The 15 best heat protectants for every hair type in 2023, according to stylists

Best Overall: IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray

Pros: Suitable for all hair types, 24 hours of frizz control 

Cons: Can lead to build-up if used daily 

Good Behavior's heat protectant is one of the more heavy-duty formulas on the list: in a good way, of course. That's because it works to smooth strands and hold styles — all while protecting against heat up to 450°. It's the best heat protectant spray for all hair types since it protects against heat and UV damage while also offering 24 hours of frizz control. Just make sure you aren't using this every single day as it can create a bit of build-up. 

Best Budget: CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

Pros: No buildup, amazing price 

Cons: May feel damp when applying; you may need to wait a tiny bit for hair to dry before heat styling

Not only does Chi's Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray clock in at just $12 per bottle, but it also smells amazing. Plus, it doesn't have any buildup issues, so you can use it multiple days in a row without worry. It's great for every hair type; however, because it coats the hair so well, it can definitely feel a little damp when applied. Tip: If you're using this heat protectant spray and have fine hair, it's a good idea to wait a few seconds after applying it before using your hot tools. 

Best for Blonde Hair: Bumble and bumble Bb.Illuminated Blonde Purple Leave In Spray

Pros: Nourishing formula, neutralizes brassiness  

Cons: May leave a slightly greasy residue 

The Bumble and bumble Bb.Illuminated Blonde Purple Leave In Spray is specially formulated for blonde hair. Not only does it combat frizz and offer prime heat protection (up to 450 degrees), but it's also the best heat protectant spray for neutralizing brassiness to help extend the lifespan of your color in-between salon appointments. Ingredient highlights include hydrating and moisturizing staples like argan oil, macadamia seed oil, and glycerin. 

Best for Curly Hair: African Pride Black Castor Miracle Anti-Humidity Heat Protectant Spray

Pros: Moisturizing ingredients help smooth strands and quench curls, affordable price point

Cons: Only offers heat protection up to 400 degrees

For the best heat protectant spray for folks with curly hair, Ishimoto recommends the Pride Black Castor Miracle Anti-Humidity Heat Protectant Spray, which shields hair from heat up to 400 degrees. The stylist especially loves this heat protectant hair spray's moisturizing formula, which contains ingredients like "black castor that nourishes the scalp and helps to promote hair growth, and a keratin complex to smooth the hair shaft and block frizz."

Best for Coily Hair: Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Heat Protectant Leave-In Conditioner

Pros: Pulls double duty as a heat protectant and leave-in treatment, moisturizing formula   

Cons: May weigh down ultra-fine or thin hair

According to Wiley, the Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Heat Protectant Leave-In Conditioner is one of the best heat protectant sprays for coily hair types. As you can guess by its name, this product is one part leave-in treatment and one part heat protectant hair spray. Its lightweight formula features moisturizing staples like coconut oil, sunflower seed extract, and olive oil.

Best for Colored Hair: dpHUE Color Fresh Heat Protection Spray

Pros: Neutralizes brassiness and extends the lifespan of your color, adds smoothness, shininess, and softness 

Cons: A little goes a long way, so if you spray too much, your hair may feel heavy or greasy

Per Ishimoto, the dpHUE Color Fresh Heat Protection Spray is ideal for "color-treated hair of all types and colors." In addition to protectant against heat damage, Ishimoto credits this heat protectant hair spray with protecting "the color from fading from styling tools." Plus, he says, "It contains a humidity protectant shield to reduce frizz and emollients to smooth, shine and soften hair."

Best Drugstore: Ogx Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray

Pros: Affordable price point, expedites drying time and reduces damage 

Cons: Nozzle isn't great for evenly dispersing product

Looking for a solid drugstore option for the best heat protectant that's stylist-approved? Consider the OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray, which protects hair against heat as high as 450 degrees. Per Ishimoto, this heat-protectant hair spray "helps to cut hair drying time while protecting hair from heat damage." He continues, telling INSIDER, "hydrolyzed silk & quinoa will keep hair looking healthy and damage-free." 

Best for Blowouts: OUAI Heat Protection Spray

Pros: Smells incredible, adds volume and shine 

Cons: Applies heavily if you don't spray at least six inches from your head

Like all Ouai products, this heat protection spray — which is specially formulated to protect hair from heat damage caused by blowouts and styling tools — smells absolutely divine. The nozzle is super effective and evenly coats the hair so well that you wind up using less product. It definitely makes the hair much shinier and humidity-proof. This can be considered the best heat protectant spray for both fine and thick hair alike. It will add volume, shine, and a smell so divine you'll want to spray it all over. Just make so to position the bottle at least six inches from your head as you apply:  it applies pretty heavily if you don't. 

Best for Frizzy Hair: COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

Pros: Super-shiny finish, lasts for several days

Cons: Doesn't evenly coat the strands unless you apply in sections.

Frizzy hair, do, care – and that's where the Color Wow Dream Coat Anti-Humidity Hair Treatment comes into play. The heat-protectant hair spray, which features a weightless, water-like formula, can fight frizz for days (even between washes!).  Although you have to make sure to section off your hair as your spraying this product in order to evenly coat it, it really holds your style (while also blocking frizz and keeping your strands looking and feeling silky-smooth!) for days on end. 

Best Vegan: R+Co Bleu Hypersonic Heat Styling Mist

Pros: Works as a heat protectant and humidity shield, non-drying and effective vegan formula   

Cons: At over $50 per bottle, it's a splurge 

Beauty fans shopping for the best heat protectants are most likely familiar with R+Co already, but the brand has recently launched a couture line: R+Co Bleu. This mist from the line, in particular, is phenomenal. It offers heat protection up to 450 degrees and leaves the hair feeling flexible so that you can update your 'do over the next few days. Its vegan formula — which pulls double duty as a humidity shield — works well on all hair types, as it coats each strand evenly and provides a texture that isn't super drying.

Best for Fine Hair: Living proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray

Pros: Lasts for up to 48 hours, adds texture and volume 

Cons: May feel drying on freshly washed hair

In addition to acting as a heat shield, Living Proof's Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray almost works as a texturizer and dry shampoo. As such, it's a fantastic option for the best heat protectant spray for those with fine hair looking for a little volume. It's also great on greasy strands: Just keep in mind that if your hair is freshly washed, it might be a little drying. Per the brand, this heat-protectant hair spray also delivers softness and smoothness that lasts up to 48 hours. 

 

Best for Thin Hair: Davines Hair Shield

Pros: Lightweight and protective formula, shiny finish 

Cons: Some report the scent as being overpowering

Davines Hair Shield contains dimethicone and a couple of other silicones to protect the hair from high heat. Plus, if your hair is static-prone, you're in luck: Davines Hair Shied really cuts down on static, so it's the best heat protectant for winter. Since it's so lightweight, the product is also ideal for people with fine and/or thinning hair. Lastly, as a bonus, it smells amazing and leaves hair looking super-shiny.

Best for Oily Hair: Oribe Balm D'Or Heat Styling Shield

Pros: Adds shine and softness, evenly coats the hair to provide protection 

Cons: The price tag isn't exactly budget-friendly 

This heat protectant from Oribe smells great, and it really coats each hair follicle to add both texture and heat protection. Plus, it produces substantial shine and softness that really lasts. Keep in mind that this heat-protectant hair spray is especially ideal for those that have super fine or oily hair — even those looking for a dry shampoo alternative. 

Best for Damaged Hair: Phyto Phytokeratine Repairing Thermal Protectant Spray

Pros: Hyaluronic acid-enriched formula helps retain moisture, protects and repairs weakened and damaged tresses

Cons: If you use too much or too often (i.e. every day) it may leave hair feeling greasy 

The Phyto Phytokeratine Repairing Thermal Protectant Spray is formulated to repair and protect weakened, damaged hair from heat styling — all while leaving it feeling smooth and silky. It's even enriched with hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture. Simply spray on clean, towel-dried hair; then, you'll be all good to go whether you intend to pair it with the best hair straightener or best curling iron.

Best For Tangled Hair: Amika The Wizard Detangling Hair Primer

Pros: Doubles as a detangler, suitable for all hair types 

Cons: Doesn't work as well if you don't apply it fresh out of the shower

Not only does Amika's The Wizard Detangling Hair Primer evenly coat your hair as would the best heat protectant sprays, but it also works as a detangler. Make sure that you apply it to your hair when you're fresh out of the shower, as that's how it works best. It's really great for all hair types, and its detangling properties make it so much easier to drag a comb through, so you never feel like you're pulling on your knots.