If you use a flat iron, curling wand or blow dryer, a heat protectant is the cheapest way to keep your hair from turning dry and brittle. You don’t need a $30 bottle, either.
These six sprays all cost under $15 on Amazon. We matched each one to the kind of hair and heat tool it suits best.
Best overall: CHI 44 Iron Guard, a cult favorite with hairdressers.
Best budget pick: L’Oréal Sleek It Iron Straight at a budget price.
Quick list
| Product | Best for | Price range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray | Flat ironing and curling | Budget (8 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| L’Oréal Paris Sleek It Iron Straight Heatspray | Straightening on a budget | Budget (5.7 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| OGX Bond Protein Repair 450°F Heat Protect Spray | Bleached, colored or damaged hair | Budget (6.5 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray | Blow-drying frizzy hair | Budget (8 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer | Long hair | Budget (4.4 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
| Nexxus Prep & Protect Heat Defense Spray | Fine hair that gets weighed down | Budget (6 oz) | Buy on Amazon |
For flat irons and curling wands
1. CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
Keep in mind: Too much can leave hair feeling a little stiff, and some people don’t love the scent.
Check price on Amazon2. L’Oréal Paris Sleek It Iron Straight Heatspray
Keep in mind: The hold can make hair a bit crunchy if you over-spray it, so it isn’t the best choice for soft, loose waves.
Check price on Amazon3. OGX Bond Protein Repair 450°F Heat Protect Spray
Keep in mind: It’s newer with fewer reviews, and protein can make some low-porosity hair feel stiff.
Check price on AmazonFor blow-drying and everyday styling
4. TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray
Best for: Blow-drying frizzy hair · Price range: Budget (8 oz) A smoothing spray you mist onto damp hair before blow-drying. It protects from heat and helps hair dry sleeker and less frizzy. It’s a great everyday pick if you blow-dry most mornings.Keep in mind: The fragrance is strong, and it can weigh down very fine hair.
Check price on Amazon5. L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer
Keep in mind: The bottle is small, so it runs out fast on long, thick hair.
Check price on Amazon6. Nexxus Prep & Protect Heat Defense Spray
Best for: Fine hair that gets weighed down · Price range: Budget (6 oz) A lightweight salon-style spray that protects without making hair limp. It’s a good pick if other heat protectants leave your fine hair flat or greasy. Use it on damp hair before blow-drying or on dry hair before a curling wand.Keep in mind: It’s the priciest pick here for a smaller bottle.
Check price on AmazonHow to use a heat protectant
- Spray section by section, not just over the top layer.
- Let it dry before you use a flat iron. Ironing wet hair is what causes the sizzle.
- Turn the heat down. Most hair styles well at 300 to 380°F. Only very thick, coarse hair needs more.
- Protectants reduce damage; they don’t stop it. Give your hair heat-free days when you can.
FAQ
Do heat protectant sprays really work?
Yes, they reduce damage by slowing how fast heat reaches the hair and by smoothing the surface. They can’t make hair heatproof.Should I spray heat protectant on wet or dry hair?
Before blow-drying, spray damp hair. Before a flat iron or curling wand, use it on dry hair and let it dry first.Can I use hair oil as a heat protectant?
Some oils are sold as heat protectants, but plain oils can actually heat up on the hair. Use a product that says it protects from heat.Which heat protectant is best for curly hair?
The Heat Slayer and TRESemmé sprays are soft and moisturizing, which suits curls when you blow-dry or straighten them.Price ranges are a rough guide. Check the current price on Amazon. This article is general information, not medical or professional advice. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
