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And don’t skip the directions. “I know it seems very common sense—but if [the bottle] says to use a pea-sized amount, use a pea-sized amount. Maybe bump it up to a quarter-size if you have more hair, but definitely don’t overuse or underuse the product,” Maria says. Still not getting the results you want? “Watch videos—go on Instagram or YouTube,” she recommends. ”Get a little education on how to use it properly.”
FAQs
Can I use heat protectant on dry hair?
Yep: “They can be used on both wet hair and dry hair,” says Alvarez. “Some are actually meant for dry hair and are activated by heat. These usually tend to create hold in the hair as well” to make your ‘do last longer.
How do I choose the right heat protectant for my hair type?
“Heat protectants work in the same way, whether they’re a cream or a spray,” says Alvarez. “Sprays tend to be lighter and less hydrating, so I’d use them for fine to medium hair. Creams are heavier and should be used for thicker hair.” Maria adds that if you have curly or coily hair, you may want to use a leave-in conditioner before your heat protectant to lock some extra hydration in as you style.
Can I use leave-in conditioner as a heat protectant?
Some leave-in conditioners also double as heat protectants, but not all of them. Check the product label to confirm that it offers heat protection before relying on it during styling.
Shop the best heat protectants
Best for Fighting Frizz: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment
Pros
- Sephora shoppers say it leaves their hair looking glossy and smooth
- Results should last for several washes
- Formula is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free
Cons
- May be too heavy for fine hair
- Reviewers say you need to apply a lot of the product for it to work
Color Wow’s Dream Coat Treatment is a must-have if you’re always battling humidity-induced frizz. It’s activated by heat—after you apply it all over, you’ll need to use a blowdryer (or a blowdryer brush, like the SELF fave Shark SmoothStyle) or another hot tool to smooth your strands. The results can last up to four shampoos later—and, while that might sound too good to be true, Sephora reviewers confirm that it really works. Plus, the ultra-lightweight formula offers flyaway control without weighing your hair down or leaving it looking greasy.
“I’ve used a bunch of heat protectants—most sprays don’t do anything for the frizz, and oils make me look really greasy,” says one SELF staffer with “super thick hair.” “The Color Wow one legit is the perfect balance. My flyaways and split ends look so much smoother, and it actually allows my coarse hair to hold curls with a salon-like finish.” She also loves that it doesn’t have much of a scent.
Other notable ingredients
Hydrating glycerin, soothing and antioxidant-packed calendula flower (marigold) extract
Best for Fine Hair: R+Co Bleu Hypersonic Heat Styling Mist
Pros
- Protects hair up to 450°F
- Adds shine and softness without weighing hair down
- Packaging is made with recycled materials
- Vegan and gluten-free formula
Cons
- Might not provide enough hold for some
This spray from R+Co offers superior heat protection for fine hair, shielding it from temperatures up to 450°F. “It’s a go-to of mine for fine-haired people who want volume and hold out of their heat protectant,” says Alvarez. The mist forms a protective barrier around the cuticle to prevent thermal damage, while jojoba oil adds shine and boosts hair growth.
Other notable ingredients
Conditioning, damage-repairing keratin; protective vitamin E
Best for Blowouts: Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist
Pros
- Protects hair up to 450°F
- Helps repair broken bonds for healthier-looking hair
- Vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free formula
- Humidity-resistant for frizz-free results
Cons
- May not provide enough hold for thicker hair
This blow-dry mist from Olaplex not only protects against heat, but also adds body and bounce for a soft, shiny blowout. Alvarez loves that it “protects while buffing up thin strands. A bonus is that it also helps repair broken bonds in the hair.”
It’s a huge hit with Sephora shoppers too: “I never want to be without this product,” one wrote. “It’s easy to apply without worrying whether I’ve used too much.”
Other notable ingredients
Antioxidant-packed jackfruit
Best for Detangling: Biolage Bond Therapy Smoothing Leave-In Cream
Pros
- Repairs and strengthens damaged hair
- Protects hair up to 450°F
- Can be used daily, even on color-treated hair
Cons
- Might be too heavy for fine hair
This creamy leave-in treatment is ideal for overprocessed hair. Alvarez says it “changed the game” for her: “I like to think of it as a smoothing treatment for dry, frizzy hair while rebuilding the hair’s keratin bonds. It goes on silky, which makes detangling super easy, and helps control frizz throughout the day.” Made with coconut oil and citric acid, it helps repair and strengthen hair while providing heat protection up to 450°F.
Other notable ingredients
Antioxidant-packed, shine-boosting coconut oil
Best for Damaged Hair: Bumble and Bumble Heat Shield
Pros
- Protects hair up to 450°F
- Helps prevent breakage
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Blocks the sun’s UV rays
Cons
- Strong scent, according to Ulta shoppers
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