11 of the best heat protection sprays & products to try
Amelia Jean Herhsman-Jones
Beauty & Skincare
Reading time: 4 minutes
Help prevent damage from heat styling & blow-drying with these hardworking hair shields
Whether you straighten, curl or blow-dry, using a heat protector for hair is key to leaving locks looking more healthy, strong and glossy – no matter your hair type.
Whether it’s managing frizzy hair, holding your style or simply protecting your hair to help prevent damage, read on for our guide to the brilliant hair heat protectors on Boots’ physical and virtual shelves, how to use them and why you shouldn’t skip these hair products when using heat tools.
How do heat protectors help protect the hair?
"Put simply, heat protector spray and similar products create a barrier around the hair shaft, protecting the cuticle from heat damage during the extreme temperatures when using tongs, straighteners, or hairdryers," explains Sarah Salem, stylist and salon director at Hari’s.
"But that’s not all. They can also help protect against moisture loss, which is essential to help keep hair happy and healthy."
And their uses don’t stop there.
Depending on the formula, benefits can include "colour protection, plus defending against breakage", says Sarah.
How do I protect my hair from extreme heat?
As well as prep, technique is key. "In addition to investing in a heat protecting spray, you can try using heat styling tools on a medium heat," suggests Sarah.
Something else to bear in mind is your hair type as there are a range of hair protector textures out there. "Spray formulas are better for fine hair, but a cream works best for coarser hair. A spray is more evenly distributed but, if you have a cream formula, section the hair for the best cover," adds Sarah.
Do you put heat protectant on wet or dry hair?
There’s no set rules on how to use a heat protector – you can apply it to damp hair before using a hairdryer or on dry hair before reaching for your favourite hair tool. It comes down to general preference, as well as your chosen product’s texture, desired result and so on, so it’s worth taking a look at the instructions on the pack for optimum usage.
However, typically for wet hair: "Lightly spritz the spray products or run creams through mid lengths to the tips on damp or towel dried hair, after washing and before applying heat." advises Sarah.
With dry hair, lightly spritz a spray over hair or run creams through mid lengths to the tips, avoiding the scalp to side step flat greasy roots. You can also comb it through for a more even distribution.
11 of the best hair heat protector sprays & products at Boots
From heat protector sprays to oils and creams, here are 11 of our top picks for helping shield hair from the harsh effects of high temperatures.
Best for on-budget protection
Try: Tresemmé Heat Defence Care & Protect Spray
• Size: 300ml
• Cruelty-free
Protecting your hair doesn’t have to cost the earth. This low-price point defence spray helps reduce the risk of damage from high temperatures, while also helping hair appear shinier and preventing strands from becoming brittle and dull.
Best for between washes
Try: Bumble and Bumble Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist
• Size: 125ml
• Cruelty-free
With a honey protective complex formula, this shielding mist helps prevent breakage, while conditioning and taming frizz – a great multitasker. Spritz through as you finish blow-drying and rake with your fingers as hair cools.
Best for shine
Try: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Glossy Nourishing Hair Oil
• Size: 58ml
• Vegan*
• Cruelty-free
Whether your hair is coloured, chemically altered or heat treated – there’s no problem this versatile and nourishing oil can’t help treat with a half to three pumps. Infused with a nourishing blend of Brazilian patauá, buriti and pequi oils, it adds lustre and provides heat protection, leaving parched strands deeply moisturised.
*Contains no animal derived ingredients or by-products.
Best for long hair
Try: L’Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Iron Spray
• Size: 155ml
If washing your hair is just too much trouble, this spray is specifically formulated to style and maximise care without water – meaning you can skip a hair wash day and still look prim and proper. Providing heat protection and more, it helps keep hair sleek and smooth with moisturising agents that leave locks feeling protected and super soft.
Best for lightweight protection
Try: Aussie SOS Instant Heat Saviour Leave On Spray
• Size: 100ml
• Cruelty-free
If your hair’s sending out an SOS and feeling parched and fragile, this lightweight, leave-on spray is designed to help protect hair during styling. The non-greasy, milky formula makes light work of drying and styling, giving hair a softness that won’t weigh it down thanks to nourishing Tasmanian pepperberry leaf.
Best for hair extensions
Try: Beauty Works Heat Protection Spray
• Size: 250ml
Extend the lifespan of your hair extensions with this lightweight heat protectant spray that is perfect for those of us who use heated hair tools frequently, as it helps shield strands from colour fade and minimises damage to hair – whether it’s natural or added. Simply spritz onto towel-dried hair and blow-dry and style as usual.
Best for softness
Try: Toni&Guy Heat Protection Mist
• Size: 150ml
Harnessing its 50 years' salon experience, the hair wizards at Toni&Guy have created a protective mist that helps defend hair against the effects of regular blow-drying and heat styling. The results speak for themselves: a soft, smooth finish with plenty of swoosh.
Best for humidity
Try: Bed Head By TIGI Some Like It Hot Heat Protection Spray
• Size: 100ml
Brilliant name, right? Formulated for those looking for ways to protect against heat and humidity-induced frizz, the spray’s moisturising and smoothing blend of oils and hydrators like glycerin make for a great way to safeguard your style and reduce flyaways.
Best for hair straightening
Try: L’Oréal Elnett Satin Heat Styling Spray
• Size: 170ml
Love a straight style? Consider this your new haircare staple, which has been created specifically with your needs in mind. Designed to prevent frizz and shield against the elements, it helps leave hair shiny and soft.
Best for scalp health
Try: Arkive The Prologue Hair Primer
• Size: 200ml
• Vegan*
• Cruelty-free
• Certified B Corp
• Made in PRC
Just like you prep your skin before make-up, your hair and scalp also need TLC before styling for the best and longest-lasting results. This heat-activated formula contains baobab oil and protein to moisturise the scalp, while protecting hair and adding shine. For use on all hair types, this primer has an uplifting, feel-good scent with notes of tomato leaf, honeysuckle and vetiver.
*Contains no animal derived ingredients or by-products.
Best for hydration
Try: Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Leave-In Conditioner
• Size: 125ml
Part leave-in conditioner, part pre-styling treatment, this pick is packed with benefits. The rich formula instantly detangles and hydrates to help prevent breakage and improve hair’s manageability and bounce.
Looking for more? Find more great options in our full range of heat protection products.
