Heat protectants are essential for protecting your hair from damage caused by heat-styling tools like flat irons, hair dryers, and curling irons. 

Heat Protectants

Heat exposure can change your hair's structure, leading to color shifts, cuticle damage, and protein alteration. Heat protectants work by forming a film on the cuticle, slowing down heat conduction, and distributing heat evenly. They also help prevent moisture-induced damage, like cuticle "blow up." Using a protectant every time you heat style is crucial, ensuring even protection and less damage.

Product Choices That Add Shine

Most heat protectants are formulated to deliver additional benefits, such as those in this list which add shine to your hair.

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer

Bumble and Bumble's Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer, priced at $34, offers a large 8.5-ounce bottle of nourishing goodness. Formulated with coconut, argan, grape seed, macadamia seed, sweet almond, and safflower oils, this primer not only decreases frizz by 50% but also adds shine. However, it may not be ideal for oily or thin hair due to its oil-based ingredients. This multitasking leave-in conditioner spray delivers 86% more hydration and instantly cuts frizz by 50%, leaving hair smooth, soft, and protected up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

DpHUE Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray

DpHUE's $30 Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray is perfect for color-treated hair. It protects hair from heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and promotes de-frizzing and shine while preserving color. Its lightweight formula works well on most hair types, including oily strands. This spray adds shine and protects all hair types and colors from heat damage, making it a great choice for maintaining healthy, vibrant hair.

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray

TRESemmé's Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray shields hair from heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, enhancing flexibility and shape while fighting heat damage. This lightweight spray adds softness and shine, perfect for various heat-styling tools. 

Not Your Mother's All Eyes On Me 10-In-1 Hair Perfector

Not Your Mother's All Eyes On Me 10-In-1 Hair Perfector, which goes for $8, is a detangling leave-in spray that simplifies your routine by controlling frizz, detangling, moisturizing, and protecting hair from 450-degree-Fahrenheit heat. Formulated with a vegan protein blend, it transforms hair, adding shine, preventing split ends, and creating silkiness.

Kenra Thermal Styling Spray 19

Kenra's Thermal Styling Spray 19 provides firm hold and styling control for hot tool usage. It offers thermal protection up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit, taming frizz, and flyaways, and adding shine. This non-sticking formula ensures clean styling tool release, making it a reliable choice for heat styling.