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Best heat protection sprays, creams and oils for every hair type
They're essentially SPF for your hair
Tested by Nora MerikFormer Beauty and Grooming Tester
It’s no secret that prevention is better than cure when it comes to our beauty routines. And having one of the best heat protection sprays on hand whenever you’re using a tool to achieve your desired hair style can save you a 10-step haircare routine in the long run.
The best hair oils, bond-building treatments, and hair masks are all great for fighting frazzled lengths, but lowering the chance of frying your hair in the first place is always preferable.
If you’re anything like us, you'll use a hair dryer or hair straightener regularly on wash day. Air drying is a luxury reserved for warmer days and weekends, while busy schedules mean turning up the heat, because no one wants to leave the house with a sopping wet mop. Which makes a good heat protection product all the more essential.
As they're such a crucial step in your styling routine, you don’t want to be relying on a dud. That’s where the Good Housekeeping Institute comes in. We’ve tested a range of heat protection sprays, creams and oils to see which are best for safe-guarding strands from hot tools.
Here are our top picks at a glance but read on for our detailed reviews, plus our experts’ hot take on this haircare essential.
Do heat protection sprays and creams actually work?
“Heat protectants create a barrier on your hair shaft,” explains Jordanna Cobella, London Hairdresser of The Year 2023. “They reduce heat damage from styling tools by preventing excessive moisture loss and structural changes in the hair proteins.
“It’s a very similar premise to sun protection for your skin and can drastically reduce the amount of damage the surface of your hair is exposed to.”
Andrew Plester, Education Director at Adam Reed salons, is passionate about the importance of these formulations. “If you aren’t convinced about the level of protection they deliver, just spray or spread some on your hand and see how long you can hold a hair dryer to it (from a fair distance),” he says. “You can feel the difference in how hot your hand feels when there’s heat protectant on there.
“For a slightly less scary test, try spraying a piece of bread with some of your go-to product,” he suggests. “Use a control slice too and you can literally see the difference in colour – one will be far more burnt or brown than the other after a minute in the toaster.”
Should I use a spray, cream or oil for my hair type?
“If you have thick or long hair, or your hair is bleached and damaged, opt for a cream,” Plester advises. “When combed through, they tend to give more coverage, but can sit a bit too heavy on thinner strands.”
“For shorter, finer hair, a spray may be the best solution,” he explains. “You don’t need anything too thick as you have less hair to cover and a lighter product will help with styling and volume, too.”
“Oils are a great multi-purpose product, allowing you to nourish your lengths while also shielding them from damage,” he adds. “Be careful when applying though – rub the oil into your hands so they’re covered and then spread your fingers, starting from the back at the base of your head and working out to the lengths.
“Too much oil at the front or on the lengths will make hair look greasy more quickly, and you want to go as long as possible between washes (within reason).”
How should I use heat protection spray?
“Put the heat protector on first, almost as a primer, and usually when the hair is damp,” Plester advises. “This gives it more time to take effect before your blow dry or styling session.
“In the same way as you’re usually advised to wait 15 minutes before stepping out into the sun when you apply SPF, heat protection takes a short period to sink in and form that all-important shield on your hair shaft.”
How we test heat protection products
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we tested a range of leading heat protectants with the help of over 300 panel members, to find the best on the market. Testers told us how well each product reduced frizz and flyaways, added shine, helped with humidity-induced curling, and held their style in place.
They also rated the design, ease of use and instructions for each heat protectant. We ran the test during the summer, so we could see how products fared during hot, humid weather.
To ensure we bring you all the buzziest new launches, we also asked our beauty writers and editors what their go-to heat protectant products are right now – you'll find those below under "Editors' picks”.
Score: 87/100
K18 products often come out head and shoulders above the rest in our tests (see our best hair repair treatment) and this oil didn’t disappoint. The brand claims it helps repair damage, reduce frizz and improve shine – and it delivered across the board, no matter our testers’ hair type.
Our panellists found it easy to dispense and said a small amount of product went a long way. “You only need a couple of drops for mid-length hair, and it made the final effect sleeker, shinier and easier to dry and style,” said one pleased panel member.
“Having grey hair can mean it feels coarse and frizzy, but this genuinely brought back my healthy hair texture,” said another, while users reported softer hair that lasted all week. It also resisted the typical effects of humidity and kept hairstyles intact for longer without any need for hair spray. Where do we sign up?
OLAPLEX No.9 Protective Hair Serum
Score: 86/100
This nourishing hair serum has been formulated with Olaplex’s patented bonding technology to protect against heat damage and pollution, add shine and reduce static and tangles. Silicone-, phosphate- and paraben-free, it claims to protect hair against heat up to 232°C.
Our testers felt it did the trick, with everyone saying their hair felt less frizzy after use. “It left my hair really soft and hydrated, right through to the next wash day,” said one. “This serum is lightweight and made my lengths feel silky and look shiny. It also seemed to give my thin hair more body and texture after drying,” said another.
If your hair is thin, dry or damaged and can’t cope with anything too thick or heavy, this serum could be the answer. Most testers also said it prevented their colour from fading.
ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray
Score: 86/100
If you’ve got super damaged strands, you may be better off opting for a cream or oil, but if your hair is relatively healthy, a convenient, easy-to-use spray could be the answer. Just take extra care combing it through the lengths, to ensure you cover every part of the hair shaft.
Perfect for use with messy hands (i.e. as part of your post-shower moisturising routine), this spray was an instant hit with our time-poor panellists. “It was convenient to use and didn’t saturate my hair, as the dispenser lets out a light mist,” said one, while another claimed: “This is the best heat protect spray I’ve used.”
The immediate effect was shinier, sleeker hair, even in the face of summer humidity, and longer-term, testers said it reduced breakage and helped their hair grow. All our testers praised its lightweight finish and frizz-fighting abilities.
Score: 84/100
Formulated with haircare’s favourite protein — keratin — this spray claims to protect your locks against temperatures up to 230°C, while offering frizz control that makes styling last all night. But did it deliver?
Our panellists said it visibly reduced heat damage. “There was no steam where there typically is when using straighteners,” said one tester, while another said their hair felt “more manageable” after use, without leaving any build-up on the iron plates like other, thicker protectants can do. Oh, and it costs under £5.
Score: 82/100
This leave-on spray uses citric acid to alleviate frizz by adjusting the hair’s pH, along with the brand’s signature plant complex to provide the highest level of heat protection. As well as protecting against damage, it claims to nourish strands and boost hair’s elasticity.
Our testers were full of praise for this product, which they said “instantly” smoothed frizz, even before using heat. They also found it left their hair “sleek” and “non-sticky” and said their blow dry lasted longer than normal. However, one person did complain that it made their hair greasier, more quickly.
All our testers said it was lightweight and didn’t leave any residue. For those with finer hair, this is a good pick for fighting off heat without weighing strands down.
Score: 82/100
If dehydrated tresses are a battle you’re tired of fighting, it could be time to look Down Under for your dream ‘do. Formulated with native Australian ingredients, which are naturally potent (all that sun and proximity to the equator works wonders on nutrition density), Aussie Haircare’s shampoos and conditioners have been keeping locks luscious for years.
This instant heat saviour spray is no exception. Testers told us it smoothed down flyaways and made them easier to work with, while hair felt fresh thanks to the “tropical, fruity fragrance.” If you’re looking for a moisture-locking shield that transports you to a faraway paradise, this is the one. Plus, it kept hair feeling thick and healthy all day for most of our panel, although one said the effect wore off as the day went on. Can’t win ‘em all.
Score: 82/100
This spray pays particular attention to repairing the effects of sea water, chlorine and pollution, while also protecting from heat and UV damage that leads to breakage. In short, it covers all bases.
This makes it a good choice for those with curly hair, which is often more fragile and susceptible to damage and dryness – and particularly for those who can’t live without their straightening tools.
Testers said their hair felt healthy and their curls were more defined after use. It softened frizz and even those with typically dry lengths said their hair felt silky smooth as soon as they sprayed it on.
There was mixed feedback on the packaging, though. Some found the spray nozzle convenient, while others said it made it tricky to avoid the roots when applying, and some said it leaked. It may be one for the bedside table or bathroom shelf rather than carrying around in your gym bag, then.
Score: 79/100
This spray is part of a range of products formulated to help prevent over-washing by prolonging your style for as long as possible – a nod to the humble dry shampoo. And according to our panellists, it worked.
Almost everyone said their locks felt smoother and sleeker after use, plus many agreed it left them with healthier-feeling hair long-term. Many said they didn’t need to wash their hair as frequently either and there was less colour fade for those who dyed their 'do.
Score: 78/100
Sol de Janeiro is famed for its head-turning scents and feel-good formulations, and it knows what it's doing when it comes to haircare, too. This blend of Brazilian oils works to hydrate and nourish strands (hello multi-tasker), while protecting against heat and fighting frizz for up to 72 hours.
Many of our panellists said their hair looked shinier and felt more hydrated and nourished after use, giving it a healthier look. It wasn’t for everyone, though. Some said it left locks a little oily and weighed their hair down. Essentially, this is one for those with dry ends (note, it’s an oil, so shouldn’t be used on roots).
Oribe Invisible Defence Universal Spray
Score: 77/100
This one is guaranteed to bring a dose of chic to any shower shelf. Founded by Oribe (pronounced or-bay) Canales – a sought-after celebrity stylist who made big, beautiful hair synonymous with ‘90s supermodels – the packaging oozes sophistication and glam.
Enriched with edelweiss, watermelon and lychee flower extracts, along with plant-based collagen and vitamin B, the formulation doesn’t skimp on sumptuous, nourishing ingredients. Also aimed at detoxifying hair exposed to pollution at the end of the day, it does more than just protect from heat, although it seems to do that too.
Testers told us it calmed frizz and added a healthy helping of volume to their hair. It was was also ultra-convenient to use, as you can apply it to damp or dry hair (many heat protectors work on damp hair only). Our panellists recommended using it more sparingly on dry hair than damp.
Score: 76/100
If you like your 'do to last past lunchtime, then don’t underestimate the importance of a style-retention product as part of your morning routine. This spray was formulated with both protection and reliable hold mind. And we can tell.
Our panellists said it detangled typically knotty hair, smelt amazing, and felt lightweight and soft to the touch on the lengths. They also said their hair felt healthier and looked fuller after use, with a good boost of volume. A few found the cherry blossom scent slightly overpowering, so don’t go for this one if you prefer your products fragrance-free.
Score: 75/100
Packed with strengthening protein and available in a handy mini size for throwing in your gym bag or taking away for the weekend, we love the convenience of this mist, especially for those with curls.
Our panellists were fans too. “I was so impressed with how this made my curls look! My ringlets were super tight and uniform, and my hair was perfectly protected and hydrated, despite the heat styling,” said one delighted panellist.
Others loved that it was multi-use – great for before styling on wash day to protect their hair from heat damage and on day two or three to refresh curls between washes. We love a beauty multi-tasker.
Score: 75/100
OGX is known for its accessibly-priced yet effective hair treatments, and this spray is no exception. Not only does it protect against heat, but it also claims to help hair dry more quickly and add shine.
Testers told us it fought humidity and frizz with ease on days when their style would normally have fallen out in the heat. So, if you’re going on holiday and want to avoid a Monica Geller frizz situation, this could be the heat protector for you.
Editors' picks
Umberto Giannini’s products are largely designed to help people nourish, soften and define their waves. It’s no wonder then that this blow dry spray is also great at combatting frizz.
It coats the hair cuticle in a moisture-repelling layer that not only protects against heat but also defends against the moisture in the air, which can cause flyaways. Essentially, it fights off frazzled-looking ends and shields against future heat damage, all at once. According to our editors, it’s a gym bag essential.
Not only does this do a fine job of keeping locks in good condition in the face of frazzling hair tools, but it smells absolutely exquisite while doing it. Although the brand belongs to Adam Reed, a super-stylist to the stars, he wanted his professional products to come with an affordable price tag.
This priming spray will keep your hair looking healthy and turn heads when you walk into a room – honestly, it smells so good.
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
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