9 Best Heat Protectants For Hair Extensions To Use In 2024
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Lindsay LooCosmetologist 
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 chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
ramona sinhaMA (English Literature) Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
A hair extension helps to adjust the length of your hair, volumize your hair, and offer the freedom of dying the hair without disturbing the natural hair. But these extensions can get damaged because of styling tools. Nobody wants to lose their quality hair extensions due to heat styling, right? This is where the best heat protectant for hair extensions comes in handy. They provide a protective layer to the hair extension, shielding it from heat damage. In this article, we mentioned a list of the 9 best heat protectants for hair extensions after carefully analyzing unbiased customer reviews. Keep reading to learn more!
In This Article
The Importance Of Using Heat Protectants On Your Hair Extensions
The constant use of heat styling tools like curlers, flat irons, and blow dryers can damage hair extensions and reduce their lifespan. Heat makes natural or synthetic hair extensions weak and breakable. You can prevent this damage by using a heat protectant.
Heat protectants shield the hair extensions and save them from breakage, shrinkage, and damage. They also help extend the lifespan of extensions, wigs, weaves, and other synthetic hair.
Let’s now look at the top heat protectants for the premium hair extensions that you can buy online.
Note: Heat protectants are flammable. Store them away from electrical and other flammable materials.
9 Best Heat Protectants For Hair Extensions
1. Best Overall:Zala Revive Me Hair Extension Treatment
The Zala Revive Me Hair Extension Treatment increases the lifespan of hair extensions and maintains their silky, smooth texture. It detangles and keeps them frizz-free.
This hair extension treatment also provides heat styling protection while repairing dry and damaged hair types. It makes the extensions silky and restores moisture to natural hair. This product repairs hair extensions damaged by over-pressing, bleaching, dryness, heat, and tangles. It can also be used on wigs, tape-in, clip-in, quad weft, keratin, and human hair extensions.
Pros
- Controls frizz
- Detangles the hair extension
- Repairs damaged extensions
- Suitable for daily use
Cons
- Contains paraffin, methicone, and siloxane
"I have tried this product on my tape-in hair extensions. It refreshes and revitalizes the strands without leaving any residue. It maintains the strength of the extensions and does not make them appear heavy."
2. Best Environment-Friendly:HAIRUWEAR Restore
The HAIRUWEAR Restore spray is a heat protectant and detangler. It is ideal for synthetic fibers as it nourishes and softens the hair extensions. This hair spray protects the synthetic fibers from heat damage by heat styling tools like curlers, flat irons, and blow dryers. Its nourishing ingredients are suitable for both synthetic and human hair. This product is environmentally safe, cruelty-free, and vegan. Multiple online reviewers claim that the product does not cause buildup and restore color.
Pros
- Environmentally safe
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Suitable for synthetic and human hair
Cons
- Forms white residue
Quick Tip3. Best For Detangling:Knotty Knot Out Heat Protectant
The Knotty Knot Out Heat Protectant acts as a detangler for the hair extensions. It protects the hair extensions from damage caused by heat styling tools like a hair dryer or a straightening iron. The formula of this heat protectant also detangles even the most matted, tangled, and messy hair extensions and gives you shiny hair. It is also suitable for natural hair. The white tea and ginger scent refresh the hair extensions. This product does not contain water or filler ingredients, making it perfect for hair extension care. The product is also available at an affordable price.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Detangles the hair extensions
- Adds shine
- Water-free
- Filler-free
Cons
- No cons
"This product tackles frizz and matting in my hair extensions. It helps me style them without any heat damage or dryness. It does not leave any greasy residue behind so the extensions don't require frequent washing."
4. Best Gluten-Free:mitch stone ESSENTRIALS X-Tender
The mitch stone ESSENTIALS X-Tender offers multi-benefits for the hair extensions. It forms a barrier on the hair extensions to protect them from heat damage by styling tools. It also detangles and makes the hair soft. This heat protectant can also be used to detangle wigs easily. It controls frizz and prevents flyaways while styling the hair.
The spray contains nourishing ingredients, such as proteins, vitamins C and E, amino acids, and papaya oil, which restore, moisturize, and replenish the hair extensions. It can be used on Remy, natural, European, and Brazilian extensions and wigs. This product offers restorative care and repairs dry and damaged extensions, adds shine, and makes them manageable for styling. It seals the hair cuticles of the extensions to hold the hair together. This heat protectant can be used to style hair extensions or as a leave-in serum for the ideal silky extensions. It has a light citrus and cottonseed fragrance. The product is free of phosphates, sodium, and gluten.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Controls frizz
- Prevents flyaway hair
- Detangles the hair extensions
- Phosphate-free
- Sodium-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Contains starch and dimethicone
5. Best Humidity-Resistant:Glam Seamless Thermal Therapy
The Glam Seamless Thermal Therapy protects the hair extensions from breakage and heat damage. Its heat activated thermal protection prevents humidity from affecting the extensions.
This spray repairs dry hair and split ends, and adds shine to the extensions. It also protects them from sun damage. This product forms a protective barrier over the extensions to save them from the heat damage of the styling tools. It is also free of sulfates, parabens, and animal testing.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- UV protection
- Reduces hair breakage
- Split end prevention
- Adds shine
- Humidity-resistant
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- None
6. Best Color-Safe:Matrix Total Results Length Goals
The Matrix Total Results Length Goals detangles, revives, and eases blow-dried hair extensions. It protects the extensions from heat damage up to 450°F. This heat styling product reduces styling and hair drying time. This heat protectant also detangles the extensions easily and extends their lifespan.
This color-safe product also maintains and restores human hair extensions and wigs. Its exclusive formula hydrates and rejuvenates the hair extensions with reviving agents. Spray on damp hair from the roots to the ends and blow-dry for the best protection. Do not spray on the installation points of the extensions. Check out this video featuring the tester’s experience to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Reduces detangling and styling time
- Provides color protection
- Prevents matting
Cons
- Contains dimethicone and alcohol
"This hair care product revitalizes my extensions and makes them softer. It works wonders on dry ends too. The scent is strong but it does not overwhelm me. The formula nourishes the extensions and imparts a healthy glow."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 1,323 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
7. Best Lightweight:Design Essentials Finishing Thermal Serum
The Design Essentials Finishing Thermal Serum adds high-gloss shine to the extensions and enhances hair manageability. It is suitable for wigs, weaves, and extensions. This lightweight serum protects the extensions from thermal styling damage and prevents shedding, and breakage. The Moroccan oil locks moisture into the hair and eliminates static energy. This affordable heat protectant is not tested on animals.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Improves hair manageability
- Improves moisture retention
- Reduces hair breakage and shedding
- Adds shine
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains alcohol, dimethicone, and fragrance.
"This product offers a subtle shine to the extensions. It reduces static without weighing the hair down. It leaves the extensions looking smooth and naturally well-conditioned. I often use it to enhance my hair's appearance."
Quick Tip8. Best Paraben-Free:HSI Professional Argan Oil Thermal Protector
The HSI Professional Argan Oil Thermal Protector shields the hair extensions from heat damage up to 450ºF. It should be used before ironing, curling, or blow drying the hair. This lightweight mist can also be used as a leave-in conditioning serum to replenish the hair. It makes the hair smooth, frizz-free, and healthy.
This heat-protectant product is formulated with argan oil and vitamins. While the vitamins add shine to the hair, argan oil protects it from free radical damage and provides natural heat protection. This color-safe product is suitable for all hair types, including natural hair and human hair extensions. It forms a protective barrier between the hair extensions and styling tools. This product also detangles the hair extensions and reduces hair drying time. It is cruelty-free and does not contain sulfates, phosphates, or parabens. Watch this video featuring the reviewer’s experience for more information about the product.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Controls frizz
- Sulfate-free
- Phosphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Detangles the hair extensions
Cons
- Contains methicone, alcohol, and added fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,133 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
9. Best For Color-Treated Hair:Redken One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment
The Redken One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment acts as a leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, and frizz-control spray. It protects the hair from breakage and prepares it for styling. This heat protectant is suitable for color-treated hair and extensions. It detangles and moisturizes the hair, and adds shine.
This spray forms a protective layer over the hair to prevent any damage from the styling tools. It is formulated with coconut oil to keep the hair vibrant and healthy. This lightweight product enhances hair manageability and does not contain sulfates, parabens, or heavy waxes. It can be rinsed out or used as a leave-in conditioner.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- No heavy waxes
- Color-safe
- Detangles the hair extensions
- Controls frizz
Cons
- Contains dimethicone and added fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,578 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
While most people think of using heat protectants to curl or straighten their hair, these products can also be used on hair extensions. Using heat styling tools on extensions can deteriorate their quality and cause hair fall-out over time. So, invest in a professional-grade heat protectant to increase the longevity of your extensions. The following buying guide discusses some factors to consider when choosing the best heat protectants for hair extensions.
Things To Look For In A Heat Protectant For Hair Extension
- Formula And Function: Assess the kind of hair extension you are using before buying a heat protectant. Choose a product that offers thermal and anti-frizz protection for thick hair extensions. Select thermal and volumizing heat protectant if you have a thin hair extension. For curly hair extensions, stick to cream-based formulas that deliver lightweight hold.
- Type Of Heat Protectant: Heat protectants are oil-based and water-based. If you have oily hair, choose an oil-based protector, while in the case of dry or normal hair, opt for a water-based protector.
- pH level: Always opt for heat protectants that are pH-balanced. Some products have a high pH level (8+), which is too harsh on your scalp and extension, while other protectants have a low pH level (3), which does not provide enough protection against heat damage. Therefore, ensure that the formula matches your hair’s natural pH level.
- Degree Of Protection: Styling tools usually work at high temperatures. So buy only a heat protectant that offers protection against higher temperatures from 400 to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also advisable to use your styling products at low to medium heat settings to reduce damage.
- Ingredients To Avoid: Steer clear of heat protectants containing alcohol, sulfate, silicones, and water-based polymers. They rob the extension of its shine and deteriorate its texture.
- Lab-Tested: Only purchase independently lab-tested products as they offer the optimum protection.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Heat Protectant For Hair Extensions
Hair extensions come in handy when you want to give your hair a volumized look or feel like styling it differently. You need a good heat protectant to protect your extensions from the effects of daily heat styling. Check out the infographic below to find out what ingredients you must look for when buying a heat protectant for extensions. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Hair extensions are the best styling tools to add length and volume to your hair. Unfortunately, excessive heating styling tools for hair extensions can damage them. You will need the best heat protectant sprays for hair extensions to protect them from breakage and help extend their life. Lindsay Loo, a cosmetologist, says, “When styling your extensions using your favorite heat protectant, avoid putting the blow-dryer and hot tool on the extensions adhesive. This will not only degrade the extensions quicker, reheating the method of attachment can cause damage to the hair, scalp, or both.” The Zala Revive Me Hair Extension Treatment has a nourishing formula that is ideal for excessively frizzy hair extensions. The Redken One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment conditions the hair extensions better and enhances manageability, while the HSI Professional Argan Oil Thermal Protector has a chemical-free formula that combats free radical damage. The heat protection sprays mentioned above are cruelty-free, vegan, and color-safe, and some even have UV filters. These sprays also help detangle your hair extensions and protect a range of hair types. However, some products may contain dimethicone and added fragrance. Go through the product reviews to choose the best heat protection sprays that suit your hair extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put heat protectant on tape-in extensions?
Yes, you can use heat protectant on tape-in extensions before styling your hair.
What should you not put in hair extensions?
You should not put too much shampoos containing sulfates, parabens and alcohols because they will weaken the adhesive bond and make it fall out.
Do heat protectant sprays actually work?
Yes, heat protectant spray reduces the direct heat exposure on your hair and the damage.
What products should you use on hair extensions?
You can use products containing coconut oil, argon oil and castor oil on your hair extensions. These oils lock the moisture to your hair extensions so that they don’t get dry.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, our product writer, has a keen interest in hair care which reflects in her articles. She has consulted hair professionals to understand the concerns and requirements of people regarding different hair-related issues. After analyzing different product reviews, she curated this list of the best heat protectants for hair extensions. She has included a complete description of each product and a pros and cons list to help you pick the right o
