My blowout routine would be incomplete without one of these heat protectants

It may be obvious, but the more you put heat on your hair, the more likely you are to damage it.

But, styling your hair doesn’t have to be all doom-and-gloom; you can still use your favorite blow-dryer brush or curling iron, so long as you take precautionary steps beforehand.

Enter heat protectants: the spritz-on or run-through product — available in either spray or cream form — that helps protect your hair (especially your ends) from heat damage over time. Some are so sleek, you can skip the straightener.

And, as you can imagine, not all were created equal. So, I put them to the test to find a selective edit of the best heat protectants to buy.

More, we consulted hair experts to get the lowdown on the best possible heat-protectant products for your hair (which, BTW, is pretty crucial to incorporate into your routine).

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to use heat protectant,” celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland told Post Wanted. “Think of it like tanning without a sunscreen! When you add a heat protectant product to your hair prior to using a heated appliance, you are adding a layer of protection against damage, burning and hair color fading.”

A-list hairstylist Cory Aaron Scott holds the same sentiment. “It’s important to understand our hair needs proper maintenance,” he adds. “Much like high-end leather goods require proper cleaning, leather protectant, etc — maintaining and improving the quality of our hair is no different.”

Additionally, elements such as sun, heat, pollutants and chemicals in water cause the hair to lose bounce and shine over time, per Scott. “In particular, the heat from blow-drying and curling our hair presents unique challenges,” he says. “That’s why it’s important to use heat protectant products so your hair maintains a healthy natural shine and bounce.” Check out our in-depth FAQ section for more on heat protectants following our top picks.

Here’s the real deal — you want something non-crunchy (like a good hair spray) and ultra-smooth (like an effective leave-in conditioner). You may be looking to eradicate frizz, add a healthy amount of volume and tend to your color-treated hair. We get it, and you’ll find one for every need below.

Best Overall: Bumble and bumble Bb. Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist

Bumble and bumble

Among the throes of heat protectants out there, it’s with great encouragement that I recommend you to pick up the Bumble and bumble Bb. Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist. After years of testing, this one has that it-factor — the gold standard other formulations should replicate.

Though it’s a bit high in price, it’s fully worth the investment. It’s a multi-purpose product I love spritzing on my hair — from root to tip — and it offers the ideal balance of shine, smoothness and protection my locks need. It’s also available in a miniature version for $17.

It’s also a standout product because it’s so buildable. It matches fine, medium and thick hair types well, all because its mist can be sprayed and layered without weighing down the hair. It also feels luxe and gives me an incredible hair day every time.

The scent is the epitome of “salon-scented” and I find it to help dry and style my hair quicker. Given it’s a travel-friendly spray bottle, too, it’s ideal for on-the-go use (and, you’ll want to bring it everywhere you go).

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Best for Dry Hair: IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray

Sephora

I’ve been in my IGK era — and there’s really no coming off of it. The brand’s Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray is a fan-favorite and one my hairdresser always has on her counter, too. Its gain-to-fame is largely in part to its keratin-like ability to smooth your locks and add shine.

​This heat protectant is enriched with spirulina protein — a plant-based blend rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and biotin — allowing it nurture my hair whenever I use it. It features innovative, formaldehyde-free bonding polymers, activated by heat, that emulate the smoothing effects of a keratin treatment. The end result is keratin-inspired, sans the chemicals.

Beyond its nourishing and smoothing properties, this spray offers practical benefits that enhance its appeal. It provides up to 450°F heat protection, safeguarding hair from damage caused by styling tools, and offers 24-hour frizz control, effectively combating humidity-induced frizz. Additionally, I noticed that it reduces blow-drying time, so its streamlines my hair care routine.

Because it doesn’t offer a potent scent, it layers after your shampoo, conditioner and hair mask beautifully (in addition to other products you may use).

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Best Drugstore: TRESemmé Protecting Heat Spray

Amazon

TRESemmé Protecting Heat Spray stands out as a top choice among drugstore heat protectants. For only $7, it’s affordable, offers high-temperature protection and unveils nourishing benefits once sprayed. So, you’re snagging a signifiant value without compromising quality.

The spray provides protection against heat up to 450°F, making it suitable for various styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons. That’s impressive for, again, being priced at $7. It’s a pretty cut-and-dry product (no frills here), but it doesn’t compromise protection and it helps tame frizz.

The lightweight nature of TRESemmé Protecting Heat Spray ensures it doesn’t weigh down my hair or leave a greasy residue. Its versatility allows for application on both damp and dry hair before styling, providing convenience to my haircare routine without any added complexity.

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Best for Fine Hair: Bondi Boost HG Heat Protect Spray

Amazon

​Bondi Boost really knows how to boost your hair’s fullness. My hair is borderline fine-medium, and it’s unbelievably effective.

This ultra-lightweight mist shields hair from temperatures up to 450°F (230°C) without weighing my hair down, which is particularly beneficial for fine or delicate hair that can be easily overwhelmed by heavier products. Its non-greasy formula, beautifully misting formula is one to praise as it leaves my hair feeling soft, shiny and bouncy.

Beyond its protective qualities, the Heat Protect Spray is infused with natural botanicals such as Australian aloe vera and rosemary extract. These ingredients not only safeguard my hair from heat damage but also contribute to its overall health by improving the appearance of split ends and enhancing shine. It’s fairly priced as well and smells lovely without overpowering your bathroom.

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Best for Fullness: CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

Amazon

Meet one of the first heat protectants I’ve ever used. The CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Spray has been revered for years, and that’s due to its unique formula that delivers a full, airy bounce to your final styled hair.

Formulated with strengthening proteins and ceramic compounds, this lightweight spray provides a protective barrier against heat styling tools up to 450°F (232°C) without weighing down delicate strands. ​

Since using, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my hair volume and texture after incorporating this spray into my styling routine. I was surprised to see fluffy yet airy volume without stiffness. It lasts all day, too.

Beyond volumizing effects, the CHI 44 Iron Guard also adds shine and reduces frizz, further enhancing the overall look of fullness. The only negative trait is its overly masculine scent; it smells like straight-up cologne, which I don’t particularly love, but not a dealbreaker in the slightest.

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Best Value: It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product

Amazon

Ah, the It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is bringing me back to the old day. In fact, it’s probably the first heat protectant I’ve ever used — and yes, it still holds a spot in my bathroom cabinet.

With a less-than-$25 price tag for its smallest size, it’s the universal spritz-and-style agent that always leaves my hair shiny, well-detangled and protected. It’s readily available online to order (with more than 7,000 dazzling reviews on Amazon alone) and has a fresh scent that isn’t too overpowering.

​The It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is an exceptional value-driven heat protectant due to its multifunctional benefits and widespread acclaim. This leave-in conditioner not only shields hair from heat damage but also detangles, reduces frizz, enhances shine and offers UV protection. It doesn’t get better than that, and it’s incredibly lightweight.

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Best Serum: amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum

Amazon

For post-shower use, I love reaching for the amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum. Oh, and if I could proclaim my undying love for any brand, it’s amika (which technically, I already did, considering I reviewed pretty much the whole suite of products).

In short, it’s the ideal consistency that layers beautifully following your shampoo, conditioner, other sprays, hair mousse and leave-in conditioner. For less than $30, it’s also travel-friendly and never weighs my hair down.

The Amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum offers top-level robust protection against heat styling tools up to 450°F. This lightweight, glossy serum not only shields my hair from thermal damage but also helps prevent moisture loss, banish frizz and impart a healthy-looking shine. Its formulation includes sea buckthorn berry, a potent natural ingredient rich in Omega-7 fatty acids, which promotes elasticity and provides superior hydration; this makes it ideal for maintaining hair health during styling.

As an entire formulation, I’ve been swearing by this one for years. It’s one I love using on damp hair before styling it to frizz-tamed perfection.

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Most Salon-Feeling: amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray

Sephora

Aside from the Bumble and bumble Bb. Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist, this is my second-most-used heat protectant for its fabulous scent. I know, I know — I love amika, but this multi-purpose spray helps me achieve a full-bodied, smooth blowout with its featherlight spray.

​The amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray is a top-tier heat protectant that delivers salon-quality results at home. This lightweight, weightless spray adds significant volume, body and shine to my hair without leaving a heavy or crunchy residue.

Its unique formula includes nourishing ingredients — proprietary to amika — such as Provitamin B5 and Sea Buckthorn Berry Extract, which work together to moisturize and protect the hair, enhancing its overall health and appearance. ​

Designed for versatility, the Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray serves as both a pre-blowout primer and a post-styling texturizer. It provides heat protection up to 450°F. It may be a bit too light for thick textures, but still wonderful for protection nonetheless.

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Best Splurge: Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique Heat Protecting Spray

Amazon

When I first used the Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique Heat Protecting Spray, I was blown away (literally). The only reason this product isn’t our overall winner, transparently, is for its higher-than-average price point, but it does indeed make a difference to my hair whenever I use it — and I can immediately spot the difference.

For one, I *love* heat protectants that double as blow-out sprays. This helps restore shine and add an irreplaceable smoothness. I love that it’s lightweight, has a heavenly scent and helps protect against breakage. Whenever I use this product, I know it’s doing my hair a service in the long haul — helping it grow and remain nurtured.

The secret? It contains ginger root, coconut oil and citric acid (aka, a trifecta of goodness for your hair). I love how my ends always look bouncy as a result, and I consider it my secret beauty weapon. Truly.

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Best for Smoothness: Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant

Sephora

From my experience, Moroccanoil is the Queen of Smooth Hair; all of its products are legendary and offer my hair a noticeable amount of body and overall loveliness whenever I spritz and comb through any of its formulations. As a result, the Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant is a quality option.

It’s infused with nourishing argan oil, it enhances softness and imparts a natural shine without weighing the hair down. The lightweight, weightless formula ensures that my hair always maintains its natural movement, avoiding the stiffness or greasiness that some other protecants may cause. ​

The aerosol application of Moroccanoil Perfect Defense allows for easy, even distribution on both damp and dry hair, ensuring comprehensive coverage without excess product buildup. Oh, and of course, the signature Moroccanoil scent adds a pleasant sensory experience to my styling routine every time.

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Best for Shine: Aveda Heat Relief Thermal Protector & Conditioning Mist

Amazon

It was as clear as day: the Aveda Heat Relief Thermal Protector & Conditioning Mist delivered a shine like no other heat protectant.

It’s a small yet trusty bottle, and worth the splurge in every way. It’s formulated with 97% naturally derived ingredients, including nourishing jojoba and sunflower seed oils. Its replenishing ingredients and lightweight mist join forces in imparting a glossy finish to my hair without weighing it down.​

My hair is always lustrous and healthy, even with regular use of heat styling devices. It’s versatile on damp and dry hair as well. Plus, you won’t find a greasy residue here, and it’s totally buildable. The shine factor, however, is the star of the show — making it worth the high-ish price tag.​

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Best for Frizz: Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

Ulta Beauty

Nobody wants frizzy hair, and the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum is the product that’ll have you absolutely *loving* how photo-ready your hair looks. I can’t shy away from looking at the mirror myself.

The Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum combines lightweight silicones that seal the hair cuticle, effectively locking out humidity and smoothing the hair shaft. Its humidity-resistant formula allows my baby hairs to collectively remain intact, even in challenging weather conditions.

The serum’s ability to repel water and reduce drying time makes it the best on this list fo for individuals with frizzy hair. If you want a sleek, polished finish, this is the heat protectant to chase after.

Better yet, its formulation is vegan and paraben-free, which makes me feel great when using it. For a silky, stay-all-day hold, it’s a dual-product: heat protectant and blowout spray.

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Best for Thick Hair: Redken Big Blowout Heat Protecting Blowout Jelly

Amazon

Viral on TikTok and hailing from a hairdresser-favorite brand, the Redken Big Blowout Heat Protecting Blowout Jelly is one I immediately had to get my hands on (and I did, in less than a day at that). With a lovely cedarwood and orange hybrid scent, it helps offer a fresh shine with an alluring smell payoff.

More, it always helps ward off frizz and humidity. But, the star of the show is its feel; because of its tacky gel consistency, my loose curls (the ones that I love) always stay put for longer throughout the day. For the price, it’s truly incredible.

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How I tested

Ahead of testing the best heat protectants on the market for 4 years straight, here’s the criteria I followed while reviewing:

• Smoothness: Especially on the ends, I checked for signs of velvet-smooth hair after styling.
• Shine: Who doesn’t want salon-inspired shine? A quality heat protectant will over photogenic hair in a flash.
• Scent: While scent is totally up to preference, it’s a win-win situation if a heat protectant leaves your hair smelling divine. I took this into account while testing.
• Value: Some heat protectants are budget-friendly while others are more of a splurge. Another aspect that’s again, up to preference, I kept the sticker price of the product in mind.

An FAQ on Heat Protectants

Ahead, our team of hairstylists best explained the ins and outs of heat protectants — and yes, their benefits far exceed protecting from high temps.

What is a heat protectant?

First things first — let’s dial it down to the basics.

“Heat protectant is a hair product designed to protect your hair against damage from heat stylers such as blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons,” Jennifer Korab, New Jersey-based hairstylist, colorist and extension specialist, told The Post.”

And, as Cleveland puts it — “it’s basically the sunscreen of hair care.”

Do heat protectants actually work?

The short answer? Yes, heat protectants definitely work. “The best way to tell if your heat protectant is working is to observe the condition and health of your hair over time,” Korab says. “You will notice improved manageability, enhanced shine, color preservation as well as reduced appearance of damage and split ends.”

What temperature threshold should a heat protectant have?

According to both of our hair experts, a quality heat protectant should protect up to 450 degrees of heat.

What ingredients should I look for in a heat protectant?  

When looking at ingredients in a heat protectant, look for ingredients with nourishing and protective properties.

“Look for heat protectants with silicones, ceramides and polymers, as these create a protective barrier on the hair,” Korab narrows down. “Also look for oils such as argon, jojoba, and vitamin E as these have nourishing properties for the hair. Lastly, I recommend looking for UV protectant in your heat protectant. This will help protect damage from the sun as well as protect your hairs color.”

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

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