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Hair tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons are essential for styling and achieving gorgeous looks. However, heat-damaged hair is a common problem among people who often use these styling tools. When used daily, these may cause significant damage to your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. One of the easiest ways to prevent hair damage is by using a heat protectant spray.
A heat protectant spray is vital for adding a layer of protection to keep your hair healthy. Since there are many options on the market, we've put together a buying guide and included our top recommendations on the best heat protectant sprays for curling, straightening, or blow-drying. We also asked board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Luz to share some of her tips and insights.
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Heat protectant sprays lower the risk of hair damage when applied before using styling tools like blow dryers, irons, and curlers. These sprays work by adding a protective layer to your hair, similar to how sunscreen protects the skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
Sprays that contain silicone and keratin ingredients can seal your hair cuticle and make it more resistant to heat damage. Heat protectant sprays use water-soluble silicones like lauryl methicone copolyol to keep your hair protected. They also contain nourishing oils like argan oil, which work as both a sealant and a moisturizer to keep hair hydrated.
Shielding your hair from heat damage is crucial, and with countless options, finding the right protective spray can be overwhelming. Discover the key features and considerations to ensure your hair not only withstands the heat but emerges stronger and more vibrant. To simplify your search, we've outlined crucial factors to consider in our comprehensive buying guide below.
When choosing between different heat protectant sprays, you need to look for ingredients or formulations that are especially beneficial for your hair type or concerns. Here are some of the points to consider when selecting a heat protectant spray for your specific needs.
The outermost layer of the hair strand, the cuticle, defends the hair from damage and ensures that each strand receives and retains enough moisture. When this doesn’t happen, your hair becomes dull and dehydrated. Individuals with dry hair will benefit more from using heat protectant sprays which are specially formulated for dry and damaged hair, since these work on restoring moisture.
Look for sprays with moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter or plant-based oils like argan, coconut, chia seed, and grapeseed, as well as humectants like citric acid and panthenol. Other ingredients that are beneficial in moisture retention are those with antioxidant properties, such as resveratrol and plant extracts.
Different types of oils have been incorporated into hair protectant sprays, and with good reason. Studies have shown that aside from moisturizing the strands, hair oils also protect the hair from damage. Some oils can penetrate hair strands, reducing water absorption and swelling. This can reduce the cycle of repeated swelling and drying, a factor that can damage hair.
Panthenol, aka Vitamin B5, has been incorporated into different skincare products primarily due to its moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been incorporated into hair care products, given its ability to reduce water loss, soften the hair, and add shine.
Genetics, psychological stress, and frequent styling can all lead to hair thinning. And the thinner the hair, the higher the chances that heat damage could occur. That is why it’s a must to apply heat protectant sprays before using flat irons and hair dryers.
When looking for a heat protectant spray for your hair, opt for those that are made with lightweight formulas specially designed for thin hair. These products will strengthen the hair and prevent it from getting weighed down, all while minimizing heat damage.
It's important to keep your hair type in mind (straight, wavy, curly) so that the choice of heat protectant spray can best address your hair needs. Remember, different heat protectant sprays come in different textures and formulations, too.
For people with naturally curly hair, proper preparation before heat-styling is needed to avoid breakage and further damage. A heat protectant spray that doubles as a detangler can go a long way.
Keep in mind that curly hair can still become frizzy and dry after heat-styling. So get sprays with ingredients like argan oil, cetearyl alcohol, and honey for that extra layer of moisture. These nourishing ingredients promote shine, seal moisture, and combat frizz.
The unique appearance and structure of curly hair make it particularly fragile and prone to damage. Hence, applying a heat-protecting product to wet hair before styling helps minimize the damage from heat.
To reduce frizziness and breakage, one of the most common ingredients that manufacturers use in their products is keratin. Keratin-infused products can replenish and protect your hair's natural keratin protein, strengthen the strands, and help reverse the damage.
Some brands opt for other types of proteins instead of keratin. For instance, amino acids are often used to promote the retention of moisture and prevent hair breakage, resulting in smooth, strong, and silky hair.
Keratin is a major protein of human hair, and it is important in maintaining its tensile strength. Interestingly, a study by Basit, A. et al. found that application of keratin, particularly K31, allows it to fill in the gaps of damaged hair, leading to a significant increase in hair diameter, tensile strength, and surface smoothness.
Heating tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons typically heat your hair between 95 and 175°C. Hair damage occurs when your hair is exposed to heat above 130°C. Thus, it's important to check the heat protectant spray's heat defense temperature. This is the maximum temperature that it can defend against heat.
Thankfully, most heat protectant sprays on the market can withstand temperatures of up to 450°F or 232°C. Aside from that, make sure that your styling tools won't exceed the maximum temperature that your spray can withstand.
Tips:
When shopping for a heat protectant spray, always check the list of ingredients before making a purchase. Several products on the market slip through the cracks and still manage to make it to mall shelves and online stores despite them containing harmful ingredients.
Some ingredients to watch out for are parabens and fragrances. These components can trigger allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin and can result in redness and itchiness on the scalp. They may also be drying for the hair.
Patch test on your skin! You might think that you're off the hook from possibly developing an irritant or allergic reaction from heat protectant sprays since they are meant for the hair. Remember, a small amount will still be able to reach your scalp, hairline, and ears.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for | Key Ingredients | Heat Defense Temperature | Free From | Volume | ||||||
1 | Fuwarie Hair Mist|Straight | ₱495 Low Mid | Repairs Hair Damage Inside and Out | Straight Hair | Argan Oil, Amino Acids, Hydrogenated Castor Oil | 180°C | Parabens, Sulfates | 150 ml | ||
2 | Dove Smooth & Shine Heat Protection Spray | ₱689 Mid | Provides Nourishment and Conditioning to Reduce Frizz and Static | All Hair Types | Hydrolyzed Keratin, Lactic Acid, Glycerin | 230°C | Parabens, Sulfates | 180 ml | ||
3 | L'Oreal Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray | ₱981.01 Mid | Specifically Formulated to Protect Your Long Locks | Straight Hair | Sativa Seed Oil, Xylose, Arginine, Glutamic Acid, Serine | 230°C | Parabens, Sulfates, Dyes | 130 ml | ||
4 | BeachBorn Sunset Spray | ₱185 Low | Moisturizing Detangler in a Bottle | Curly Hair | VCO, Lavender, Vitamin E | Not Specified | Parabens, Sulfates, Fragrance | 100 ml | ||
5 | Tresemmé Protecting Heat Spray | ₱650 Low Mid | Infused With Heat-Defying Ingredients to Protect the Hair and Achieve a Salon-Quality Finish | All Hair Types | Glycerin, Biotin, Niacinamide | 230°C | Parabens, Sulfates | 236 ml | ||
6 | Bumble and Bumble Bb. Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer | ₱895 Mid | A Multi-Tasking Hair Primer With UV Protection for Dry and Brittle Hair | Dry, Thick, Straight, Wavy, Curly Hair | Argan Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Macadamia integrifolia Seed Oil, Coconut Oil | 232°C | Parabens, Sulfates, SLS, SLES, Formaldehydes, Phthalates, Mineral Oil | 250 ml | ||
7 | Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist | ₱2,230.96 High | Protects and Repairs With Patented Bond Building Technology | All Hair Types | Jackfruit Polysaccharides, Bamboo xtract, Pea Peptide | 232ºC | Parabens, Sulfates, Phosphates, Phthalates | 150 ml | ||
8 | TIGI Copyright CUSTOM CARE™ Heat Protection Spray | ₱1,300 High Mid | A Fragrance-Free Option Made With All-Organic Ingredients | All Hair Types | Coconut Oil, Glycerin | 230ºC | Parabens, Sulfates, Fragrance | 150 ml | ||
9 | CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray | ₱1,200 Mid | Get a Smooth and Shiny Finish With This Weightless Formula | All Hair Types | Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Silica | Not Specified | Parabens, Sulfates | 237 ml | ||
10 | Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray | ₱1,544 High Mid | A Conditioning Heat Protectant Spray for Tangle-Prone Hair | All Hair Types | Glycerin, Beet Root Extract, Hydrogenated Castor Oil | 232°C | Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, Phthalates | 236 ml |
Bring back your hair's glory with this styling mist from Fuwarie. It promises to repair hair damage not just from the outside but also from within, thanks to the argan oil in its formulation. It also contains four amino acids that aid in strengthening the hair strands and preventing future breakage.
It can protect your hair from heat damage up to 180°C and has a humidity control property that prevents frizziness as the day goes on. Users love its light floral scent as well as its airy feeling on the hair. This particular variant is intended for styling sleek, straight hair, but there's also a pink variant for those who use a curling iron to create soft curls.
Best for | Straight Hair |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, Amino Acids, Hydrogenated Castor Oil |
Heat Defense Temperature | 180°C |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates |
Volume | 150 ml |
Dove's Style + Care Smooth & Shine Heat Protection Spray is a highly rated and easily accessible spray that defends hair from damage caused by heat styling tools. It contains hydrolyzed keratin that smoothens and moisturizes the hair cuticles and combats frizz and static caused by dryness and damage.
Users rave about its lovely smell and lightweight formula that prevents the hair from getting weighed down with product. This spray also has many reviews that attest to its effectiveness, whether it's for curling straight hair or straightening curly hair.
Best for | All Hair Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hydrolyzed Keratin, Lactic Acid, Glycerin |
Heat Defense Temperature | 230°C |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates |
Volume | 180 ml |
Best for | Straight Hair |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Sativa Seed Oil, Xylose, Arginine, Glutamic Acid, Serine |
Heat Defense Temperature | 230°C |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates, Dyes |
Volume | 130 ml |
BeachBorn's Sunset Spray is a beach lover's best friend. This heat protectant spray is perfect for combating the Philippines' hot climate and is best for individuals with dry and curly hair. It promises an "instant blowdry in a bottle" and works as an ultra-moisturizing detangler that can protect hair from harsh sunlight and heat.
This spray makes the hair more manageable by strengthening and softening it, which buyers love. It also helps restore the hair's gorgeous shine while resisting frizz. Moreover, it is all-natural and safe for both kids and adults. Plus, it is cruelty-free, and you won't have to worry about parabens and artificial fragrances!
Best for | Curly Hair |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | VCO, Lavender, Vitamin E |
Heat Defense Temperature | Not Specified |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates, Fragrance |
Volume | 100 ml |
Best for | All Hair Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Biotin, Niacinamide |
Heat Defense Temperature | 230°C |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates |
Volume | 236 ml |
Best for | Dry, Thick, Straight, Wavy, Curly Hair |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Macadamia integrifolia Seed Oil, Coconut Oil |
Heat Defense Temperature | 232°C |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates, SLS, SLES, Formaldehydes, Phthalates, Mineral Oil |
Volume | 250 ml |
Best for | All Hair Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Jackfruit Polysaccharides, Bamboo xtract, Pea Peptide |
Heat Defense Temperature | 232ºC |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates, Phosphates, Phthalates |
Volume | 150 ml |
Best for | All Hair Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Glycerin |
Heat Defense Temperature | 230ºC |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates, Fragrance |
Volume | 150 ml |
This heat protectant spray from CHI has earned a loyal following worldwide, and it's easy to see why. The weightless formula doesn't just protect from heat damage, but it also leaves the hair feeling soft and silky. Enriched with vitamins and proteins to add moisture and seal the hair cuticles, this spray works like a charm!
Fortunately, it is suitable for all hair types. It also smells fresh and cologne-like, and users say that it stays reliable and effective even on fairly high heat settings. You don't have to use a lot, too, since a little goes a long way. This product is proof that a great heat protectant spray is worth splurging on!
Best for | All Hair Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Silica |
Heat Defense Temperature | Not Specified |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates |
Volume | 237 ml |
This lightweight heat protectant spray from Living Proof aims to restore dry and damaged hair, thanks to the amino acids in its formulation. Specifically, it is a thermal-protecting, conditioning detangler that minimizes breakage from styling for healthier and shinier locks.
It is suitable for all hair types, especially for processed, chemically treated, dry, and tangle-prone hair. It is paraben, sulfate, silicone, and phthalate-free, so it's also safe for those with sensitive skin. And if you're into sustainable products, rest assured that this one is certified by PETA to be cruelty-free.
Best for | All Hair Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Beet Root Extract, Hydrogenated Castor Oil |
Heat Defense Temperature | 232°C |
Free From | Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, Phthalates |
Volume | 236 ml |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by our expert, Dr. Katrina Luz.
Using heat protectant sprays is definitely a good idea to prevent damage from the heat of different styling tools.
As with all products, heat protectant sprays are not exempt from an expiry date. It's always good to check the expiry date before use. Most of the time, using products that are expired won't cause harm but rather just won't work as effectively.
Best to read the instructions specific to the product. In general, spraying an adequate amount to cover the hair is sufficient. It's best to spray the hair in sections to ensure all areas are covered.
Heat protectant sprays aren't the only products that can help you avoid hair damage. Check out the articles below to learn more about other must-have items that you can add to your hair care routine.
Author: Mariah Hannah Beatrice G. Caga
Re-editors: R. Umlas, Jame Clarisse Trinidad
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Fuwarie|Hair Mist|Straight
No. 2: Dove|Smooth & Shine Heat Protection Spray
No. 3: L'Oreal|Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Pre-Iron Spray
No. 4: BeachBorn|Sunset Spray
No. 5: Tresemmé|Protecting Heat Spray
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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