13 Best Heat Protectants For Fine Hair (2024) – Cosmetologist’s Top Picks
Keeping your fine hair protected from heat damage is easy with these nourishing products!
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
oyendrila kanjilalMA, Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... 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
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Blow-drying and straightening of hair are common in today’s day and age. Your hair has to go through all the effects of heat styling. These practices make your hair lose moisture and leave you with dry, dull, and frizzy tresses, especially when you have fine hair, the longer the dryer time, the more the damage. This is precisely why you need to have the best heat protectant for fine and fragile hair, as it can add the required moisture to the mane and build a protective thin shield for fine hair, preventing hair damage. So, I sought the help of Lindsay Loo, a cosmetologist, before curating this list of the 13 must-have heat protectants for fine hair. Check the products out because you deserve to have gorgeous hair without any hassle.
In This Article
13 Best Heat Protectants For Fine Hair Of 2024 + Buying Guide
1.Best Lightweight Formula:CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
The CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray for fine hair is a weightless formula suitable for all hair types. It has no added buildup and is a fine hair heat styling essential. One of the key ingredients in this fine hair thermal spray is silk protein that adds shine and moisture to hair and also builds strength. It protects the hair strands from heat damage, helps to seal the cuticles, prevents hair breakage, and allows you to freestyle. This spray offers restorative care by strengthening the strands and increasing their ability to resist heat damage. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this video featuring a reviewer’s experience of using the product to learn about its application technique, merits, and demerits.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Unisex
- Easy brush glide formula
- Makes your hair smooth and sleek
- Prevents split ends
- Amazing smell
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Hair becomes dry.
- Sticky
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 37,375 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best For Very Dry Hair: Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Creme – BROKEN LINK
The Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Creme is a perfect heat protectant for thin hair that is dry. It is designed to transform your hair inch by inch, making it supple, soft to the touch, and resistant to heat styling. This royal creme is made of jelly extract, Iris rhizome extract, xylose, and linseed oil that polish the hair surface. The jelly extract supplies nutrients to the hair cuticles and makes your hair soft, shiny, and supple without any breakage. The Irish rhizome extracts are rich in antioxidants that protect hair strands from oxidative and chemical damage. The linseed oil oil acts as fine hair heat protectant oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that locks hair cuticles and prevents frizz. The xylose has thermo-protective properties. If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look at this tester’s experience in this video.
Pros
- Has anti-roughness properties
- Eases styling
- Protects dry hair from blow-dry damage
- Adds shine
- Polishes and nourishes hair fibers
- Softens and moisturizes hair
Cons
- Greasy
Pro Tip3. Best Conditioning and Strengthening:Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Hair Primer
The Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Hair Primer Leave-In Hair Treatment is designed to provide restorative care before styling. The product detangles hair and strengthens your tresses while protecting them from heat damage. It contains a unique blend of hair-benefiting ingredients like silk proteins, amino acids, argan oil, coconut oil, and UV filters to repair and revitalize damaged hair and protect it from environmental damage. The lightweight heat protectant hydrates, nourishes, smooths, and polishes each hair strand reducing breakage and making your hair shiny, bouncy, and lively. This fine hair heat protectant with color preservation can be used on dry or wet hair before styling with a hot tool.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Conditioning and strengthening formula
- Protects from heat damage
- Offers smoothness and shiny tresses
- Protects from environmental damage
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
None
CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray Best Lightweight Formula | Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Creme - BROKEN LINK Best For Very Dry Hair | Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Hair Primer Best Conditioning and Strengthening | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | All | - | Damaged |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 1.5 inches | - | 3 x 1.5 x 6.25 inches |
| Weight | 9.6 Ounces | - | 0.63 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 37,375 | 1,479 | - |
| Price | $3.59 | $28.98 | $19.99 |
4. Best Award-Winning Formula:Moroccanoil Perfect Defense
The Moroccanoil Perfect Defense is an argan-oil infused dry aerosol spray that protects hair strands from heat damage up to 450°F. This award-winning formula nourishes each hair strand by trapping humidity. Makeup vlogger, Rani Reviews, on YouTube says, “My impression of this product is very positive. If you want to make your hair presentable, use this product to look like you’ve just had a fresh wash. It does the job without damaging the tresses. It does not make my hair feel greasy and makes it smell really fresh.” The fatty acids from the argan oil seal moisture and lubricate and nourish the hair shaft. The vitamin E offers a protective fatty layer to the hair and scalp. This prevents dryness, reduces frizz, and makes your hair shiny like that of a celebrity.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all hair types
- Maintains healthy hair
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Poor quality spray
- Sticky on the scalp.
Pro Tip5. Best All-Rounder: Living proof Restore Perfecting Spray
Living proof is one of the best overall heat protection sprays that restore and revive dry, dull, damaged, and frizzy fine hair. This fine hair heat protectant with strengthening properties is a featherweight, silicone-free conditioning detangler formulated with hydrogenated castor oil, beetroot extract, and carob seed extract that strengthen the hair fibers. The carob seed extract improves the structural integrity of each hair strand, enhances the protective barrier against environmental aggressors, seals moisture, and adds shine to hair cuticles. This leave-in conditioning mist acts as a fine hair heat protectant mist that minimizes wet detangling and defends the hair against temperatures up to 205° C while using a hot tool. Shake well, spray the mist on damp hair from root to tip, and go on with your styling routine as you desire.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
- Color-safe formulation
- Provides UV protection
- PETA-certified
- Cruelty-free
- Recyclable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for thick hair.
- Terrible smell
- Greasy feel
6.Best Salon-Quality Formula: Kenra Professional Thermal Styling Spray
The Kenra Professional Thermal Styling Spray provides thermal protection up to 428° F or 220° C. This non-sticky formula tames frizz and flyways and adds shine, smoothness, and a feather-soft texture after applying high heat. For creating any style, separately dry hair in sections, spray generously over each section, and apply the heat styling tools for a professional salon-quality finish. YouTube hair care vlogger, Shannon Goode, says, “I use this spray before using hot rollers and curling irons. It is a very workable spray and helps to hold curls all day.”
Pros
- Prevents hair damage
- Suitable for long, thin hair
- Adds shine
- Non-sticky formula
Cons
- Contains alcohol
7. Best Time Saver:Joico Zero Heat Air Dry Styling Creme
The Joico Zero Heat Air Dry Styling Cream is a styler meant for fine or medium hair. It fights frizz, adds shine, and improves the hair’s natural texture, giving it body and fullness. This heat protectant cream has rosehip oil which is very lightweight and non-sticky yet adds a healthy shine to your tresses. In addition, it offers 24-hour protection from humidity and pollution without weighing down the hair. Hair care vlogger, Lauren, on YouTube mentions, “This product helps cut down the frizz and ‘poof’ while air drying. It enhances my hair texture and makes it much more easy and manageable.” Apply the required amount on towel-dried hair, scrunch, let it dry, and you’re ready to go.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Absorbed easily
- Fights frizz
- Non-sticky
- Improves hair manageability
- Protects against pollution
Cons
None
Pro Tip8. Best Dermatologically-Tested:Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer
The Oribe Run-Through Primer has a quick detangling property and also works as an effective heat protectant spray. This paraben-free and sulfate-free formula seals cuticles, protects hair strands from heat damage, and improves manageability. This dermatologically-tested anti-static spray is made with a Oribe Signature Complex that consists of watermelon, lychee, and Edelweiss flower extracts with a blend of detangling oil (pomegranate, apricot, and coconut). This heat protectant hair spray also comes along with tropical hibiscus flower extract. The Oribe Signature Complex protects hair from oxidative stress, sun damage, and environmental aggressors by safeguarding the natural keratin. The amino acids and the detangling oil smoothen hair cuticles and repair and strengthen hair follicles. The tropical hibiscus flower extract is rich in vitamin C and amla extracts that condition and nourish the hair and restore hydration.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Color-safe
- Protects natural keratin
- Gluten-free
- 100% vegan ingredients
- Approved by PETA
- Prevents hair breakage
- Easily detangles knots
Cons
- Does not have a pleasant smell.
9. Best For Healthy Hair Growth:ArtNaturals Argan Oil Thermal Shield
Image: Artnaturals ArtNaturals Argan Oil Thermal Shield doubles up as a heat protectant spray and as a leave-in conditioner. It prevents dryness and nourishes your dry strands for a healthy shine. It is infused with argan oil that enhances hair texture, repairs damaged hair, and promotes hair health and growth. Suitable for color-treated hair and all hair types whether you have straight or curly hair, it makes your hair buttery soft and lustrous.
Amy, a blogger, writes in her blog, “I would call this product a styling lotion. I got fantastic results that I wasn’t expecting since it only claims to be a heat protectant. A major bonus is that this product is chock full of good ingredients, so I’m sure my hair will be looking and feeling healthier over time (i).”
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Multipurpose
- Color-safe
- Comes with a pump dispenser
Cons
- May weigh down fine hair
- Might feel sticky
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 6,452 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
10.Best For Fine Hair: ghd Heat Protect Spray
The ghd Heat Protect Spray comes with a fresh botanical scent. It forms an invisible barrier on fine hair and leaves no product residue. This heat protectant spray has been designed to help unleash your hair’s natural beauty while allowing you to maximize the heat styling effect. It is one of the popular choices that is recommended by stylists and highly rated and trusted by consumers. It is formulated with hydrolyzed wheat protein PG that prevents the hair cuticles from breakage, wraps moisture, and maintains the hair’s natural moisture and strength. Just 6-8 sprays from the root to the tip of your hair can protect it from any heat treatment or hot tool.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Leaves a silky, smooth finish
- Long-lasting protection
- Provides UV protection
- Paraben-free
- Pleasant botanical smell
Cons
- May leave hair stiff.
11. Best Drugstore:TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Protectant Spray
The TRESemmé Heat Protectant Spray is a strong recovery system that safeguards against heat tools. It is an ideal choice for those who often style their hair and is suitable for both straight or curly hair. This heat tamer spray withstands temperatures up to 450° F without damaging the hair strands. It is infused with a moisture-locking vitamin complex, glycerin, and panthenol that have moisturizing and emollient properties. It has a refreshing and soothing fragrance.
Jinse Thomas, a blogger living in the US, writes in her blog, “It is colorless and looks exactly like water. This is one of the reasons I love this spray. This spray feels absolutely light on the hair – as I said just like water. I can definitely vouch for the fact that this product protects hair from heat damage. This spray is packed with vitamins which nourishes the hair while protecting it. It leaves hair soft, shiny and smelling divine!! It also works on frizz to some extent (ii).”
Pros
- Easy to use
- Paraben-free
- Enhances hair’s flexibility
- Strengthens hair bonds
- Affordable salon-quality product
- Pleasant smell
- Not animal-tested
Cons
- Poor quality spray
12. Best For Dry Hair:Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Heat Protection Spray
This is a lightweight, vitamin-enriched heat protection spray suitable for all hair types be it straight, curly, dry, or oily hair. The Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Heat Protection Spray repairs, revives, and rehabilitates hair from heat styling and environmental damage. It is clinically-proven to reduce up to 99% of hair breakage and can tolerate heat up to 450° F. It is formulated with new and exclusive Caviar Bond Enforcing advanced technology that rebonds, rebuilds, and seals the cuticle for up to 10 hair washes. It is formulated with caviar extract that is rich in vitamins A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids. The vitamin A helps produce healthy sebum and prevents hair from breakage and drying out, supporting hair health. The omega-3 fatty acids reduce hair fall and protect hair from color damage. This fine hair heat protectant with shine enhancement also delivers hydration and shine to each hair strand. A vegetable-derived protein in this heat protectant hair spray is specially formulated to strengthen, fortify, and revitalize damaged or bleached hair.
Pros
- Color-safe
- Rebonds hair strands
- Protects from chemical damage
- Enforced with Caviar Bond Technology
- Infused with an age-control complex
- Protects from oxidative damage
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Contains silicone
13.Best For Extra Nourishment: Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant
The Cantu Shea Butter Thermal Shield Heat Protectant spray shields heat up to 425° F. It also guards against blow-dry damage. This hair protectant and styling product is made with 100% shea butter that is an excellent emollient. It seals moisture, prevents breakage and split ends and minimizes heat damage.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Tames frizz and flyways
- Conditions hair
- Adds light hold
- Adds shine and sheen
- Withstands high heat
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- Greasy feel
These are the 13 best fine hair thermal protectants that shield your hair from heat. In the next section, we will discuss why your hair needs a heat protectant.
Why Your Hair Needs A Heat Protectant
A heat protectant safeguards against heat damage. Regularly styling your hair with a hair dryer or hair straightener without a heat protectant can strip off the hair’s natural moisture and oils. Even a celebrity hairstylist would advise against regular exposure to heat without protection. You can lose hair elasticity and your hair can also become dry, brittle, and frizzy. Fine hair heat styling protectors act as a polymer that wraps around the hair strands. Their natural humectants seal moisture, and their infused proteins strengthen hair fibers.
It is important to know what you need to consider before buying a heat protectant. The following guide can help.
What To Consider Before Buying Heat Protectants
- Ingredients: Choose the ingredients based on your need. Heat protectants come with both natural and chemical combinations. Argan oil, olive oil, and shea butter are some of the best natural humectants that nourish and hydrate hair strands. Choose fine hair heat protectant with natural ingredients.
- Heat Protection: Not all heat protectant sprays are good at handling extreme heat. Ensure your protectant can handle at least 200o C of heat.
Lindsay Loo, a cosmetologist, says, “Not all thermal products are created equally. Make sure when you are purchasing or researching that the product is best used for direct or indirect heat or both. Example, a thermal protectant that helps against the heat of a blow dryer might not be formulated to protect against the heat of a flat iron/curl wand.”
Infographic: Necessities Of A Heat Protectant
Take a look at the infographic below to understand the various essential functions of a heat protectant and its role in making your tresses shinier and healthier. With the help of this infographic, you can understand more about the reasons for using a heat protectant and how they create a protective layer to safeguard your curls from heat damage. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Thermal protectants are a boon for protecting hair strands against heat in a hair styling routine . These heat protectants smoothen hair shaft cuticles and make your hair less prone to damage. Each of the products listed above have their own special benefits apart from heat protection such as maintaining shine, hair elasticity, and more. For superior iron guard heat protection, consider the CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray. If you’re seeking a hair primer that offers long-lasting style, the Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Hair Primer is a top choice. You can try the Joico Zero Heat Air Dry Styling Crème to smoothly air-dry hair. Pick the right product from this list and style your hair as you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to put a heat protectant on wet or dry fine hair?
It is preferable to apply a few spritzes of heat protectant spray on dry tresses before using a heat styling tool. This way you can seal your hair moisture better, strengthen the hair, and protect it from thermal damage.
Will heat protectant spray make straighteners or a curling wand burn the fine hair?
No. Heat protectant sprays wrap a protective layer around your strands. They prevent the straighteners or curling wands to burn or cause any kind of damage to your fine hair.
Can we use a heat protectant while applying a keratin treatment for fine hair?
No. Keratin treatment requires a lot of heat in order to fuse the keratin properly to your hair follicles. So, using a heat protectant while applying Keratin treatment is not recommended as it may block some of the follicles. However, to retain the shine of your keratin-treated tresses, you must use a heat protectant to guard your hair against damage caused by the styling tools.
Can hair moisturizer be used as a heat protectant for fine hair?
No, a regular hair moisturizer is not an ideal alternative for fine hair heat protectant spray as it will not protect your hair from severe damage caused by styling tools. A heat protectant spray will act as a polymer around your strands and seal essential moisture, allowing no damage caused by several rounds of styling.
Does styling one’s hair every day damage the fine hair, even if a heat protectant is used?
Yes, styling your fine hair daily with hot styling tools is not recommended even if you use a suitable heat protectant spray. Overusing heat styling tools can lead to brittleness, making the hair prone to breakage and causing it to appear limp and dull over time.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal has a keen interest in hair care and styling. Her interest in hairstyling makes her one of the bests to review hair care products. She has conducted in-depth research to find the best hair protectants for finer hair for her readers. They help add the required moisture to the mane and build a protective shield, preventing hair damage.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
i. Health And Beauty Girl
https://www.healthandbeautygirl.com/2016/03/review-art-naturals-argan-oil-thermal.html
ii. Vanity Wall
https://vanitywall.com/2015/08/12/tresemme-thermal-creations-heat-tamer-leave-in-spray-review/
