These Heat Protectants Will Protect Strands Without Breaking the Bank
You can't mop without sweeping first, brush without flossing, and you can't put major heat on your hair without protecting it first. Now, we'll admit there have been times when we've skimped on heat protectant or blasted the blow-dryer while our strands were soaking. With no barrier between your hair and temperatures that range anywhere between 300 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit, you're essentially cooking your hair — with no oil, to boot.
Cosmetic chemist Ginger King previously told Allure that you'll want to look for products with ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and VP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer, both of which "form a shield" to prevent damaged hair. But those aren't the only protective ingredients out there: hair-care brands use a range of familiar additives like aloe and argan oil to help seal the cuticle and keep heat from scorching your precious hair.
But whether you're exposing your crown to high or low heat, a protectant is a major key in combating the breakage, dryness, dullness, and brittleness that all stem from heat styling. Fortunately for you, there are plenty of ways to keep your hair looking great, protect every strand, and keep your bank account full. We've rounded up the best heat protectants available at the drugstore, for hair that’s as safe as it is slayed.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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1/17
John Frieda
John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum
New York City-based hairstylist Devin Toth says that John Frieda's Frizz Ease Serum is a favorite to many people, including himself. "It's one of the most popular because it's not only going to protect against heat but also smooth down any flyaways or frizz," says Toth. This is thanks to the three oils in the formula: argan, coconut, and moringa — which all smell like a tropical vacation.
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2/17
Eva NYC
Eva NYC 10-in-1 Primer
New York City-based hairstylist Mia Santiago loves the Eva NYC 10-in-1 Primer because it kind of does it all. It's made out of argan and sunflower seed oils which moisturize hair and add shine. Not to mention, it reduces frizz and provides heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit — basically, its 10-in-1 claim is very accurate.
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3/17
Aussie
Aussie Total Miracle Heat Protecting Spray
Aussie Total Miracle Heat Protecting Spray is infused with apricot and macadamia oils that act as a barrier between your strands and the heat emitting from your favorite hot tools. For only $5, this spray is simple, easy to use, and a true steal.
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4/17
CHI
Chi 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
"Before using an iron, I'll use a product that is strictly for heat protection," explains hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, who the Kardashians rely on to finesse their hair on the regular. "Maintaining the health and integrity of my client's hair is the most important thing, so direct application of heat onto hair is not something to play around with. I really like the Chi 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray for this. It's a totally weightless and gives that heat protection so I know my client’s hair is safe."
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5/17
L'Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer
Made with rose extract, L'Oréal Paris's EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer nourishes and conditions hair by improving style memory and taming frizz. Plus, the formula is sulfate-free so it's gentle on colored hair.
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6/17
It's a 10
It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product
"I really love the Miracle Leave-in Product from It's a 10," says Miami-based hairstylist Ramón Garcia, who uses the versatile spray before styling. "It's perfect because it's lightweight, allowing me and my clients the ability to layer it, either as a wet-to-dry foundation product or a finishing product before and after any iron work."
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7/17
Kristin Ess
Kristin Ess Style Assist Blow Dry Mist Heat Protectant Spray
Kristin Ess's Blow Dry Mist promises to cut down the time it takes to blow-dry your entire head, leaving you with smoother-feeling hair that's also protected from any potential future damage. Plus, how pretty is the packaging? So aesthetically pleasing on any vanity.
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8/17
Kenra
Kenra Professional Thermal Styling Spray
Kenra Professional's Thermal Styling Spray does double duty, guarding your hair against heat damage while thickening, supporting, and shaping strands for flawless (and safe) styling. You're left with hair that's protected and styled to perfection, with the right amount of shine.
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9/17
OGX
OGX Protecting + Silky Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray
Made with hydrolyzed silk and quinoa, this OGX spray protects hair at temperatures up to 450 degrees and cuts drying time for guilt-free blowouts in a snap. Wait, is that real silk? Nah, it's just your blowout flourishing.
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10/17
Tresemmé
Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Leave In Spray
Blow-dryers and flatirons, beware. You're no match for this spray, which protects all hair types from heat up to 450 degrees. Los Angeles-based hairstylist Alexander Armand, is a fan of this drugstore find. "I love to use Tresemmé's heat protectant not only with a curling iron, but even more so to protect against heat from the blow-dryer," he says. "The smell of this product is amazing and it works as a great shield when diffusing your hair."
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11/17
Mielle Organics
Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray
Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray relies on its namesake ingredient, sourced from southern Africa’s Kalahari Desert, to swap frizz for shine. That way, you can change up your style without having to worry about overheating your strands.
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12/17
Pravana
Pravana Nevo Intense Therapy Leave-In Treatment
Aspen Rae Hogue, colorist and co-owner of the Carson and Co. salon in Denver, Colorado, loves the Pravana Nevo Intense Therapy Leave-In Treatment for a deeply penetrating, powerful guard against heat damage. "It's more than your average heat protectant," she raves. "It adds moisture, helps to mend split ends, tames frizz and static, and you can even spray it in your hair before a pool day to lessen the effects of chlorine."
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13/17
SGX
SGX NYC Blaze Heat Protection Primer Spray
Made with a blend of moisturizing ceramides and panthenol, the SGX NYC Blaze Heat Protection Primer Spray is a fan favorite. This mist hydrates, smooths, and conditions hair all while protecting it from heat damage.
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14/17
Verb
Verb Leave-In Mist
Who doesn't love a multitasker? This lightweight conditioning protectant from Verb also works as a detangler, which is great when you're prepping for heat styling. And people with curls, take note — you can also spritz some of this on to give an extra boost of moisture to your crown.
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15/17
Silk Elements
Silk Elements Strength 'n Silk Coconut Heat Protection Spray
"I love Silk Elements Strength ‘n Silk Heat Coconut Heat Protection Spray," New York City-based hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew tells Allure. "It really protects you from heat styling appliances and is very light on your hair, meaning it doesn’t leave any residue."
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16/17
Garnier Fructis
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist
If you can't seem to shake your flatiron habit, you need a style that stands the test of time. This spray from Garnier Fructis promises just that. Simply spritz your strands generously before firing up the iron and get ready for a sleek, 48-hour finish that's just what the weekend ordered.
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17/17
SheaMoisture
SheaMoisture Sugarcane Extract & Meadowfoam Seed Silicone Free Miracle Styler Leave-In Treatment
Who says you need a million products to achieve the perfect blowout? SheaMoisture put everything you need in this one styling spray that acts as a leave-in treatment and a barrier to intense heat from hot tools. Instead of silicones, which you can find in many heat protectants, this spray contains sugarcane extract, which acts like a silicone does, but is all-natural alternative. Besides making your hair feel crazy soft, it is really the only product you need for a sleek blowout.
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