11 Best Heat Protectant Sprays, Serums, and Creams to Protect Your Hair

This restorative formula not only protects against heat up to 450 degrees, but it also helps strengthen and repair already damaged hair, thanks to a blend of protein and amino acids in the ingredient list. Ceramides add to the good-for-your-hair factor, moisturizing and even improving the overall elasticity.

Glamour contributor Clare Holden uses this when going for a bouncy blow-dry. “This serum keeps my hair tangle-free and works well when I want to add some waves or curls to the ends when styling,” Holden says. “Once I’m done, my hair feels smoother and I can run my fingers through it easily.”

Key ingredients: Pro-keratin complex, ceramides, resurrection plant sap | Size: 5.1 oz. | Type: Serum

• What we love: Protects up to 450°; suitable for all hair types
• What we don’t like: Expensive

Fine hair types will love this mist that hydrates the hair and protects it from heat. It also works to address stubborn static and is best used on long hair.

“My long, easy-to-tangle hair absolutely drinks this protectant up,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It has a blend of lentil seed extract and glutamic acid, which works to repair and strengthen hair. I also notoriously deal with static after I heat-style, and this has managed to completely tame it and keep my strands totally straight and soft.”

Key ingredients: Lentil seed extract, glutamic acid, amino acids | Size: 8.45 fl. oz. | Type: Spray

• What we love: Fine mist; combats static; doesn’t weigh fine hair down; big bottle
• What we don’t like: The bottle leaks

“I love this one because it not only protects the hair from heat but also nourishes it with guava extract, which is rich in antioxidants,” says Cavalcante. “It’s lightweight and smells amazing.” It has a nongreasy finish that’s great for thick hair types without leaving behind any residue.

“I have long, thick hair, but I can get a lot of product from this bottle. I start by spraying on damp hair and then detangling with my hair brush. Then I use my T3 curling iron, some Rōz hair oil, and Oribe hair spray to style it. I like that it protects my strands but also helps with frizz. I also love the guava scent, which is perfect for the summer,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.

Key ingredients: Guava, Mexican avocado oil | Size: 6.7 fl. oz. | Type: Spray

• What we love: Boosts shine; leaves a frizz-free finish; amazing smell; suits thick and coarse hair types
• What we don’t like: Some people love the smell while others find it too musky

If you have color-treated hair, it may already be a little bit damaged, and you’ll want to make sure it’s amply protected when you heat-style it. This heat shield will do just that and is safe to use if you often dye your strands. It’s suitable for all hair types, whether you have straight hair, wavy, curly, or anything in between.

“I like to use high heat with my straightener to get that super-sleek finish, so I appreciate that this protects up to 450 degrees. I also love that it’s designed for dry hair, since I usually let my hair air-dry before styling and often touch up prestyled sections," says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “The scent is a standout too—it has that nostalgic salon smell that really lingers. Best of all, there’s no sticky, heavy, or crunchy feeling—you can see the product works to smooth and reduce frizz, but it basically feels like there’s nothing in your hair.”

Key ingredients: Honey | Size: 4.2 fl. oz. | Type: Spray

• What we love: Easy application; under $20; protects artificial hair color
• What we don’t like: Pricey for the size

Another blow-dry spray that’s a favorite of Cavalcante, who says this is a solid option if you style your hair frequently with hot tools. “It offers long-lasting protection against high heat and helps maintain style while keeping the hair touchably soft, and I love that it can be used on dry or damp hair,” he says.

Glamour’s Kilkeary finds it especially useful for combatting her frizz after heat-styling. “No matter what I do, my hair tends to frizz after I blow-dry it, every single time,” she says. “When I tried this spray, it actually managed to keep my flyaways in check post-blow-dry. I think the trick is applying it on damp hair all over right before I hit it with heat. It managed to keep my hair really silky and smooth.”

Key ingredients: Sunflower oil, polymers | Size: 5.5 fl. oz. | Type: Spray

• What we love: Leaves hair smooth and frizz-free; protects up to 450°
• What we don’t like: Pricey

We love this cream that protects all curl types and doesn’t weigh hair down. “This cream is especially great for frizz-prone or dry hair. It provides heat protection while also smoothing and softening the hair, making it ideal for blowouts or flatironing,” says Cavalcante. It protects up to 450° and minimizes frizz post-styling. It also contains a blend of rosehip, argan, and coconut oils to help seal in moisture and protect against breakage.

Key ingredients: Rosehip oil, argan oil, coconut oil | Size: 4 fl. oz. | Type: Cream

• What we love: Lightweight; doesn’t weigh hair down; leaves a shiny finish
• What we don’t like: Can be greasy if you use too much

Safe for both color- and keratin-treated hair, this super-lightweight styler boasts a special heat-activated polymer technology that helps protect the integrity of your strands while styling, says Nikki Corzine, owner of The Canyon Salon in Westlake Village, California. It also contains nourishing oils, like maracuja oil, to both protect and moisturize, as well as provide UV protection. The silky cream formula elevates any home blow-out and, along with its luxurious packaging, makes this balm worth the investment.

“If you want a lightweight cream, this is one to not sleep on. It’s velvety smooth in texture, and a little of it goes a long way," says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “If I’m curling my hair, I like to apply a small amount of this from my midshafts to my ends, curl the piece, and let it sit in a roller for 10 minutes. I’m left with glossy, strong curls every time I use this and never run into any issues with hair burning.”

Key ingredients: Sandalwood oil, maracuja oil | Size: 3.4 oz. | Type: Cream

• What we love: Lightweight; offers UV protection
• What we don’t like: Expensive

For those who find that serums and creams weigh down their hair or tend to leave it looking greasy, this spray from Moroccanoil is the one to reach for. Leading cosmetologist Anna Peterson loves its weightless feel, telling us, “This spray offers protection up to 450 degrees and, as it’s infused with argan oil, it also nourishes while it shields.” It can be applied to both damp and dry hair, so if you need to use your straighteners in between washes, a light spritz of this product helps to keep your hair protected and looking healthy at all times.

Key ingredients: Argan oil, kernel oil | Size: 6 oz. | Type: Spray

• What we love: Lightweight oil; suitable for all hair types
• What we don’t like: Needs to be combed through

This splurge-worthy mist is a fun addition to any hair care routine. It leaves hair shiny and frizz-free thanks to hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and a botanical extract complex that protects and nourishes hair.

“I’d recommend this mist to anyone who really heat-styles their hair every single day and wants something extra luxe,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “The formula is not overly thick or too thin and runny; it actually has a really nice slip when applying it onto your strands. It definitely kept my hair super moisturized after I straightened it but didn’t make it look oily.”

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, botanicals | Size: 2.37 oz. | Type: Spray

• What we love: Fights frizz; leaves hair smooth and not oily
• What we don’t like: Expensive