12 Heat Protectant Sprays For Guilt-Free Styling
Dead ends, be gone.
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Here are the essential products I use in my styling routine: A great flat iron, plenty of detangling brushes, hair oil for maximum hydration, and an overwhelming amount of guilt. Look, I know that hot tools aren't good for my color-treated hair. But I am addicted to heat-styled tousled waves and super sleek strands, and nothing will change that. The least I can do is add in one additional step to alleviate the long-term damage: A heat protectant spray.
Are they miracle workers that will allow you to crank up your tools to 450 degrees every day? No, but that doesn't mean they aren't helpful. "Heat protectants provide a barrier between the styling tool and your hair," says celebrity stylist Justine Marjan, who works with A-listers like Khloe Kardashian and Shay Mitchell. "Most of them are silicone-based to coat the hair and leave a shiny, more manageable finish." That means that not only are you reducing the amount of damage you're inflicting on your hair, but the finished result will last longer–meaning fewer sessions with a hot tool.
Plus, heat protectant sprays are super easy to use, so you don't have to worry about adding another laborious step to your routine. "Depending on the heat protectant, you would mist through [damp] hair from roots to ends and brush through before blow-drying or styling," says Marjan. Marjan's top-pick? The TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Flat Iron Smoothing Spray. "It’s infused with keratin and marula oil to shield hair from damage and leave a soft, smooth, and shiny finish to the hair." So whether you're new to the heat protectant world, or you're trying to find a new product to achieve your 2022 hair goals, here are 12 heat protectant sprays that will save your hair from being brittle, dry, or broken.
For super soft and touchable hair, this heat protectant will shield your strands from getting scorched while also perfecting your style. The formula uses smoothing and repairing keratin while allowing you to heat style, without worry.
Unlike some formulas that leave a tacky, sticky finish behind, this mist is virtually weightless and residue-free. Spray the styler onto dry hair and then whip out your flat iron and get to work.
XMONDO'S 3-in-1 protects your hair from heat damage, adds hold to make your styles last longer, and it deposits lightweight conditioning agents for a super soft feel.
shu uemura Tsuki Shape Heat-Activated Blow Dry Spray
This miracle worker contains ginkgo biloba extract, which is known to increase resistance to external stressors like heat. The weightless serum should be applied to damp hair to protect against potentially damaging blow-dryer heat.
OUAI's spray works double duty, functioning as a traditional hair spray that sets a style while providing heat protection up to 450°F. On top of that, if you're out in the sun the treatment blocks your hair from UV exposure (which can fade color).
If you're unfamiliar with propolis, it is a byproduct of bees used to strengthen beehive walls—so it's naturally protective. This spray is infused with the ingredient and can filter heat levels up to 446ᵒF. Use the leave-in as a detangler, too to prevent breakage as you style. It's also worth noting that the formula is free of sulfates, parabens, and silicone.
Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant
Thanks to argan oil, this spray not only bars your hair from further heat damage, but also keeps it nourished, healthy, and smooth-looking.
Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Leave-In Heat Protection Spray
Avoid split ends, breakage, and frizziness with this spray, which is boosted with vitamins to not protect hair up to 450°F and fortify it over time.
Folks who use multiple stylers in their routine will appreciate this option that it is specially formulated to be layered with other products. Since it is so lightweight and invisible, you'll forget it's there but will have peace of mind that your hair is armed against the elements.
Living Proof claims this best-seller prevents up to 93 percent of split ends you get from styling. The gentle mist leaves hair feeling ultra-soft and strong—you could even use it as a finishing spray to add some shine to your look.
Before getting to work with your tools use this formula to help detangle hair and seal the cuticle to prevent breakage and knots from styling.
Iron Shape 11 not only shields hair from heat damange but also dials down frizz. The formula is especially great for getting a super shiny finish on your hairstyle, and it doesn't get sticky or tacky over time.
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