Most of us reach for a hairdryer, flat iron or curling tongs almost every day. And there is nothing wrong with that because these tools help us create fabulous hairstyles. However, there is one thing to bear in mind – you must provide your hair with heat protection before exposing it to the high temperatures. Heat protection sprays will help you with this. The top products are not only designed to isolate the hair from heat, but they also to deliver nutrients and hydration for better-looking strands. Check which products are worth reaching for.

What exactly is heat protection?

Simply put, heat protection is an act of creating a coating that shields the hair against the destructive consequences of the high temperatures produced by hot styling tools. Curling tongs, a hairdryer, heated rollers… they all produce heat that damages hair. The bad news is that the damage is often serious, and in extreme situations it’s irreversible. 

Research showed that hair is able to endure temperatures that aren’t higher than 140°F/60°C. Therefore, when exposed to heat, the strands get brittle, ends start splitting and the general condition of the hair deteriorates significantly. Luckily, you can stay away from all of this by using a heat protection spray.

Ranking of the best heat protection sprays for hair

1. NANOIL HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY – our top choice

This product offers top quality for an affordable price. Silk proteins, polyquaternium-46 and vitamin E that Nanoil Heat Protectant Spray is made up of nourish, moisturize and create strong heat protection. How strong? Strong enough to keep hair safe against 440 degrees Fahrenheit / 220 degrees Celsius. Additionally, this product makes styling much easier mainly because it controls frizz and static, makes hair resilient and deeply hydrated. This spray helps discipline even the most unruly hair. Protected, shiny, smooth and simply perfect-looking hairstyles are within your reach, provided that you have Nanoil Heat Protectant Spray close at hand. For more information visit nanoil.co.uk.

2. INSIGHT INTECH HEAT PROTECTION SHIELD

Yeast extract, bamboo, vitamins, biotin, minerals, linseed – this is what you can find in Insight Intech Heat Protection Shield. This thought-out formula is designed to protect the strands against the ravages of heat. The ingredients are combined together to repair damage, increase hair resistance to aggressors, combat frizz and static, as well as prevent color fading. This spray is a very good hair care product that improves the appearance of the hair by moisturizing and nourishing it deeply. With Insight Intech Heat Protection Shield a hairstyle remains perfect-looking for the entire day, no matter the weather conditions it’s exposed to. Even though the price isn’t low, the positive effect this product has on the hair is amazing – no doubt.

3. KERASTASE GENESIS DEFENSE THERMIQUE 

This world-recognized brand has launched a beauty product that conditions, nourishes and moisturizes strands. Additionally, it combats hair thinning, deals with frizz and increases hair manageability for easier styling. This hair balm’s texture is smooth, which makes it suitable for all types of hair. When you don’t use too much, it shouldn’t weigh the hair down even a bit. Coconut oil, edelweiss or ginger root extract that Kerastase Genesis Defense Thermique is made from are able to fix damage and create heat protection. When used long-term, this product makes hair smoother, softer and better-looking. And the aroma is another thing that most users appreciate this product for.

4. PHILIP B THERMAL PROTECTION SPRAY

Philip B isn’t just another cosmetic brand. It offers top quality products, used mostly in professional beauty parlors. Their heat protection spray is one of such products. It has an amazing aroma that stays on hair for the entire day. Formulated with vitamin E, sweet almond oil and an L-amino acid complex, Thermal Protection Spray offers a wide range of benefits for hair. For example, it rebuilds damaged strands pretty quickly and leaves them shiny. Moreover, this product creates a strong protective coating that also intensifies the hair color. Philip B Thermal Protection Spray is an excellent hair care product that promotes softness, smoothness and gloss.

5. FANOLA KERATERM

Here is another hair care product that is able to protect the hair from heat damage. This one smoothes the cuticles out and de-frizzes hair. Additionally, it fixes damage thanks to high content of hydrolyzed keratin, macadamia oil and shea butter. Even though Fanola Keraterm is rich in oils, it doesn’t drag strands down, which is great news for those with fine hair. Furthermore, this product speeds up drying time and facilitates styling, which is a plus for those who heat style their hair in the morning, before work. The formula is free from silicones and dehydrating alcohols, which is also worth pointing out. The only downside is that this heat protection product isn’t easily accessible, even online.

6. L’OREAL PROFESSIONNEL TECNI.ART PLI SHAPER

This white-bottle heat protection spray from L’Oreal is really good at keeping the hair safe from the heat generated by a hairdryer, flat iron and curling wand. To create the thermal shield, you need to apply TECNI.ART Pli Shaper to damp hair right before reaching for a hot styling tool. The blowout you’re going to create will remain glossy and flawless for many hours. The finish leaves hair a bit stiff, but not as drastically as most hairsprays or mousses do. If you heat style your hair often, TECNI.ART Pli Shaper by L’Oréal Professionnel may be your go-to product to use every morning. With its help, you can add more volume to your style too. This is a really good product! 

7. TRESEMME HEAT DEFENCE STYLING SPRAY

Here is another spray that boosts shine, leaves hair smoother and resilient. When used on a regular basis, it makes hair look really good. However, if you want to create damage protection (440 degrees Fahrenheit / 220 degrees Celsius), it suffices to apply Tresemme Heat Defence Styling Spray prior to styling – the protection is created within a few seconds. Strands look healthy, fresh and the finish is natural. Frizz, static and tangling stop being a problem any longer. Users say that creating styles with their hair coated with this product is way faster and easier. The same people say that the fragrance is quite intense, so it may be hard to tolerate for some users.

8. SCHWARZKOPF OSIS + FLATLINER

Lastly, a popular product that is designed for all types of hair. With this heat protection spray you will regain control over your unruly wisps, combat frizz and defend the hair against the high temperatures. You can apply Schwarzkopf Osis+ Flatliner to towel-dry and dry hair – it’s up to you. No matter the technique, the strands will remain elastic, bouncy and perfect-looking. The hairstyle you arrange will endure various weather conditions, so you will look good even if the air humidity is high or when the wind is blowing strongly. This product is alcohol-free. When used regularly, it improves moisture and delivers nutrients without depriving hair of volume. And the best bit is that Schwarzkopf Osis+ Flatliner is a budget-friendly product.