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. Without sounding 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:
Sebastian Professional Trilliant Heat Protector
From $48.15 at Oz Hair and Beauty
We say: Perfect for all hair types, this spray works on some seriously amazing levels. Designed to not only protect your tresses from heat damage (major need), it also works to condition your strands, providing you with some seriously silky, shine. And if that wasn’t enough, the ultra-lightweight spray even manages to create body to your mane. We’re calling it, it’s a triple threat.
Want to read more? Read Sebastian Professional Trilliant Heat Protector Reviews here…
Key features:
- Designed to be a multifaceted complex spray
- Works to condition strands
- Lightweight formula that still adds body
Available at:
- $33.98 (usually $48.15) from Oz Hair and Beauty
- $34.10 from Amazon Australia
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?
Unsure any works actually =/
They definitely work. I remember seeing a video on a bh article last year where someone sprayed a heat protectant on a piece of bread and tried toasting it.
Wow -so they definitely are worth it if you use heat produts
Yeah I know Bianca! Saw that and also have since used those sprays on my hair when heat styling my hair so often. In past would get damaged , but not anymore! Plus I use Olaplex from time to time too
Wow, that’s impressive!
I probably should use these during Winter. Summertime is my chance to let my hair air dry.
If I leave my hair to air dry it is so straight and just hangs down and doesn’t look much. Unfortunately
oooh where is that ‘save to faves’ button when you need it! : 0 Love the looks of these
….and they help! After trying some, noticed certain products do work! Want to try that Redken one and Toni and guy
I rarely use heat products in my hair so don’t feel the need for these.
I am the same -much easier
I haven’t tried any of these but wouldn’t mind the Aveda one because it conditions too.
These look so lovely
I use the Goldwell Dualsenses range of heat protection mists.
No I have never tried any heat protectant -I very rarely use a hair dryer and as I have very thick hair I prefer it to dry naturally
I have one by Maui Moisture, so many of these types of products contain film forming ingredients it’s hard to find a more natural option, I like the look of the Aveda but I don’t use heat on my hair often.
I have several different ones that I’m using right now
I would like to try the Kérastase product.
Not something I would personally use but they are a good idea
Still don’t use..
I don’t heat style regularly, but I’ve always got some heat protectant for when I do.
The ghd Bodyguard is the one I’d like to try.
I’m using the GHD at the moment and love it.
Myself personally I use a different Heat Protection Spray to the ones above but they do work.
I must admit that I have never used a heat protection spray, but perhaps time to start>
I don’t heat style but heat protectant also helps hair in really hot weather and if you are going to sit in the sun all day, e.g. at the beach. Don’t need a lot of it.
I don’t use heat products
i use a hair dryer and rollers, so i will try!
Some good ones mentioned…
None as above, I just use hair oil.
I won the aveda one and have an evo one, forget to use them a lot of the time.
I don’t straighten my hair often well just once or twice a year. I like to pull off the curly hair look. Ive never used a heat protector, i definitely should though
I don’t blow dry my hair often enough to really need one of these, but I might try one.
Love olaplex’s oil for heat protectant
yes just the tiniest amount though
I use Moroccanoil, its a great heat protectorate as well as having heaps of other benefits.
I definitely need this.
I use Toni&Guy when i use heating products (which isnt very often)
I rarely style my hair these days
I usually allow my hair to dry naturally as long as the weather is not too cold so I don’t use a heat protectant.
yes me too and then finih off with the dryer
i want oneeee
I always air dry my hair, but I always use a leave-in conditioner.
i airy dry for 45 minutes then finish off with blow drying
I like that there have been some affordable options included in this list.
Great selection, never tried any of above.
Haven’t tried any of these but keen on the Kerastase!
I have only tried the last one
I have no need for this product
so many different products to layer in your hair now
So many products to choose from
I use the TONI&GUY Heat Protection Mist 🙂 Available from Chemist Warehouse at a great price.
Though I’m curious about the Redken one!
I don’t think I need this.
I should probably try this, my hair is becoming very damaged from heat tools and dyeing.
I would love to try Tony and Guy products.
Those are all reliable brands, though I’ve never used this product.
I sometimes find that after I have blow waved my hair some of the ends look a bit rough. I think I am in the market for TRESemmé Hair Styling Spray Thermal Protection and the price is right as well.
I’ve only used the Tresemme spray from this list
I tend to rely on other multipurpose products rather than a specific heat protector. Currently I use the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil as my heat protector.
Average is such an underrated brand. There hair products are so good.
I would say a must have if you are subjecting your hair to heat tools.