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 hair 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 it evenly.
It is still helpful to have some days of the blow dryer and go au naturel with your locks to allow hair to recover and recoup.
Below we’re taking a look at some of the best protectants on the market so you can get back to that bouncy blowout.
2024’s top 3 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 2024
Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Treatment
$62 from Adore Beauty
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.
Key features:
- Protects the hair from heat damage
- Hydrating leave-in treatment
- Prevents roughness and dullness
- Adds shine
Available at:
- $62 from Kerastase Australia
- $58 from Catwalk
Davroe Thermaprotect
$24.95 from Adore Beauty
Ideal for all hair types, Davroe Thermaprotect forms a protective barrier around each strand, helping to prevent moisture loss and minimize 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.
Key features:
- Heat protectant for all hair types
- Lightweight mist
- Reduces damage from heat styling
- Adds hold, shine and softness
- Reduces flyaways and frizz
Available at:
- $23.95 from Beautopia
- $23.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty
- $24.95 from Catwalk
ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment
$28.95 from Adore Beauty
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.
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
Available at:
- $28.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty
- $25.15 from Catwalk
Bodyguard Spray
$45 from ghd
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.
Key features:
- UV protection
- Thermal protective layer
- ghd heat protection system
- Non-sticky and conditioning
- Thermal protective layer
Available at:
- $45 from Sephora
- $45 from Shaver Shop
Mermade Hair Styling primer
$27 from THE ICONIC
The Mermade Hair Styling Primer is a transformative pre-styling spray that prepares hair for effortless styling and lasting hold. Infused with a unique blend of nourishing ingredients like sea kelp extract and coconut oil, this lightweight formula hydrates and strengthens hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and more manageable. Its non-greasy formula is easily applied to damp or dry hair before styling, providing a foundation for long-lasting looks that defy humidity and environmental stressors.
Key features:
- Protects hair from free radicals, heat styling and colour fading
- Reduces drying time for faster styling and defies humidity
- Vitamin enriched, conditions, hydrates, detangles and prevents breakage
- Meraguard Complex assists in the health of the scalp, hair follicles and hair shaft
Available at:
- $27 from Sephora
- $27 from Adore Beauty
CLOUD NINE Magical Quick Dry Potion
$40 from THE ICONIC
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
Available at:
- $40 from Sephora
- $32 (usually $40) from Shaver Shop
- $40 from Adore Beauty
- $50 from Oz Hair and Beauty
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
$54 from Adore Beauty
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.
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
Available at:
- $54 from Sephora
- $45.99 (usually $54) from Chemist Warehouse
Oaui heat protection spray
$51 from Sephora
Ouai Heat Protection Spray is formulated to shield hair from heat damage caused by styling tools. Infused with a blend of nourishing ingredients like amino acids, keratin, and panthenol, this lightweight spray not only provides thermal protection but also fortifies and strengthens hair strands. Its non-greasy formula is easily applied to damp or dry hair before styling, ensuring smooth and sleek results without weighing hair down or leaving any residue.
Whether you’re blow-drying, straightening, or curling your hair, this versatile spray helps maintain hair health and integrity.
Key features:
- Anti-oxidants, Paraben-free
- Creates a smooth and glossy finish
- Safe for keratin-treated hair
- Cruelty-free
Sachajuan Thermal Protection spray
$45 from Sephora
Sachajuan Thermal Protection Spray is a vital defense against heat damage during styling. Infused with unique Ocean Silk Technology, it fortifies and nourishes hair while forming a protective barrier against temperatures up to 220°C. The lightweight formula prevents moisture loss, breakage, and split ends, leaving hair resilient, shiny, and manageable.
Key features:
- Prevents damage from heat up to 230°
- Creates a protective layer
- Helps maintain hair health and integrity
Available at:
- $45 from Rogue Beauty
- $45 from David Jones
Toni & Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist
$14.99 from Chemist Warehouse
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.
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.
Related articles:
- What Is The Best Foundation For Mature Skin? Our Carefully Curated Guide Into The Best of the Best
- Make The Most of the Fragrance Day Deals and Stock Up On Your Fave Signature Scent
- WHO’s Best New In Beauty for March 2024
LEAD IMAGE: Instagram /@justinemarjan
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
