The 12 Best Heat Protectants for Hair in 2024, According to Experts and Editors

“I may love a lot of heat protectants, but without fail I will *always* go back to this tried and true formula. Its main allure is that it provides a multitude of benefits. It has magic detangling powers that let me brush through knots with ease, controls my frizz (especially in the summer humidity), and gives a conditioning boost with a combination of six different oils. As an added bonus, it comes with UV heat protection, which helps me maintain my color in the sun.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

Pros: Multi-benefit; UV protection 

Cons: Too heavy for some 

Customer Review: "As someone with very long hair that is not exposed to heat a lot, I always have to make sure I have some sort of heat protectant in my hair every time I use heat and I do like this product for that! The ends of my hair can get very dry so this is great to put in the ends of my hair for that as well." — Sephora

“My longtime go-to is Biolage All in One Multi-Benefit Spray. I always have it in my kit on set or when I’m doing salon clients. I tell my clients it is the number one product they need to have. It works on all hair types and textures, and is not only heat protecting, but also seals split ends. It adds incredible shine without weighing your hair down, and eliminates frizz.” — Sunnie Brook, Celebrity Hair Stylist

Pros: Professional-approved; Works on all hair textures; Good for split ends

Cons: Some say it’s greasy 

Customer Review: "I have tried many a blow dry, heat protectant, leave in conditioning spray. In my opinion this spray is best if used after a good hair wash and while hair is damp, or to reactivate waves/curls before adding wave holding products. Make sure to use sparingly and only apply to mid and end lengths of the hair. If applied to the root it can leave your hair looking flat and needing a good wash sooner than later." — Ulta

“This hair serum is like a step down from hair oils in terms of weight. My hair tends to get oily, so I use this after I hop out of the shower in the summer for a touch of hydration that doesn’t weigh it down. Aside from being a heat protectant, it also protects against stressors like pollution and adds shine. Plus, when I use this consistently, I found that my hair looks less damaged over time, meaning that I don’t need to get it trimmed as often” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor

Pros: Editor-approved; Repairs and protects

Cons: Expensive 

Customer Review: "Immediately after I get out of the shower, I apply a small amount when my hair is still very wet. It softens and detangles the ends of my hair, while also serving as a heat protectant. It is weightless which I prefer, so I can still achieve volume at my roots. When I’ve run out of this product, I notice a significant difference in my hair." — Sephora

“This hair oil from Oribe has the added benefit of giving you some heat protection alongside a boost of shine. It’s lightweight so it doesn’t make my hair feel weighed down or overly greasy, and makes it feel noticeably softer after I use it. I apply it when my hair is still damp so I can use it before I blow dry. When I had longer hair, I would also use it as a finishing oil after I was done styling. My bathroom is too small for a ton of products, so this two-in-one is a winning combo.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor 

Pros: Editor-approved; Adds shine 

Cons: Expensive 

Customer Review: "I’ve been using this oil for the past couple weeks now and it’s amazing! It’s really helped all of my dead hair come alive again and I’m a frequent hair dyer! It’s silky and smells gorgeous! It also feels like my hair has been repaired immensely." — Sephora

“The TRESemmé Heat Protection Spray is designed to guard against high temperatures. Some hot tools can get as high as 446°F, and the heat protectant spray helps protect against damage from harsh temperatures, so you can use your favorite hot tools with the support of this spray.” — Lacy Redway, TRESemmé Partner and Celebrity Stylist

Pros: Professional-approved; Affordable; Protects against extreme temperatures 

Cons: Some say it’s slightly sticky

Customer Review: "This product is super light weight. I spray it on all over my hair after I wash and squeeze out excess water. I then blow dry my hair. It feels amazing. Soft, silky, and the style holds for two to three days. If I don't blow dry, or use this product, my hair gets frizzy the next day. With this one the frizz is controlled, shine and softness retained, and it feels so good." — Ulta

“This heat protectant goes a long way in terms of keeping my hair frizz-free and my curls defined. Plus, its milky formula is thick and moisturizing, so a little goes a long way. In addition to using it before blow-drying, I also like carrying this little bottle with me so I can touch up my look on the go.” — Gabrielle Ulubay, E-Commerce Writer 

Pros: Editor-approved; Great for frizz; Moisturizing 

Cons: Pump can be messy

Customer Review: "I have tried many other detangling products, but this is the best hands down. A few sprays on knots and the brush literally glided through. No more tears and frustration. Sweat shield smells so great and is a non toxic product so it feels safe to use on my children." — Amazon

If you whip out your hot tool on day two (or even three, or four), you need to find a heat protectant that can be spritzed on dry hair. Enter this Maria Nila Cream Spray, which creates a layer of protection between the heat and your cuticle. It actually repairs damaged hair, while simultaneously protecting against split ends and infusing moisture. My personal favorite aspect of this product is the intoxicating scent. It’s a mix of peach, apple, and rose that’s that perfect fruity-floral blend. 

Pros: Can be used on dry hair; Great scent 

Cons: Too heavy for fine hair 

Customer Review: "I purchased this for the heat protection factor especially since I sometimes use a flat iron after blow drying. It smells great, sprays on easily and evenly and the bonus is it noticeably speeds up the drying time, which is great for someone who tends to be pressed for time getting ready to go out!" — Amazon

“My obsession with this detangler is next level. I’ve been using it religiously for a couple of years now and can’t say enough positive things about it. That in mind, bare with me while I sing its praises. Just a few sprays and a wide tooth comb will work through any knot or tangle—without causing breakage or creating damage. A blend of oils (including rahua and sachi) block out humidity and keep frizz at bay, while a special UV protector keeps my blonde from turning all kinds of brassy in the summer.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

Pros: Editor-approved; Humidity resistant; Good for Color 

Cons: Not as moisturizing as some 

Customer Review: "This is by far the best leave-in conditioner and UV protectant. I drench my color treated hair in it on a hair wash day and leave it in for hours. Hair feels so much better using this especially after a day at the beach." — Amazon

The DreamCoat doesn’t lead with its heat protecting properties, but rest assured they’re an essential part of the formula. In fact, this particular product doesn’t work without a hot tool—it’s heat activated. Just spray a generous amount through your damp strands and get to styling. The extreme temperatures activate the frizz-fighting technology and create an uber-shiny, glass hair effect, all while protecting the strand from damage. Unlike other products, the protection properties last through up to four shampoos. 

Pros: Gives shine; Humidity proof 

Cons: Only use on damp hair 

Customer Review: "I've never come across a better leave in product than this one. You MUST use this product with heat to get the best effect. For those of you that have the Dyson you NEED this. It makes your hair so unbelievably smooth while also protecting it from heat and humidity." — Sephora

While the technology behind heat protection works with all hair types, some formulas are inherently better suited for specific textures. Take this Patter spray, for example. It’s designed to be particularly lightweight, so it won’t weigh down curls or coils. You’ll maintain your bounce through the diffusing or curling process and lock in moisture with sunflower and jojoba seed oil. 

Pros: Very lightweight; Good for curly hair 

Cons: Too much product makes hair oily 

Customer Review: "This product is amazing! It really works on my hair, other heat protectors I've used in the past have left my hair greasy and they make it feel weighed down. I spray this on towel dried hair and then use heat on my hair the next morning. I was so amazed on how soft my hair felt and it didn't feel oily at all! I love this product! For reference I have light brown, wavy, medium thickness hair." — Sephora

“Jennifer Aniston co-created this hair product, so rest assured it’s not going to disappoint. The fresh-scented spray is designed to detangle hair, provide thermal protection, enhance shine (thank you, lemon extract!), and hydrate with ceramides. It’s intended to be used on damp hair, but my favorite hack is to use it as a dry hair refresh. I just spray a little bit into the palms of my hands and work it through my mid-length and roots for an extra shine boost.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor 

Pros: Editor-approved; Hydrating 

Cons: Slightly tacky

Customer Review: "I love the smell of the glossing detangler. I like the way it makes my hair shine. Mostly. I like the good ingredients that are contained in this wonderful bottle. Discussing detangler helps my thick color treated hair. My hair tends to be dry and wavy and this just helps smooth my hair when I style it." —LolaVie

If you’re dealing with a lot of breakage, it’s probably best to lay off the hot tools. Now, if you can’t fathom a life without your straightening iron, turn your attention to this heat protectant. It’s the real deal with a sole purpose to repair your fried strands. The formula is packed with lentils and glutamic acid, two amino acids determined to protect and rebuild split ends and weak cuticles. It’s not actually a miracle worker, but in my experience it’s the next best thing.

Pros: Good for damage; Hydrating 

Cons: A little sticky 

Customer Review: "I have straight "limp" hair--no body. This product when used lightly on the ends eliminates those annoying static electricity strands that happen in the winter. I helps keep my ends smooth and flat without pulling down all of my hair." — Amazon