Our hair epitomises the expression “beauty is pain.” We douse it in bleach to achieve the perfect golden blonde, tug at it with a brush until it’s silky smooth, and blast it with scorching heat to transform its texture — it’s a tough gig.
So when it comes to preventing our hard-working hair from becoming damaged and sizzled from the daily use of heat tools, taking the proper precautions is very important. Particularly when giving up our straightener is simply not an option.
Fortunately for us, thanks to a few very clever heat protectant sprays on the market, we can now shield our hair from heat damage while nourishing and conditioning strands at the same time. Here are beautyheaven’s recommendations for heat protectant sprays that will leave your hair soft, silky and strong.
2024’s Top 3 Heat Protectant Sprays
- REDKEN Extreme Play Safe, $45, Adore Beauty
- Aveda Heat Relief Thermal Protector & Conditioning Mist, $41, Adore Beauty
- TONI&GUY Heat Protection Mist, $11.39, Chemist Warehouse
Best heat protectant for hair
REDKEN Extreme Play Safe
From $45 at Adore Beauty
We say: If you’re looking to simplify your pre-styling routine, Redken’s Extreme Play Safe treatment offers a 3-in-1 formula designed to nourish existing damage, protect against heat up to 230 degrees and strengthen hair to prevent future breakage.
You Say: “Not only does it keep my hair feeling soft after heat styling, it also works as a highly effective hair detangler. It’s looking well maintained and looking fresh and healthy.” – Candy fairy
Want to read more? Read Redken Extreme Play Safe Reviews here…
Key features:
- Made from plant protein
- Tourmaline strengthens and smooths strands
- Protects against heat up to 450 degrees
Available at:
- $45 from Adore Beauty
- $45 from The Iconic
- $30.75 (usually $41) from Catwalk
Aveda Heat Relief Thermal Protector & Conditioning Mist
From $41 at Adore Beauty
We say: That beach wave you styled with your curling iron might not be natural, but your heat protectant spray still can be. With its signature shampure scent, Aveda’s Heat Relief Thermal Protector and Conditioning Mist uses a 97 per cent naturally- derived formula to condition strands and shield against damaging high temperatures.
Key features:
- 97 per cent naturally derived
- Infuses hair with calming shampure™ aroma
- Cruelty-free
Available at:
- $41 from Adore Beauty
- $41 from Aveda
TONI&GUY Heat Protection Mist
From $19 at Chemist Warehouse
We say: This is a product that works just as well on dry hair before a quick styling touch-up as it does on towel-dried hair after a wash. TONI&GUY’s Heat Protection Mist prevents breakage and heat tool-inflicted damage, leaving strands soft, smooth and strong.
You say: “I have no idea what goes into this stuff, but this Toni&Guy Prep Heat Protection Mist is just sheer brilliance. I am probably going to sound crazy but here goes….. I actually think it cuts my blow-drying and straightening time in half. I feel like it helps hair dry faster and straighter.” – Low Budget Girl
Want to read more? Read TONI&GUY Hair Care Heat Protection Mist Reviews here…
Key features:
- Protects hair against heat up to 230 degrees
- Easy-to-use spritz nozzle
- Helps create manageable tresses
Available at:
- $11.39 (usually $19) from Chemist Warehouse
- $9.50 (usually $19) from Woolworths
Schwarzkopf Extra Care Keratin Heat Protect Spray
From $15 at Healthy Life
We say: For a product that does the job (and a damn good one at that) and won’t make a dent in your weekly budget, Schwarzkopf’s Heat Protection Spray is a winner. It prevents moisture loss from heat tools while reducing frizz and leaving hair glossy.
Want to read more? Read Schwarzkopf Extra Care Keratin Heat Protection Spray Reviews here…
Key features:
- Four times more keratin than previous versions
- Three day style hold
- Lightweight texture
Available at:
- $12.95 (usually $15) from Healthy Life
- $15 from Priceline
- $10.50 (usually $15) from Big W
Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique
From $62 at Kérastase
We say: This one’s for regular heat stylers who’ve been noticing a little more hair fall out than normal. The Kérastase Genesis Defense Thermique is a luxurious, heat-activated treatment for damaged, dry hair that adds shine while strengthening and conditioning.
Key features:
- Seals split ends
- Reduces breakage
- Offers 24 hour protection
Available at:
- $62 from Kérastase
- $58.50 from Adore Beauty
- $49.72 (usually $59) from Catch
ghd Bodyguard
From $45 at ghd Hair
We say: From the heat styling tool experts themselves, this recent heat protectant release from ghd acts as an invisible shield between your hair and your straightener, curler or dryer. Suitable for use on damp or dry hair, this thermal spray leaves no grit or texture on strands and will layer seamlessly under complementing styling products.
You say: “Hands down it is the best heat protection spray on the market. It does not leave my hair greasy, unlike others I used in the past. The packaging is very luxe and I love the gold and black colours. A little goes a long way and has excellent value for money. The scent is so sweet and makes my hair smell fresh. The bottle sprays evenly to cover all my hair. I would highly recommend it and repurchase it when it’s finished. Since using the Ghd bodyguard heat protection spray I’ve noticed the difference, my hair looks healthier and my ends are not that fried or dry.” – Omyara
Want to read more? Read ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray Reviews here…
Key features:
- Can be used on dry or damp hair
- Formulated with protective polymers
- Creates a thermal protective layer
Available at:
- $45 from ghd Hair
- $45 from Adore Beauty
Goldwell StyleSign Sleek Perfection
From $32.95 at Adore Beauty
We say: Silky strands that last? Genuinely always the straightening goal. Most of the time humidity still ends up wreaking havoc on our hair before the day is done. But we can put that issue in the past with Goldwell’s water-less serum spray, which works to not only create stunningly straight strands but also maintains resistance against humidity for 24 hours. As if that wasn’t enough, it even speeds up the straightening process!
You say: “Sleek, silky and soft after straightening. This is a superior heat/thermal protection spray, which is sprayed on dry hair right before straightening and provides 200 degree heat protection!” – PoshBec
Want to read more? Read Goldwell StyleSign Sleek Perfection Reviews here…
Key features:
- Sulphate free
- Helps reduce colour fade
- Works well for thick hair
Available at:
- $32.95 from Adore Beauty
- $20.36 (usually $32.95) from Oz Hair and Beauty
- $19.95 (usually $25.95) from Catch
TRESemmé Hair Styling Spray Thermal Protection
From $7.99 at Priceline
We say: This handy strand-styling spray guards your strands against heat as well as friction. Created as a heat-activated spray, your tresses will be enviably soft and shiny after use.
Want to read more? Read TRESemmé Hair Styling Spray Thermal Protection Reviews here…
Key features:
- Vitamin-enriched
- Guards against heat and friction
- Leaves hair looking shiny
Available at:
Do hair heat protectants really work?
They sure do! If you’re not using a heat protectant when styling your hair using hot tools, we need you to know: you’re doing your strands dirty. And it’s not new news either (sorry). A few years ago UK hair stylist Patrick Wilson conducted a heat protectant test on a slice of toast. And let us tell you, we were shocked. Not only do these sprays work to protect our strands against hair tools, they are even able to offer protection from the harsh Aussie sun. Basically you need to add to cart on your next order!
Do you use heat protectant on wet or dry hair?
Luckily for us, most heat protectant sprays don’t discriminate. They’ll happily be spritzed on wet OR dry strands. Unless the bottle you’re picking up specifies that it can only be used for one or the other, feel free to spritz away. Your strands will be thanking you!
Related article:
- Have all the heat protecting tips, now to upgrade your tools…
Main Image Credit: @marktownsend1
Have you tried any of these? If not, which heat protectant is your favourite?
Great to know about
The Tresemme is extremely good value.
Yes priced well.
Beautiful hair is a must and it is always so good to see lovely shining hair with a nice colour. I guess one has to use all these products to get good results
Good article and good advice too!
Something I need to use , I have one in my bathroom cupboard somewhere…
You need to find it Hayley 644 as no good in the cupboard XX
I like the look of the Aveda one.
Some nice products here but I dont usually use any of them.
I always use a heat protect when I dry and style. The Tresemme is on my radar to try.
Very nice products
I don’t use heat on my hair
I try not to either but sometimes I do
I need to use this kind of product for my hair.
I try not to use heat on my hair as I colour and that does enough damage.
Only recently started looking at these type of products. I don’t use it for heat styling so much as combatting prolonged UV exposure and sometimes effects of humidity.
I don’t have a heat protectant – probably something that I need to change pronto
Idon’t use heat tools often enough to feel that I need this product.
I generally use multipurpose products as heat protectants, such as Eleven’s Miracle Hair
I rarely use heat to style my hair now. But will always use a heat protectant when I do.