
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Byrdie
Meredith | Briogeo Farewell Frizz Creme Tester
"I like the lightweight texture of the cream, but it absorbs quickly, so you have to work fast. (Even when I end up with more product in certain sections, my hair doesn’t look greasy or feel sticky.) Your hair needs to be damp—not towel-dried—so you can work the product in evenly, especially if you have thick hair. One pass with a hairdryer and my hair is smooth and frizz-free, and I can confidently say that it’s mostly thanks to the product and not the blow dryer. I don’t notice any steam or burning smell when using a flat iron, even when I turn it to the maximum heat setting."
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Lightweight
Fast-absorbing
Residue-free on hair
Smooths and adds non-greasy shine
Could be more hydrating
Hair Type: All | Highlighted Ingredients: Sea buckthorn | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Amika's heat protectant serum isn’t as moisturizing as some other options on our list (though it does contain sea buckthorn, a shrub that produces berries rich with Omega fatty acids), but Byrdie testers love that it can be used on damp or dry strands, making it convenient for midday touch-ups. It disappears into hair, going to work to tame frizz and add a decent amount of shine. Though we do wish that it felt a bit more hydrating like other serums and creams, it remains a great choice for people with fine hair or those who don’t need an extra boost of moisture.
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Byrdie
Mattie | Amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum Tester
"I like the serum, but I need to use double the recommended amount to distribute it through my thick, layered hair. (Luckily, it has a gentle, clean smell.) It looks a bit greasy when applied to dry hair, but it absorbs as I apply heat and leaves me with smooth, shiny hair. This is the first heat protectant I’ve ever tried that seems to be doing its job. I’m particularly impressed with the results after using a flat iron."
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Fast-absorbing
Residue-free
Softens and hydrates hair
Adds bounce
Lightweight
Scent can be a bit heavy for some
Hair Type: All | Highlighted Ingredients: Peach oil, rosehip oil, squalane | Size: 6.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
A lightweight heat protectant spray is a must-try if you have fine hair—or don’t like applying hair products with your hands. This one from Verb is a true multi-tasker—not only does it protect strands against heat of up to 428 degrees, but it also doubles as a shine spray, thanks to peach and rosehip oils that hydrate, and squalane to smooth and protect.
We found that it worked wonderfully on a variety of testers with different hair types. It was lightweight enough not to weigh down fine hair, and it was hydrating enough to help smooth and nourish dry lengths and ends on straight and curly hair. We also love that, in addition to shielding against heat damage and adding shine, it gave the hair some serious bounce. If a spray formula appeals to you, this one is a fantastic choice.
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Byrdie
Cristina | Verb Glossy Shine Spray Tester
"The spray is so easy to apply and work in, and it detangles my hair enough that I can easily comb my fingers through it. I don't smell any burning, see steam, or hear and hissing as I use a hair dryer and flat iron. Once dry, my fine hair looks shiny, but my roots are a little greasy."
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Lightweight, silky texture
Softens and smoothes hair
Enhances shine
Nothing
Hair Type: All | Highlighted Ingredients: n/a | Size: 5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Heat-protectant creams can sometimes weigh down hair, especially if it's fine or thinning. But Shue Uemura's offering has a weightless, silky texture that’s easy to distribute. It doesn’t feel greasy or sticky when you apply it, making it a great option for a wide range of hair types. One Byrdie tester is so impressed by the shine factor, she skipped her usual hair oil application after drying, while another loved that it helped to speed up her hair drying time. And the light, floral scent is just noticeable enough that people will be asking you why your hair smells so good.
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Alice | Shu Uemura Netsu Blow Dry Cream Tester
"The cream takes about a minute to fully absorb, but once it does, there’s no residue or product transfer and my hair just feels damp and clean. My hair usually looks like straw when I blow dry or straighten it, but after using the Shu Uemura cream, I can run my fingers through it and it’s so smooth with no tangles or breakage. Plus, the floral scent is amazing!"
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Lightweight
Doesn't alter the texture or finish of the hair
Easy to distribute throughout hair
Light, floral scent
Provides a bit of moisture
Could provide some more long-lasting shine
Hair Type: Coily, curly, wavy | Highlighted Ingredients: Rose water | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
If you have coily or natural hair, chances are you might have dry hair and dryness at your scalp, which calls for a heat protectant that’s hydrating without looking greasy or weighing down your strands. The Mizani spray can be applied from roots to ends for an even coat of protection and gentle hydratiion—thanks to rose water—without leaving hair looking greasy or weighed down. And since people with coily hair usually need to use heat tools at high temperatures to achieve their desired style, we love that this formula protects against heat up to 450 degrees. Plus, it also contains UV filters to protect your hair from the damaging effects of the sun.
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Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Jill | Mizani Heat Screen Spray Tester
"It feels like it coats my hair, rather than absorbing into it, probably because it contains oils and silicone. It works extremely well with hot tools, providing enough slip to keep the hair from getting stuck on the flat iron. My hair feels smooth after styling but it could be shinier. It’s dispensed in a lightweight mist, making it easy to overapply. When that happens, my hair feels like it’s got a lot of hairspray on it, but that goes away if I take a few minutes to brush it out."
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Lightweight and fast-absoribing
Smooths and tames frizz
Softens hair
Comes in two sizes
Fragrance is pretty overpowering
Hair Type: All | Highlighted Ingredients: Pro-keratine complex, ceramides | Size: 1.7, 5.1 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
This one goes out to all our curly-haired girls. Although this is an effective heat-protectant cream for all hair types this Kérastase primer provides plenty of moisture without disrupting your natural curl pattern. Formulated with a pro-keratine complex full of protein and amino acids, as well as ceramides, and plant sap, it works to strengthen and support the hair structure and smooth signs of damage. The texture is almost milky, making it easy to work through the hair, and doesn’t leave any residue behind. Just a dime-size amount works to shield against heat damage, tame frizz and flyaways, and soften strands. The floral scent is pretty potent, but it dissipates after styling.
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Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Michelle | Kerastase Ciment Thermique Primer Tester
"The Kérastase cream is sticky in my hands, but it does immediately make my hair feel silkier and more hydrated, even before I pick up a hairdryer. I usually notice a burning smell and see smoke when using a hot tool, but I don’t experience either of those alarming signs if I apply this first. Instead, my hair smells like the product and dries with far less frizz."
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Lightweight
Fast-absorbing
Smoothes
Adds shine and bounce
Could be better at detangling
Hair Type: All | Highlighted Ingredients: Beet root extract | Size: 1.7, 8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
We recommend picking up this spray from Living Proof if you have straight or wavy hair and are looking for a heat protectant that shields your hair against damage without leaving behind a heavy residue. The weightless mist is formulated with amino-rich beet root extract as well as other plant extracts that nourish hair naturally, and it also contains glycerin to condition and hydrate. It smooths the hair and promotes a bouncy, light finish.
While the brand claims that it helps to detangle, we didn’t experience that. It didn’t cause tangles by any means, but it didn’t make brushing out the hair as seamless as other, more creamy heat protectants. Overall, it’s a great heat protectant spray that's suitable for all hair types, though we especially recommend it for straight and wavy hair due to its lightweight and non-greasy formula.
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Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Elena | Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray Tester
"My natural hair is fine and damaged from over-coloring, so a heat protectant product is a must. This light spray was easy to apply and distribute, and I was surprised that there was no smoke or burning smell as I dried and straightened my hair. After heat styling, my hair actually felt lighter, which was a pleasant surprise."
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Incredibly lightweight
Great mister
Smoothes and softens strands
Enhances shine
Non-greasy
Pretty expensive compared to other spray formulas on the market
Hair Type: All | Highlighted Ingredients: Propolis | Size: 6.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
People with fine hair know that finding truly lightweight and non-greasy hair products is essential—otherwise, they’ll end up with limp, stringy strands. This spray's ultra-light formula is dispensed in a fine mist, so rather than drenching hair in the product, it goes on like a light veil. Standout ingredients include propolis, a nutrient-rich, resin-like substance made by bees that helps to fortify the hair. It's pricier than similar options on the market, but still an excellent choice for those who struggle to find heat protectants that feel lightweight enough for them while still delivering on their claims.
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Anya | Gisou Heat Protecting Spray Tester
"The brand actually recommends spraying this product an arm’s length away from your head to avoid over-saturating your hair, which is a very helpful tip. It does provide a protective barrier between my fine hair and the flat iron, though I don’t see a drastic difference in the appearance of my hair after styling. But that could be because I’m worried I’ll apply too much of the product."
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Softens hair
Tames frizz and smooths
Protects hair from UV rays
Could be more moisturizing
Hair Type: All | Highlighted Ingredients: 6-oil blend | Size: 2, 8.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This is the perfect heat protectant for colored hair. In addition to protecting against heated styling tools, it also contains UV protection to prevent color fading, even if you spend lots of time outside. It’s not a liquid texture—think of it more like a light, milky serum—but it comes in a spray bottle that makes it easy to apply and distribute. Plus, it smooths, softens, and significantly reduces frizz. It's not as hydrating as some of our other picks, especially for if you have damaged ends, but it's still a worthwhile buy.
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Byrdie / Leticia Almeida
Mads | Bumble and bumble Invisible Oil Primer Tester
"This product calls itself an "invisible oil,” but in truth it serves serum. It comes in a spray bottle, but doesn't dispense widely or disperse evenly, so there’s a learning curve. It feels silky initially, but when rubbed into my hands it develops some grip that adds texture when I apply it to my hair. The product worked incredibly with the hot tools. I was a bit concerned initially, as I smelled burning hair and there was an audible sizzling when the hot iron touched it, but seeing the effect it had on my styled hair I could see it did its job."
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Lightweight, cream texture
Feels silky and smooth in hair
Effectively protects hair from heat
Adds bounce and shine to the hair
Smells great
Transfers a bit onto the hands
Hair Type: All | Highlighted Ingredients: Oribe signature complex, plant collagen, cassis and sandalwood oils | Size: 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Formulas that protect the hair from heat damage while lending other benefits earn extra points in our book, and this is one of them. The lightweight, cream texture is meant to be applied to damp hair before heat-styling to protect strands from temperatures up to 450 degrees. The formula also contains the brand’s signature antioxidant complex, plant collagen, a blend of nourishing oils, and lemon peel extract to protect hair from oxidative stress, moisturize, help seal the cuticle, and add shine. If you like hair products that give your hair a light fragrance, this one contains the brand's iconic Côte d’Azur scent, which lingers for a few hours.
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Alara | Oribe Balm D'Or Heat Styling Shield Tester
"The Oribe balm feels silky and smooth, almost like a body lotion, and is surprisingly easy to apply. My hair feels soft and healthy, even after using a straightening iron on a high heat setting, and I notice more movement and bounce in my styled hair."
What to Look for When Buying a Heat Protectant
- Formula and Application Method: A large chunk of heat protectants are sprays, which, when applied correctly, won't weigh down normal or fine hair. They’re also great for anyone who prefers being able to spritz on a product rather than applying it with their hands. Our favorite spray is the Verb Glossy Shine Heat Protectant Spray. If you have thick or curly hair, or you prefer more moisturizing formulas, you may want to opt for a cream formulation—like the Shu Uemura Netsu Blow Dry Cream—and take some time to work it into your hair before you turn on the hot tools.
- Humectants: While they’re more often thought of as a skincare ingredient, humectants—hydrating ingredients that attract moisture—can be super beneficial in hair care and are especially good to look for in a heat protectant, says Brown. After all, more moisturized hair equals healthier hair. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are two good ones to look for. The Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray is a great option because it contains glycerin.
- Strengthening Ingredients: According to Brown, it’s also a good idea to look for strengthening ingredients in a heat protectant—they're an added layer of defense against any heat-induced damage. Things such as amino acids, keratin, and wheat protein are all good options. The Kerastase Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer is packed with amino acids and keratin—so we recommend it if you have, particularly damaged hair.
Why Trust Byrdie
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and a product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has fine, breakage-prone hair which she uses hot tools on frequently, so she's extremely experienced at using heat protectants. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
- Alex Brown is a celebrity hairstylist and Chicago-based salon owner, who also divides her time between NYC and Los Angeles. A former assistant to Jen Atkin, Alex has styled hair across the world, and her celebrity work includes Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Bella Hadid, and Olivia Culpo.
- John Pulitano is a hairstylist and the co-owner and creative director of Headcase Hair, a salon in Sydney, Australia. He’s been working in the fashion space for over a decade, and you can find his work in various magazine editorials, advertorials, and on the runways of all the international Fashion Weeks.
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