Heat protectants protect your hair from damage caused by hot tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. They can act as a barrier between your strands and heat by sealing in moisture. Most are also designed to prevent hair breakage and smooth out frizz or flyaways. Although you don’t necessarily have to use a spray form of one, those are often great for covering larger amounts of hair.
Picking the right heat protectant for you depends on your hair type. If you have straight, fine hair, you’ll want to select one that’s light but hydrating and won’t leave it limp. Some with extremely fine strands might even want to select a volumizing heat protectant to add body to the hair. Curly and coily hair types will want to go for a heat protectant that’s extra hydrating since textured hair types are drier in nature. Dry hair and hot tools already don’t mix, so key moisturizing ingredients to look for include shea butter, jojoba oil, and abyssinian oil.
Celebrity hairstylist Derek Williams also says there are a few things you should avoid when shopping for the best heat protectant spray. “When it comes to shopping for heat protectants, make sure to avoid those that have silicone or alcohol as the primary ingredients.” he says. “Alcohol is used to get hair to dry quicker, but it can dry your hair out. Silicone is used to coat the hair to give it a silky finish, but over time, it can actually dry hair out and cause breakage.” Keep scrolling for the best stylist-recommended heat protectants and picks for each hair type.
