20 Best Drugstore Heat Protectants For Hair
The perfect one-stop solution for protecting your hair from heat damage and breakage.
Lindsay LooCosmetologist
Expertise: Coloring
Experience: 10 years
Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and love... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: Shutterstock
A heat protectant spray protects your hair strands by creating a protective shield around your tresses that prevents hair damage caused by the regular usage of styling tools. Try out the best drugstore heat protectant that keeps your hair healthy. It promotes even heat distribution when blow dryers, curlers, or straighteners are used. In this article, we have mentioned a list of the 20 heat protectants suitable for all hair types. “Depending on the density of your hair; those with thicker tresses, a cream application will help with adding moisture and for the finer side, using a spray can lend a lightweight approach,” says Cosmetologist Lindsay Loo. Keep scrolling.
In This Article
20 Best Drugstore Heat Protectants For Hair
Best Frizz Control:Sun Bum Heat Protector Spray
The Sun Bum Heat Protector Spray dries the hair fast while protecting it from heat damage. It is formulated with replenishing ingredients like noni and sea kelp extract. This heat protectant reduces blow-drying time and prevents hair breakage caused by heat.
The lightweight, two-phase formula controls frizz. The natural ingredients in this heat protectant are vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that keep the hair healthy. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain gluten, sulfates, and parabens. Go ahead and check out this YouTuber’s video for more details about the product.
Pros
- Vegan
- Non-toxic
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Pro TipBest Conditioning:Redken Extreme Play Safe 230°C
The Redken Extreme Play Safe 230°C works as a heat protectant and a leave-in conditioner. It protects the hair from heat damage and strengthens it. This heat protection treatment also repairs damaged hair.
It is formulated with plant proteins infused with tourmaline. This blend visibly reduces the appearance and prevents split ends. This heat protectant also strengthens the hair fiber to reduce hair breakage. To get a better understanding of the product, you can check out this video on YouTube.
Pros- Visibly reduces split ends
- Strengthens the hair
- Repairs damaged hair
- Lightweight
- Softens the hair
- Adds shine
Cons
- Might weigh the hair down
TriviaBest Lightweight:OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray
The OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray is a lightweight potent heat protectant that acts like a primer for your hair. It offers heat protection to hair for up to 450°F. It cuts down on the total drying time of your hair, and prevents breakage and split ends when you are heat styling.
The spray is infused with moisturizing ingredients such as hydrolyzed silk and quinoa that guard not only against heat damage but also promote shiny, soft hair and make it appear bouncy and voluminous.
Pros- Easy to apply
- Affordable
- Suitable for all hair textures and types
- Adds shine
- Prevents split ends
- Reduces the drying time of blowouts
Cons
- Sticky
Best Shine Boosting:Neuro Style Protect
The Neuro Style Protect is a lightweight hairspray that provides advanced thermal protection from heat styling tools. It also makes the hair shiny with a good hold and humidity-resistant. The heatCTRL technology reduces the rate of heat transfer from the hair roots to the tips. This hairspray can also be used after heat styling your hair to secure the hairstyle.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Humidity-resistant
- Adds shine
Cons
- Extremely flammable
- Contains fragrance, trimethicone, and alcohol
Best Hair Softening:Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray
The Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Heat Styling Spray is a lightweight heat protectant that softens, smoothens, and protects the hair for up to 48 hours. It keeps the hair clean for a long time to prevent the overuse of heat styling tools. This hairspray does not stiffen the hair and can be used on both dry and damp hair. It is free of silicones, parabens, phthalate, and cornstarch.
Pros- Suitable for all hair types
- Cornstarch-free
- Color-safe
- Safe for chemically treated hair
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
Cons
- Strong aerosol fumes
Best Staying Power:Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray
Protect your hair from heat damage and breakage with the Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray. This spray decreases the blow-time by 50 percent and offers intense heat protection to each hair strand. The lightweight formula helps to offer you tangle-free, soft, and smooth hair. Moreover, it resists humidity for a longer period for a sleek look.
Pros- Resists humidity
- Tames frizz
- Reduce blow-dry time
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
Best Detangling:Ion Heat Protecting Smoothing Spray
The Ion Heat Protecting Smoothing Spray keeps the hair smooth, shiny, and healthy. It also detangles and softens the hair. This lightweight hairspray increases hair manageability and iron glide. It also nourishes the hair, sealing the cuticles to protect the hair from heat damage by curlers, flat irons, and blow dryers. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and reduces blow-drying time.
Pros
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Lightweight
- Detangles the hair
- Cruelty-free
- Softens the hair
Cons
- Contains cyclopentasiloxane and added fragrance
Best Moisturizing:HSI Professional Argan Oil Thermal Protector
The HSI Professional Argan Oil Thermal Protector protects the hair from heat exposure up to 450°F. It contains premium high-grade hair oil blended with highly concentrated argan oil and shine-increasing vitamins. Argan oil, rich in antioxidants, protects the hair from heat damage by styling tools like flat irons, curling wands, and blow dryers.
This hairspray can be used as a leave-in conditioning serum to keep the hair smooth, moisturized, and frizz-free. It is color-safe, lightweight, adds shine, and can also be used on hair extensions. This product leaves the hair with a protective barrier from heat styling tools. It is cruelty-free and does not contain any sulfates, phosphates, and parabens.
Pros- Lightweight
- Controls frizz
- Sulfate-free
- Phosphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Can be used on hair extensions
- Color-safe
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Dries out the hair
- Strong smell
Best Fragrance:Hair Food Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant Blend
Image: Hair Food The Hair Food Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant Blend seals and protects the hair from heat damage up to 450°F. It also makes the hair shiny with a refreshing fragrance. This hairspray can be used on straight, wavy, curly, thick, or fine hair. It does not contain any sulfates, parabens, and dyes. Apply on the hair in sections for better heat protection. This product leaves the hair smelling of coconut. It can also be used with shampoos, conditioners, and other styling products.
Pros- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- Dries out the hair
- Might cause frizziness
Best Non-Sticky:ghd Heat Protect Spray
The ghd Heat Protect Spray leaves the hair with an invisible barrier and protects it from heat damage caused by styling tools like flat irons and curlers. It can be used on both damp and dry hair. This lightweight spray protects the hair from roots to tips. Spray the product evenly on the hair before using a blow-dryer or styling tools. This non-sticky formula softens the hair and is free of parabens.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Softensthe hair
- Non-sticky
Cons
- Not suitable for thin hair
Best Breakage Protection:Shea Moisture Strengthen And Restore Anti-Breakage Spray
Smooth your split ends with the Shea Moisture Anti-Breakage Spray. This heat protection spray is infused with black castor oil, peppermint, and shea butter that creates a protective shield on each strand. It also acts as heat protectant for color-treated and natural hair. Moreover, it also keeps your hair hydrated, conditions your scalp, and adds a healthy shine to your mane.
Pros- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Propylene Glycol-free
- Mineral-oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
- Might feel a bit sticky
Best Non-Fading:Bold Uniq Coconut 10 Effects Long-Lasting Treatment
The Bold UniqCoconut 10 Effects Long-Lasting Treatment moisturizes dry and damaged hair. It provides frizz and static control. This hairspray prevents split ends and adds body, volume, and shine to the hair. It protects the hair from damage caused by heat styling tools up to 450°F. This coconut-infused styling spray reduces flyaways and detangles the hair. Its advanced color protect system protects hair color from fading.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Color-safe
- Controlsfrizz
- Anti-static
Cons
- Contains alcohol, starch, and silicone
- Contains added fragrance
Best Volumizing:Biolage Styling Thermal Active Spray
The Biolage Styling Thermal Active Spray protects the hair from heat and keeps it smooth, sleek, and straight without heat damage. It can be sprayed on both wet and dry hair before blow drying and styling. This hairspray offers medium hold and volumizes the hair, adding body, and providing long-lasting control.
Pros
- Provides medium hold
- Lightweight
- Sustainable
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Contains dimethicone and alcohol
Best Color-Safe:Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat Flat Iron Protection
The Beyond The Zone Turn Up The Heat Flat Iron Protection protects the hair from damage caused by heat styling tools. It seals and protects the hair cuticles, making it smooth, silky, and healthy. This hairspray helps style the hair effortlessly, making it soft and manageable. It can be paired with any heat styling tools.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Softens the hair
- Makes the hair manageable
Cons
- Contains cyclopentasiloxane and added fragrance
- Might feel greasy
Best Silicone-Free:Aussie Prime & Proper Hair Primer
The Aussie Prime &Proper Hair Primer Treatment offers heat protection, frizz control, and hair conditioning. It also acts as a leave-in conditioner that nourishes the hair. This heat protectant spray is formulated with Australian Manuka honey and caviar lime that replenish the hair. It is cruelty-free and does not contain parabens, dyes, or gluten.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Silicone-free
- Controlsfrizz
Cons
- Contains ethanol and added fragrance
ArtNaturals Argan Oil Thermal Shield Heat Protection
Image: Artnaturals The ArtNaturals Argan Oil Thermal Shield Heat Protection is a lightweight mist spray that protects the hair from heat damage caused by flat irons, blow dryers, or curling wands. It offers thermal protection up to 450°F. This spray can also be used as a leave-in conditioner to moisturize the hair. It contains argan oil that enhances hair growth.
This natural moisturizer repairs dry, brittle, and damaged hair from photo and heat damage. It reduces hair drying time while boosting hair shine. This thermal shield is suitable for all hair types, including fine, damaged, blonde, and brunette hair.
Pros- Lightweight
- Suitable for all hair types
- Moisturizes the hair
- Repairs damaged hair
Cons
- Contains alcohol and added fragrance
Argan Oil Thermal ShieldPremium Nature
The Premium Nature Argan Oil Thermal Shield protects and restores the hair from heat damage caused by blowdrying, flat iron, and the sun. It also offers humidity control. This spray conditions the hair, preventing brittleness and dryness.
It contains argan oil that repairs and strengthens the hair. This hairspray also contains natural ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat, vegetable and oat proteins, along with vitamin B5 that moisturize and smoothen the hair while adding shine. It can also be used as a leave-in conditioner and helps detangle the hair.
Pros- Humidity-resistant
- BPA-free
- Hexane-free
- Sulfate-free
- Detangles the hair
- Adds shine
Cons
- Contains methicone
John Frieda Frizz Ease Flat Iron Spray
The John Frieda Frizz Ease Flat Iron Spray is formulated with a proprietary blend of polymers and keratin protein. It controls frizz without weighing the hair down. This lightweight hairspray enhances hair shine and gloss. The heat-activated formula shields the hair to protect it from heat damage and provides long-lasting straightness. Your hair remains straight for three days or until the next wash.
Pros- Lightweight
- Controls frizz
Cons
- Contains parabens and alcohol
L'Oréal Paris SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray
The L’Oreal Paris Sleek It Iron Straight Heat spray offers heat protection up to 450°F. It keeps the hair sleek for up to three days. This heat spray controls frizz and boosts hair shine. It can be used with any heat styling tools like curlers, straighteners, or blow dryers. It softens the hair with increased volume and density for up to 24 hours.
Pros- Controls frizz
- Adds shine
- Humidity-resistant
- Paraben-free
- Softens the hair
Cons
- Contains alcohol, added fragrance, and methicone
The Moroccan Oil Perfect Defense is a dry aerosol spray that provides heat protection up to 450°F. It contains argan oil and panthenol. The argan oil restores, nourishes, and strengthens the hair, while panthenol makes the hair healthy. Hold the bottle 6 inches away from the hair and spray evenly for the best results.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Contains dimethicone, added fragrance, and alcohol
Drugstore heat protectants can prevent hair breakage and provide naturally healthy strands. These heat protectants nourish your tresses and make them appear stronger and firmer. Drugstore heat protectants also cater to your split ends and reduce them with ease. These products make your hair become voluminous with healthier strands. However, while choosing the best drugstore heat protectants, avoid the ones that can weigh your hair down or make your locks appear too dry.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is passionate about hair care and related products. She understands how important it is to protect your hair from the damages of heat styling. Her recommendations for the best drugstore heat protectants are based on exhaustive research and sifting through reliable user feedback on online forums. The heat protectants mentioned in this article help safeguard your hair from heat damage without breaking the bank.
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