As much as we love styling our hair and falling prey to the constant stream of hair trends like the 90s blowout, beachy waves or liquid hair – the havoc heat styling can wreak on our locks is an unfortunate casualty.
This is why using a heat protectant is an essential part of our styling routines and helps lock in moisture and reduce the damage caused by heat styling.
In case you don’t know, the heat from blow-drying or styling tools breaks down the proteins in our hair, leaving it weak and brittle, as well as reducing moisture levels. Particularly if you have colour-damaged hair, which already weakens your hair, heat styling can cause further damage like split ends, frizz and hair loss.
However, if you’re still hesitant to hand over the hair dryer or say goodbye to your beloved straightener, then try out a heat protector to reduce damage and maintain moisture. Heat protectants create a barrier between the cuticle and the heat to slow down the absorption and distribute the heat evenly.
Below, we’re taking a look at some of the best heat protectants on the market so you can get back to that bouncy blowout in no time.
WHO’s favourite heat protectants
- Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Treatment, $62 from Adore Beauty
- Davroe Thermaprotect, $24.95 from Adore Beauty
- ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment, $28.95 from Adore Beauty
The best heat protectants to try in 2025
Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique treatment, $6 at Adore Beauty
Best for: instant hydration
One of the standout features of Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Treatment is its ability to deeply nourish and replenish the hair’s natural moisture balance without weighing it down. Whether your hair is fine or thick, this versatile treatment can be used on all hair types, providing instant hydration and a healthy, glossy finish.
“I have been using this product for a very long time now and always come back to it. Especially fabulous on fine, wavy, frizz-prone, bleached hair that’s also prone to breakage. It’s literally a hair saver. Makes blow-drying easier, resulting in smooth hair. Can’t go wrong,” comments a five-star reviewer.
Key features:
- Protects the hair from heat damage
- Hydrating leave-in treatment
- Prevents roughness and dullness
- Adds shine
Davroe Thermaprotect, $24.95 at Adore Beauty
Best for: a heat protectant that also adds hold
Ideal for all hair types, Davroe Thermaprotect forms a protective barrier around each strand, helping to prevent moisture loss and minimise breakage caused by heat exposure. Its non-greasy formula leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and manageable, without weighing it down or leaving any residue.
Whether you’re blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair, Davroe Thermaprotect ensures that your locks stay healthy and vibrant, even with frequent styling.
“This product really helps my normally very frizzy hair (especially after using heat) look smooth and shiny! Has a nice smell, and is very lightweight,” says a five-star reviewer.
Key features:
- Heat protectant for all hair types
- Lightweight mist
- Reduces damage from heat styling
- Adds hold, shine and softness
- Reduces flyaways and frizz
Also available at:
- $23.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty
ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment, $31.95 at Adore Beauty
Best for: a multi-tasking leave-in treatment
ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment is a multi-tasking leave-in treatment designed to address a variety of hair concerns. Ideal for all hair types, the Miracle Hair Treatment works to repair damage, smooth frizz, and enhance shine, leaving hair looking and feeling healthier with every use. It also provides heat protection, detangles knots, and prevents split ends, making it an essential addition to any styling routine.
“Luxurious texture and smell. I feel pampered every time I use it,” comments a five-star reviewer.
Key features:
- Boosts shine
- Protects against damage during heat-styling, chlorine exposure, and sun exposure
- Ensure maximum moisture for hydrated hair
- Works to repair damaged hair
- Made without sulphates and parabens
- Controls frizz and flyaways
Also available at:
- $31.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty
Bodyguard Spray, $46 at ghd
Best for: a heat protectant spray for all hair types
The ghd Bodyguard spray is a lightweight heat protection formula designed to shield hair from the damaging effects of heat styling tools. Infused with a unique blend of conditioning agents and heat-activated proteins, this spray creates a protective barrier around each hair strand, reducing breakage and split ends caused by heat exposure. Bodyguard adds moisture and shine for a healthy-looking finish. Its non-sticky formula is easily applied to damp or dry hair before styling, ensuring smooth and sleek results without weighing hair down.
“It took me years to realise the importance of using a heat protector and I definitely see the difference,” notes a five-star reviewer.
Key features:
- UV protection
- Thermal protective layer
- ghd heat protection system
- Non-sticky and conditioning
- Thermal protective layer
Also available at:
- $46 from Shaver Shop
CLOUD NINE Magical Quick Dry Potion, $40 at THE ICONIC
Best for: cutting drying time in half (yes, really)
CLOUD NINE Magical Quick Dry Potion is a revolutionary hair styling solution that accelerates drying time while providing nourishment and protection. Infused with a blend of lightweight oils, including argan and jojoba oil, this fast-absorbing potion reduces drying time by up to 50%, allowing you to achieve salon-quality results in less time. Its heat-activated formula forms a protective barrier around each hair strand, shielding it from heat damage caused by blow-drying and styling tools.
Key features:
- Nourishes hair and strengthens
- Protects from heat and prevents frizz
- Lightweight leave-in conditioner
- Reduces drying time by half
Also available at:
- $50 from Oz Hair and Beauty
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, $54 at Adore Beauty
Best for: something a bit luxe
This luxurious hair treatment harnesses the power of innovative technology to repair and protect hair from damage. Infused with the patented Olaplex Bond Building Chemistry, this lightweight oil formula works to strengthen and restore hair, leaving it visibly healthier and more resilient. Ideal for all hair types, the No.7 Bonding Oil tames frizz, adds shine, and improves manageability without weighing hair down. Its nourishing blend of botanical oils, including grape seed oil and avocado oil, deeply hydrates and conditions, promoting softness and vitality.
“The best hair oil ever!!! Only need a little bit, and it does wonders. Smooths out my frizzy hair,” comments a five-star reviewer.
Key features
- Highly concentrated styling oil
- Repairs and restores hair
- Smoothes frizz and flyaways
- Gives hair a lightweight, shiny finish
- Protects against heat up to 230°C
Also available at:
Toni & Guy heat protection mist, $9.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Best for: an affordable yet quality pick
Enriched with conditioning agents and a heat-activated complex, it forms a protective barrier, safeguarding hair up to 230°C. This lightweight mist nourishes and fortifies hair, reducing frizz and enhancing shine. Suitable for all hair types, it ensures effortless styling with added moisture and manageability.
Simply spritz onto damp or dry hair before heat styling for optimal protection and salon-quality results. Toni & Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist is your go-to solution for preserving hair health and integrity, allowing you to create your desired style without compromising on protection. Whether you’re blow-drying, straightening, or curling, this versatile mist ensures that your hair remains strong, shiny, and resilient against the damaging effects of heat styling tools.
“I bought this product a few months ago and I am soooo glad I did. Most other protectants leave my hair greasy, but this one leaves my hair fresh. Love love love it,” comments a five-star reviewer.
Key features:
- Protects hair against heat damage from regular blow-drying and heat styling up to 230°C
- Leaves hair feeling soft and smooth
- Nourishes the hair
Why should you use a heat protectant?
Using a heat protectant is essential to shield your hair from the damaging effects of heat styling tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. It helps prevent moisture loss, breakage, and split ends, keeping your hair healthy, shiny, and more resilient to heat damage.
What are the benefits of regularly using a heat protectant?
Regularly using a heat protectant helps maintain hair health by reducing damage from heat styling tools. It prevents moisture loss, breakage, and split ends, resulting in smoother, shinier, and more manageable hair. Additionally, it provides a protective barrier against environmental stressors, promoting overall hair resilience.
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LEAD IMAGE: Instagram /@justinemarjan
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