The best heat protection sprays of 2024 for smooth, glossy and healthy strands

Our beauty editor puts the best heat protection sprays to the test to find buys that prevent damage, while boosting smoothness and shine...

Collage of best heat protection sprays (L-R) L'Oréal Elvive Heat Slayer Spray, Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer and Aveda Heat Relief Spray, on a pink watercolour background
(Image credit: Future/Brands)

Not only after the best heat protectant sprays good at preventing styling damage to your strands, but many also boast the ability to address your hair concerns, leaving your locks looking healthy, glossy and voluminous.

Whether heat protectant sprays are a must-have product that you cannot go without in your haircare routine, or perhaps you’re not yet using one because you find them too heavy or greasy, they are undoubtedly an incredibly important step if you often reach for the best hair straighteners and curling wands - or any heated styling tool, for that matter. They offer the chance for you to wave goodbye to fragile, frazzled, frizzy locks that are prone to split ends, by casting an invisible damage-preventing shield over your hair.

From luxe high-end formulas to options that are kinder on the purse strings yet get the job done, our beauty editor has tried and tested an array of heat protectant sprays in hopes of scouting out the crème de la crème of the market, that will not only prevent damage to your locks but also leave them shiny and silky smooth…

Best heat protection spray deals

Recent updates

Deals were last checked on 23/12/2024 - We will continue to do so regularly 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.

ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray
Get 21% off now
ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray: was £23.95 now £18.95 at Amazon

You can now save an impressive 21% on ghd's fan-favourite Bodyguard Heat Protectant Spray. This mist offers a lightweight, invisible veil that acts as a protective layer between your hair and heat styling. Formulated with polymers, this product also works its magic to improve the health of the hair cuticle, in turn boosting smoothness. Yes, please!

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer 250ml
Get 30% off now
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer 250ml: was £30 now £21 at allbeauty.com (US)

You can now save 30% off on Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Primer. Infused with a blend of 6 different oils, this product works to do a number of helpful jobs - such as detangle, de-frizz, tame flyaways, prevent breakage and protect against damage from heated styling. Plus, you can also use it on both damp and dry hair!

Kérastase Nutritive Detangling Blow-Dry Mist
Get 26% off now
Kérastase Nutritive Detangling Blow-Dry Mist: was £33.85 now £24.95 at Amazon

You can currently save 26% on Kérastase's Detangling Blow Dry Mist. This heat protectant spray not only works to defend strands from heat damage, but also instantly smooths, softens adds shine and reduces flyaways and frizz. The result? Sleek, glossy hair - yes please!

The best heat protection sprays, reviewed by our beauty team

Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

How we tested the best heat protection sprays 

The best heat protection sprays we featured in this guide lined up for testing

The heat protection sprays we tested for this guide

(Image credit: Jess Beech)

To put each heat protection spray to the test, we used them on either wet hair, dry hair or both - whatever the instructions advised. To keep the testing fair, we made sure to use the same shampoo, conditioner and hair styling products with every heat protection spray, in order to avoid other products from swaying the results. Of course, after spritzing each heat protectant spray onto our strands, we then used the same hair dryer and straighteners to style our hair.

Throughout the review process, we tested each how well the heat protectant products shielded our hair against heat damage, how they felt, noted their scent and whether they had any additional benefits. We also made sure to keep each product’s price tag in mind, to decide whether or not we thought they were worth spending your money on.

How to choose a heat protection spray

If you're wondering how to choose the best heat protection spray for you and your hair type, we've noted down some factors that will help you make your decision...

  • Your hair type: This will dictate the heat protection formula that’s best for you. For example, if your hair is very fine, you’ll probably prefer a product 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 Sultan.
  • The level of protection: With the majority of hair straighteners reaching a temperature of around 220°C, you'll need a spray that protects against this level of heat. If you’re someone who opts for a lower heat setting on your hair dryer and tools, then 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.
  • Whether it's for use on damp or 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.
  • Other 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 about best heat protection sprays, answered

What do heat protectants do?

Heat can cause an array of damage, from increased breakage and brittleness to dryness and split ends, hairdresser Michelle Sultan, Creative Director at Imbue explains: "The tell-tale signs of heat-damaged hair are dry, brittle texture and a lack of shine," For those with curly locks, heat can also alter your natural curl pattern, Sultan continues: "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."

In order to not negatively impact your hair whilst still styling it, hairdresser Zoë Irwin, Creative Director at John Frieda Salons recommends investing in a heat protectant spray, she says: "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 in your style."

Make sure to spritz throughout your strands before applying any heat, Irwin adds: "I always think of using heat protectants like using moisturiser on the skin – you wouldn’t use foundation without this as it wouldn’t sit on the skin as well. I would never use styling tools on the hair without protecting it first." But it’s not only tools like the best hair dryers or hair straightening brushes that pose a problem – UV exposure from the sun has an impact, too.

Do heat protectants really work?

Yes, heat protectants create a shield between the heat from styling tools and your hair, working to prevent damage. “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,” confirms 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. It can rapidly evaporate the moisture in your hair (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?

Whether your hair is wet or dry, there are no benefits to using a heat protectant in any specific way. It’s more of a personal preference depending on when and how you choose to style your hair, for example if you only use heat on it when blow drying after washing, it would be better to use a heat protectant that can be applied to damp hair. On the other hand, if you grab your heated tools on the daily, regardless of when you wash your hair, you’ll benefit more from a product that is designed to be spritzed onto dry hair, Sultan recommends: “If I’m going in with the hair straighteners again I’ll apply another layer of heat protectant.” It’s important to note that there are some heat protection sprays on the market that can be used on both damp or dry hair, while others only on damp – if you’re unsure, make sure to double-check the instructions label.

Jess Beech

Jess Beech is an experienced fashion and beauty editor, with more than eight years experience in the publishing industry. She has written for woman&home, GoodtoKnow, Now, Woman, Woman’s Weekly, Woman’s Own and Chat, and is a former Deputy Fashion & Beauty Editor at Future PLC. A beauty obsessive, Jess has tried everything from cryotherapy to chemical peels (minus the Samantha in Sex and The City-worthy redness) and interviewed experts including Jo Malone and Trinny Woodall.

With contributions from