Fed up of damaged locks from heat-styling? With the best heat protection sprays and products ahead, it’s time to protect those strands for good and make 2022 your year for healthy hair. We’re not just talking defence against straighteners, curling wands, or a daily blow-dry - even damaging UV rays are put in their place with these formulas.
Scroll for our edit of the best, or you can browse even more heat protection products here.
How we choose our favourite heat protection sprays
To select the best heat protectant sprays, we look for formulas with top °C protection against heat damage and those bursting with nourishing benefits. Think, deep conditioning, detangling and shine-inducing properties. Price is factored in too. Splash out on a luxe brand or you can get some stellar results without breaking the bank - with rave reviews all round, these spritzes have earned their spot at the top.
Heat Relief™ Thermal Protector & Conditioning Mist
Best for: Glossy lengths
Bringing you that post-wash shine without having to jump in the shower, this is the ultimate gloss-giving heat protectant spray. Focussing on the mid to end lengths, give a light spritz over dry hair and start styling - your locks will be protected from the damaging effects of heat tools and, with Sunflower and Jojoba Oils in the mix, a head-turning shine is guaranteed. In fact, with 97% naturally-derived ingredients, you can send your thank you notes to Mother Nature and share this one with your eco-conscious friends.
The hype: “Love the smell. It doesn't leave your hair greasy afterwards like some other products do and the spray really does come out like a mist, which means it's nice and evenly spread out over your hair.” - Annick, customer review
Genesis Defense Thermique Heat Protector
Best for: Fall out and breakage
Dull, damaged locks prone to breakage and fall out? Add this heat protection spray to your bag ASAP. Supercharged with Edelweiss Native Cells, Ginger Root and Aquaxyl it repairs weak or damaged strands by strengthening every follicle - it’s like super glue for your hair. Plus, with detangling benefits in the mix, it means less brushing, less damage. Apply to wet hair before blow drying and you can expect immediate hydration, defense against the heat and with less breakage and fallout over time, it’s smooth voluminous locks only.
The hype: “This is such a great heat protecting spray. Makes my hair feel soft and gives a super shiny, healthy look. Totally worth the money and 5 stars from me.” - Marta, customer review
Detox and Repair Care & Heat Protect Spray
Best for: Lacklustre hair
Breaking down dirt and grime, this spray frees your locks from product buildup and daily impurities making way for the caring ingredients that really count. Cue, antioxidant-rich Green Tea and nourishing Avocado Oil. With these two in the mix, this potent formula floods hair with moisture and nutrients, transforming even the driest strands from dull and lifeless to smooth, silky lengths. Basically, it’s cleansing, heat resistant and hydrating all in one and a must for neglected manes.
The hype: “Been using this product for a few weeks now and the result is amazing. It gives your hair that smooth and silky feel and no more tangles. This is a great recommendation for dry damaged hair. Also the product smells really nice too!” - Gigi, customer review
Discipline Heat Protecting Blow Dry Cream
Best for: All hair types
After smoother hair for longer, that’s just a vision of health? This is the one. Straight, wavy or bouncy curls and colour-friendly too, this milk-like cream is ready to smooth over your locks ahead of any heat-styling tools to protect against heat damage, tame frizz and strengthen from root to tip. Morpho-Keratin and Ceramides are at play to replenish hair fibres and put a stop to breakage and split ends, meanwhile the anti-humidity and anti-frizz complex holds onto those flyaways.
The hype: “I use this on a weekly basis and it’s so good. It is quite expensive, but definitely worth it. My hair is very soft and shiny after using this and you only need a small amount.” - Gill, customer review
Perfect Defense
Best for: Hydrating
Thanks to the brand’s signature Argan Oil, this best-selling spray not only protects your locks from heat damage up to 230 degrees, but also keeps it nourished, healthy, and smooth-looking. The ultra-fine mist can be sprayed onto damp hair or dry hair if you’re looking to revive your second-day style.
The hype: “This heat protectant spray is a frequent beauty-award winner for a reason: The dry aerosol mist is virtually weightless (so your hair will never feel gunked up or greasy), yet still has a tiny bit of argan oil in the formula that gives hair noticeable shine. Mist it on damp hair before blow-drying, or all over dry hair for second-day touch-ups.” - Cosmopolitan