Some things just go together. Peanut butter and jelly. Wine and cheese. Your hair and heat-protecting spray. That last one may sound random in comparison to the others, but it's true. Whether you heat style your hair every day, every other day, once a month, or once a year, you should always be applying some sort of serum or spray that'll protect it from potential damage that styling tools [1] — many of which can reach up to 450 degrees — can cause. It's kind of like how you wouldn't (or you at least shouldn't) leave your house without putting on sunscreen [2].
In the event that you're planning on giving yourself a salon-quality blowout [3], a silk press, or a bold set of curls, we've rounded up some of our favourite heat protectants that'll keep your hair safe from damage.
Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray
You can thank Chris McMillan (Jennifer Aniston's go-to hairstylist and the creator of "The Rachel" haircut [4], casual) for the Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray [5] ($25): he helped formulate this double whammy that not only protects your hair from heat-induced damage, but it also detangles and makes it 10 times more manageable.
Bumble and Bumble Bb. Glow Thermal Protection Mist
When you want something that packs a protective punch but manages to feel lightweight in the process, that's where the Bumble and Bumble Bb. Glow Thermal Protection Mist [6] ($32) comes in. It doesn't come with the same hold that many heat protectants on the market bring, so hair feels touchably soft for days on end.
Living Proof Restore Instant Protection Spray
An editor's favourite for years, the Living Proof Restore Instant Protection Spray [7] ($28) is rich in protecting oils that make it ideal for medium to thick hair.
Not Your Mother's All Eye's On Me 10-In-1 Hair Perfector
Who doesn't love a multitasker like Not Your Mother's All Eye's On Me 10-In-1 Hair Perfector [8] ($7)? It's not just a heat protectant; the spray alo ostrengthens, detangles, controls frizz, and even helps to repair split ends.
It's a 10 Miracle Blow Dry H20 Shield
Not only does the It's a 10 Miracle Blow Dry H20 Shield [9] ($27) smell like a bouquet of flowers picked fresh from the garden, it's also packed with sunflower seed and aloe vera extracts to protect against heat and free radical damage — all without leaving behind a greasy, tacky feeling.
Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Leave In Spray
With a medium hold, Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Leave In Spray [10] ($5) is a lightweight heat guard that can be used up against flat irons and curling irons while helping your hair stay flexible and hold its shape. And you can't beat that price.
CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
An OG favourite, the CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray [11] ($14) strengthens the hair and protects against heat damage without leaving behind any greasy residue.
Kérastase Genesis Defence Thermique Blow Dry Primer
Calm your heat-drying fears with Kérastase Genesis Defence Thermique Blow Dry Primer [12] ($37). The product not only protects against heat damage, but it also prevents tangles so that you don't experience breakage when styling.
Maria Nila Cream Heat Spray
Maria Nila Cream Heat Spray [13] ($28) is creamy and lightweight, and it helps rebuild already-damaged strands while also preventing anything worse from happening in the future.
Pantene Pro-V Nutrient Boost Thermal Heat Protection Spray
Pantene Pro-V Nutrient Boost Thermal Heat Protection Spray [14] ($5) works best for already damaged hair that could use a little extra TLC. It's infused with argan oil to help strengthen the hair and protect it from damage before it occurs.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Blow Dry Creme
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Blow Dry Creme [15] ($10) uses a clean and cruelty-free formula that controls frizz and protects against heat damage and breakage.
OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray
Yes, quinoa absolutely is a callout in ingredient in OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray [16] ($7), and yes, it absolutely will cut your blow-drying time and protect your hair from up to 450 degrees of heat.