A heat protectant is the product you apply before using a hair dryer, straightener or curling tool. It is one of the most useful styling products, and also one of the most often misapplied. The right type, used in the right amount and spread evenly, makes a visible difference to how hair copes with heat.
How a heat protectant works
Heat protectants leave a thin film on the hair. Ingredients such as silicones and film-forming polymers:
- Slow down how quickly heat passes into the hair, so it warms more evenly.
- Reduce moisture loss.
- Smooth the cuticle, so tools glide with less friction.
They reduce damage. They do not make hair heatproof. Temperature, dry hair and how often you style still matter. See Heat Styling: How to Protect Your Hair.
Ingredients you will see
| Ingredient group | Examples on labels | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Silicones | Dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, amodimethicone | Coat and smooth the hair |
| Film-forming polymers | PVP/DMAPA acrylates copolymer, polyquaternium | Form a protective layer and give light hold |
| Conditioning agents | Quaternium compounds, cetrimonium chloride | Reduce friction and static |
| Proteins | Hydrolyzed wheat, silk or keratin protein | Help to reinforce the surface |
| Humectants | Glycerin, propylene glycol | Hold moisture |
Choosing the format
- Sprays are light and easy to spread. They suit fine and medium hair.
- Creams and lotions add moisture and control. They suit thick, coarse, curly or dry hair.
- Serums and oils smooth and add shine. Use them sparingly on medium to thick hair.
Heat Protectant Spray vs Cream: A Product Comparison compares sprays and creams in detail.
Match it to your hair
| Hair type | A good starting choice |
|---|---|
| Fine or easily weighed down | Light spray, applied sparingly |
| Medium | Spray or light lotion |
| Thick or coarse | Cream or lotion |
| Curly or coily | Cream with conditioning ingredients |
| Color-treated or bleached | A product that also mentions color or UV protection |
Check the label for the temperature it is tested to, and for whether it is meant for damp hair, dry hair or both.
How to apply it before blow-drying
- Towel-dry your hair until it is damp, not dripping.
- Divide it into four or more sections.
- Spray each section from about 15 to 20 cm away, or work a small amount of cream through from mid-length to the ends.
- Comb through with a wide-tooth comb to spread it evenly.
- Blow-dry as usual. See How to Blow-Dry Your Hair at Home.
How to apply it before a flat iron or curling tool
- Make sure your hair is completely dry.
- Use a product that says it is suitable for dry hair.
- Mist lightly, section by section.
- Comb through and let the product dry before the tool touches the hair. Sizzling means the hair is still wet.
If you applied a protectant before blow-drying, you may not need a second layer for the iron. Follow the directions on your product.
How much to use
Enough to coat the hair lightly without leaving it wet or greasy:
- Sprays: about four to six pumps for shoulder-length hair, more for long or thick hair.
- Creams: a pea to a small-coin amount, added a little at a time.
Uneven coverage is the usual problem. Sections and a comb solve it.
Common mistakes
- Spraying only the top layer.
- Using a damp-hair product and ironing straight away.
- Relying on a hair oil alone. Plain oils are not tested as heat protectants and some can make hair hotter.
- Skipping it for a "quick touch-up".
- Using so much that the hair becomes sticky and needs extra passes.
Do you need it for air drying?
No. Heat protectants are for hot tools. For sun exposure, look for hair products with UV filters, or wear a hat.
For care of colored hair, see Color-Treated Hair: A Simple Care Routine. For other styling products and when to use them, see Hair Styling Products: Mousse, Gel, Cream, and Spray.
Related on ArniSun
- Heat Styling: How to Protect Your Hair
- Heat Protectant Spray vs Cream: A Product Comparison
- How to Blow-Dry Your Hair at Home
- Color-Treated Hair: A Simple Care Routine
- Hair Styling Products: Mousse, Gel, Cream, and Spray
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Do heat protectants really work?
Laboratory tests show that they reduce damage from heat, but they cannot prevent it entirely. They work best together with moderate temperatures.
Can I use heat protectant every day?
Yes, whenever you use heat. If you notice build-up, wash with a clarifying shampoo every few weeks.
Should heat protectant go on wet or dry hair?
Apply it to damp hair before blow-drying. Before a flat iron or curling tool, use a product made for dry hair and let it dry fully first.