The 6 best heat protection sprays for healthy, shiny hair – reviewed by our in-house beauty experts
After trying dozens of heat protection hair products, our team reviews the best-performing buys for healthy, glossy strands
A summary of this article: We’ve tested dozens of heat protection sprays to assess their texture, results, and value. Aveda Heat Relief is our top pick for all hair types, while ghd Bodyguard suits fine hair and L’Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths offers the best affordable option. Choose a formula that matches your hair type, works on damp or dry hair as needed, and protects against the temperature of your styling tools.
With so many innovative hot tools at our disposal today, we've arguably been able to style our own hair more easily than ever before. But what hasn't changed is the essential to keeping your strands healthy and limiting heat-induced damage: applying some form of heat protection before you so much at a curling wand. The best heat protection sprays are clever mists and lotions that shield your hair from heat-induced weakness, damage and breakage – often simultaneously imparting glossy, salon-like softness and shine.
If you often use one of the best hair dryers, a pair of the best hair straighteners, or any hot hair tool in your styling routine for that matter, then some form of heat protection is an absolute non-negotiable within your styling routine. Any hairdresser will stress this to you. But finding the right formula that's been designed with your hair type in mind and leaves your hair looking 10/10? That takes a little more work.
Fortunately, our beauty team has done the hard work for you, testing and refining this guide to the very best formulas on the market, for various hair types and budgets. With countless hours of spritzing and styling in our back pocket, each detailed review is complete with our first-person images of the products for a closer look at each one before you invest. But first, here are the best money-saving deals we've found on our favourites...
Best heat protection spray deals
These deals were last checked on 30/10/26 and we will continue to do so to ensure that all of the products below are still in stock, still discounted and, most importantly, are the very best deals around at the moment.
The best heat protection sprays, reviewed by our beauty team
RRP: £27 | Protection level: Up to 232°C | Benefits: Conditions, detangles, softens, tames frizz
Reviewed by: Jess Beech, Aleesha Badkar
Jess: This dry mist instantly melts on my hair, meaning it doesn’t lose any of my freshly-washed bounce, but also includes conditioning jojoba and sunflower seed oils for extra nourishment, so your hair doesn’t feel crispy and dry either.
Better still, there’s no tell-tale “hiss” when you pass the irons over your hair, even when curling your hair with straighteners. It also smells like a soothing pillow mist and is a welcome reminder to breathe every time I spritz it. An extra bonus.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Salon-worthy scent
- Great for all hair types
Cons
- Only works on dry hair
RRP: £23.95 | Protection level: Up to 230°C | Benefits: Conditions, smooths
Reviewed by: Jess Beech, Aleesha Badkar
Jess: A brilliant product for the time-poor, I find that one spritz of ghd's Bodyguard Spray is far-reaching enough to cover one side of my hair. It’s fine, lightweight and not sticky in the slightest, so even if you do go overboard and apply too much, you'll barely notice.
The formula is also dual-action, so it doesn’t just coat the hair to shield it from the heat, it also helps to flatten the cuticles for shinier, smoother hair that’s less likely to become damaged. This is definitely a great choice for anyone with fine hair.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Noticeably boosts shine
- Dual-action formula also helps to smooth
Cons
- Doesn't last as long as other buys
RRP: £5.99 | Protection level: Up to 230°C | Benefits: Fights dryness, softens frizz and flyaways, boosts shine
Reviewed by: Jess Beech, Aleesha Badkar
Jess: With a salon-worthy signature scent, at just shy of £6 for 150ml, L'Oréal's Heat Slayer Iron Spray is brilliant value for money. With daily use on mid-length hair, it should last six to eight weeks, meaning there’s no excuse for skipping heat protection.
The formula is slightly milky, with an initial stickiness that absorbs quickly. We would say just be wary of the spray function; it’s quite punchy, so I found that, unless I sprayed from a distance (and even when I did), some areas were wetter than others. Another way around this is to spray some onto your hands and then smooth through your hair.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Bottle lasts several weeks
Cons
- Has a slight sticky feel
RRP: £30 | Protection level: Up to 232°C | Benefits: Hydrates, reduces frizz, softens, adds shine
Reviewed by: Jess Beech, Aleesha Badkar
Jess: Not only does Bumble & bumble’s heat protection spray create that all-important heat barrier between heat tools and your hair, it also helps to smooth, increase shine and reduce frizz – all while limiting the damage from styling tools. But that's not all; it’s also formulated with UV filters to prevent colour fade and keep your hair from drying out in the sun. No surprise that it’s the brand’s number-one bestseller, then.
The formula itself is also nice and nourishing, thanks to being oil-based – including coconut, argan and sweet almond – which helps to replenish lost moisture in your strands. Plus, the bumper-sized bottle should last you a good few months.
Pros
- Really nourishing formula
- Built-in UV protection
Cons
- Too rich for very fine hair that gets greasy easily
RRP: £37 | Protection level: Up to 230°C | Benefits: Smooths, softens, reduces frizz, adds shine
Reviewed by: Jess Beech, Aleesha Badkar
Jess: If you want your hair to look and smell expensive, then this Kérastase heat-protecting spray is for you. Designed with dry, fine to medium-thickness hair in mind, this detangling blow-dry spray helps reduce knots and increase overall smoothness while styling.
After spritzing, we found our hair felt much easier to blow dry and didn’t develop frizz and kinks later on. The actual spray itself is also fine and far-reaching, which means a little goes quite a long way. The brand describes it as having a milky texture, but we’d say it's closer to a water (or skimmed milk at a push), which nourishes hair without adding extra weight.
Pros
- Lightweight consistency
- Doesn't weigh down strands
- Salon-like scent
Cons
- Not the best choice for very thick hair
RRP: £28 | Protection level: Up to 230°C | Benefits: Detangles, minimises flyaways, reduces split ends and breakage
Reviewed by: Jess Beech, Aleesha Badkar
Jess: Although this comes out like a spray, I find the texture of Sol de Janeiro’s Milky Leave-In Conditioner is closer to a lightweight serum; this will appeal to those whose damaged and frazzled are in a near-constant need for some TLC (like mine). But it also still functions as a form of heat protection, which is why it's a worthy choice for thick and dry strands that need moisturising.
This formula leaves my hair super soft after styling, as well as helping to limit frizz through the day – even on some very rainy days. While it's main purpose is to shield your hair from heat, I liked and really noticed it is more than just a heat protectant spray. There’s no reason you couldn't use it to smooth and moisturise hair before air-drying, as well as heat styling.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Doesn't require heat to activate the benefits
- Sweet scent
Cons
- May be too rich for very fine strands
🚨 Also consider
While the above guide feautres our experts' overall top six picks, based on their thorough testing, our beauty team has tested dozens of heat protection sprays over the years. The following four are good picks, though didn't quite make the cut for our main guide – but we still wanted to give them a mention.
- Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray: Forming an invisible protective veil over strands, the moisture-repelling, non-greasy spray is activated by heat, resisting the effects of steam, sleeping and even several shampoos. The downside is that it only protects up to 190ºC, which isn't enough for those who like to straighten or curl their hair at higher temperatures.
- JVN Complete Conditioning Mist: A nourishing mist that comes in the most gorgeous chic bottle, this spray is packed with hair-loving ingredients like Hemisqualane and hyaluronic acid that condition and smooth hair as well as easing tangles in the hair to prevent too much pulling when combing or brushing. For us, the downside is that all this moisture and nourishment brings with it a slight heaviness that can weigh it down and make it look slightly greasy, especially if your hair is finer.
- Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Iron Smoother Heat Protection and Frizz Control Hair Spray: Arriving in a decent 250ml bottle, this formula works great at smoothing strands for a sleek, frizz-free finish. It also has a gorgeous, salon-worthy scent that lingers through the day, which is an added bonus. However, we did find that it left a slight greasy residue when spritzed onto dry strands, meaning it didn’t quite make the cut for this guide.
- Revlon UniqOne Coconut Hair Treatment: Credit where credit’s due, this Revlon spray not only does a stellar job at protecting your strands from heated styling, but also helps to effortlessly detangle strands, control frizz and boost softness and shine – among many other benefits. However, it missed out on a place in this guide due to its thick and creamy formula, dispersed as a heavy mist, which can be messy and leave dry hair looking greasy.
How we tested the best heat protection sprays
The heat protection sprays we tested for this guide
To test each heat protection spray thoroughly, we used each one on either wet hair, dry hair or both (depending on the user instructions). And to keep the testing fair, we used the same shampoo, conditioner and hair styling products alongside each heat protection spray tested, to prevent other products having an impact on the final results.
Then, of course, after spritzing each heat protectant spray onto strands, we used the same hair dryer (and straighteners or curling tongs, where applicable) to style our hair. Throughout the review process, we took all of the below factors into account to come up with our final verdict.
- Weight: Was it was a light mist or a heavier spray? Did it cover the hair easily or collect in one area? Did it sit nicely on hair, or make it feel heavy or greasy?
- How it felt: Was it unnoticeable and comfortable to wear? Or did it make hair feel sticky?
- Absorption: How well did the hair dry after using? (Using hot tools on wet hair is damaging, so the hair has to dry well after using a spray.)
- Results: Did our hair feel dry or nourished after use? Did it look shiny and healthy? Did it feel light and swishy, or weighed down?
- Scent: Was there a nice fragrance that added to the overall experience, or any unusual scents?
- Price: Did the user experience and results justify the price, making for good value for money overall?
How to choose a heat protection spray
If you're still wondering how to choose the best heat protection spray for you and your hair type, here we've listed some helpful factors that will help you make your decision.
- Hair type: This will dictate the formula that’s best for you. For example, if your hair is very fine, you’ll probably prefer a product like the best shampoos for fine hair that is lightweight, whilst those with thick and dry hair will opt for an oil-based formula. Either way, “Everyone should use heat protection regardless of their hair type or curl pattern,” says hairdresser Michelle Sultan, formerly Creative Director for Imbue.
- Protection level: With the majority of hair straighteners exceeding temperatures of 200°C, you'll need a spray that protects against this level of heat. If, however you’re someone who opts for a lower heat setting on your hair dryer and tools, you can get away with a lower level of protection.
- Scent: This can be a divisive one as people either they can’t get enough, or they find them headache-inducing. If you’re sensitive to scent, you might find it better to shop in-store so that you can give products a sniff first before making a purchase.
- Damp vs dry hair: Some heat protection sprays can be used on both damp and dry hair, while others are formulated solely for use on damp hair. It's wise to select the product based on the state your hair is normally in when you use heat on it.
- Price: Whatever beauty product we're testing, this is always an important factor. In this scenario, if your hair is damaged or brittle, you may want to invest a little more in your heat protectant choice.
- Extra benefits: Many heat protection sprays go way beyond just protecting your strands. “They are also packed with ingredients to nourish the hair,” says Sultan. They can help to reduce and prevent frizz or add volume, for example.
Your FAQS the about best heat protection sprays, answered
What do heat protectants do?
Heat damage shows up a few ways, from increased breakage, brittleness, dryness and split ends, as experienced hairdresser and stylist Michelle Sultan tells us. "The tell-tale signs of heat-damaged hair are dry, brittle texture and a lack of shine," she says. "For those with curly locks, heat can also alter your natural curl pattern. You’ll often be able to notice the damaged parts of curly hair where the curls don’t form properly and are flat and limp."
To prevent this, hairdressers like Zoë Irwin, Creative Director at John Frieda Salons, always recommend using a heat protectant spray or cream. "Heat protectors add a thin, invisible protective layer over the hair which means increased glide when using electricals, as well as adding hydration and [improved] longevity and shine," she says.
Do heat protectants really work?
Yes, the best heat protectants prevent your hair from excessive damage caused by heat styling. “Heat protectant is important because it creates a barrier between your hair and the heat tool, as well as providing moisture and nourishment to prevent dry hair,” says Tyler Moore, Expert Stylist at Live True London.
“When you heat style your hair, you break down the bonds within it, temporarily altering its shape," he adds. "It can cause the moisture in your hair to rapidly evaporate, especially when blow-drying, which can lead to excessive dryness and frizzy hair. Everyone who uses heat styling [tools] needs to use a heat protectant if they want to limit hair damage."
Is it better to use heat protectant on wet or dry hair?
It's no more beneficial to use heat protection that has to be applied to wet or dry hair, but the one you use depends on how and when you like to style it. If you only use heat when drying your hair post-wash, choose one that's designed to be used on damp hair. If you heat style every morning, you’ll need one that can be spritzed onto dry hair, too. “If I’m going in with the hair straighteners again, I’ll apply another layer of heat protectant," Sultan says.
Some heat protection sprays on the market can be used on both damp or dry hair, while others one or the other – if you're not sure, always check the packaging for the directions of use before buying.
You then spray the product through your strands before applying any form of heat. "I always think of using heat protectants like using moisturiser on the skin – you wouldn’t use foundation without it, as it wouldn’t sit on the skin as well," says Irwin. "I would never use styling tools on hair without protecting it first."
It’s not only tools like the best hair dryers or hair straightening brushes that pose a problem – UV from the sun has an impact, too. Some heat protection sprays and leave-in conditioners specify if they shield your hair from colour-fading, drying UV, too.
How do I find the temperature level of my heat protection spray?
This is important; if you style at 200ºC, it's no use buying and applying a form of heat protection that only shields up to 185ºC. Usually, this is specified somewhere on the packaging and, if not, on the brand or retailer's product description pages.
Very rarely, this is difficult to confirm online – in that case, your best bet is reaching out to the brand directly if it's not possible to pinpoint the information on on an authorised website.
Our expert panel
Jess Beech is an experienced fashion and beauty editor with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. She has written for woman&home, GoodtoKnow, Now, Woman, Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Own and Chat, and was formerly deputy fashion & beauty editor at Future plc. With thick, curly and very frizz-phone hair, she was the main tester for this guide.
Aleesha was formerly Beauty eComm Editor at woman&home, where she shared her expertise in everything from the best beauty techniques and hair tools to the latest product launches. With hair is naturally curly and frizz-prone, she also contributed testing insights to this guide.
Michelle Sultan an experienced hairdresser whose celebrity clients include Alison Hammond and Vick Hope. She is also the Artistic Director at South London salon Hype Coiffure and an ambassador for BaByliss. When we first published this article, she was also Creative Director for the now-shuttered curly haircare brand Imbue.
Zoë Irwin is an experienced hairdresser and colourist who is the Creative Director for the John Frieda Salon in Mayfair, London. Here, she stresses the importance of clients using heat protection both at home and when styling in the salon.
Tyler Moore is an experienced hair stylist working for Live True's salons in London. Here, he has also contributed some of his expertise around heat protection for hair.