Natural Heat Protectant Spray

Choosing a Heat Protectant Spray

The right heat protectant depends on how you style your hair, when you apply the product and the finish you prefer. Heat protection is the defining purpose of these sprays, while conditioning and styling benefits can help narrow down your choice.

Start with the heat tools you use

Someone who occasionally uses a hair dryer has a different styling routine from someone who regularly reaches for a straightener, curling wand or heated brush. Look for a product intended for the type of styling you do most often. If you use several tools, a spray directed for more than one styling method may be a useful fit, but tool compatibility should be supported by the individual product information.

Check whether it’s designed for damp or dry hair

This is one of the most important differences between heat protectant sprays. Some are applied to damp hair before blow-drying, while others can be used on dry hair before straightening or curling. Some products may support both applications. Follow the directions for your chosen spray rather than assuming the same method applies across the category.

Consider your hair texture

Fine hair may suit a lightweight spray that provides heat protection without adding more weight than you want. Dry, coarse or thick hair may benefit from a formula that combines heat protection with additional conditioning or smoothing. If you have curly or wavy hair, consider whether you want to retain your natural texture while blow-drying or prepare the hair for a straighter finish.

Look at the additional benefits

Depending on the formula, heat protectant may be combined with smoothing, detangling, conditioning, frizz management, shine or styling support. These features can make a difference to how the product fits into your routine, but they don’t replace its main role: helping to protect hair during compatible heated styling.

Consider any stated heat protection

Some manufacturers provide a specific tested or stated temperature for an individual product. This can be useful when matching a spray to your styling tools, but a temperature claim for one heat protectant doesn’t apply to every product in the category. Use the product as directed and choose an appropriate tool setting for your hair and the style you’re creating.

When Should You Use Heat Protectant?

Before blow-drying

Yes, hair dryers use heat too. If your heat protectant is suitable for damp hair, distribute it as directed before you begin blow-drying. Pay attention to the mid-lengths and ends as well as any sections you repeatedly shape with a brush and concentrated airflow.

Before straightening

Choose a heat protectant suitable for use before straightening and apply it at the stage specified in its directions. Unless your straightener is specifically designed for wet-to-dry use, hair should generally be dry before it comes into contact with the heated plates.

Before curling

Apply an appropriate heat protectant before using curling irons or wands. Good sectioning helps distribute the product and can also reduce the need to repeatedly apply heat to the same piece of hair.

Before using a heated brush

Heated brushes also expose the hair to heat. A compatible heat protectant can form part of your preparation, whether you’re using the brush to smooth, shape or add movement.

Need help choosing? Tell us whether you blow-dry, straighten, curl or use a heated brush, along with your hair texture and whether you prefer a lightweight or more conditioning finish. We’ll help you narrow down the suitable options.