N
Glam Journal

Whats the best heat protection spray

Author

Matthew Perez

Updated on April 28, 2026

THE BOTTOM LINE. Heat protectants help you reduce heat damage by evening out and slowing how hair heats up. They’re only half the solution, however, and can’t insulate hair completely, so practice safe styling and remember that there are ways to look cool (or hot) without heat!

Do hair heat protectants really work?

THE BOTTOM LINE. Heat protectants help you reduce heat damage by evening out and slowing how hair heats up. They’re only half the solution, however, and can’t insulate hair completely, so practice safe styling and remember that there are ways to look cool (or hot) without heat!

Do you put heat protectant on wet or dry hair?

You can use a heat protectant spray on dry or damp hair before you start styling your hair. Spray only on your hair, avoiding the scalp. You can comb your hair after application to make sure the product spreads evenly across the hair.

Is it good to use heat protection spray?

“Heat protectants act as a protective barrier between your hair and a hot tool, protecting it from burning, drying out, and becoming dull. A heat protectant will help smooth the cuticle and leave hair looking shiny and healthy,” explains Chicago-based celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown.

Is olive oil a heat protectant?

The palmitic and oleic acid in olive oil are emollients which gives it its softening properties. The vitamin E in olive oil fights the damage caused by sunlight and pollution. Add to that that the smoking point of extra virgin olive oil is 320°F (160°C) which makes it a fair heat protectant as well.

What happens if you don't use heat protectant?

What Happens If You Don’t Use Heat Protectant. When you expose your hair to heat every time you style your hair without protection, it can lead to hair damage. Heat can dry out your strands, cause split ends and breakage, and make your hair look dull, among other issues.

What can I use instead of heat protectant?

  • Choosing an oil. It can be tempting to just pick up and use whatever oil is lying around the house, but for full heat protection from flat irons only certain natural oils will do. …
  • Argan Oil. …
  • Coconut Oil. …
  • Shea Butter. …
  • Grape seed Oil. …
  • Almond Oil. …
  • Avocado Oil.

Why does my hair sizzle when I use heat protectant?

The sizzling is from the hot flat iron coming into contact with the water still trapped in the hair if it’s still wet or damp. … The heat protectant is still damp when it’s applied to the hair and when it’s not dry the professional flat iron will sizzle when it comes into contact with it.

What should I look for in a heat protectant?

  1. Always go for maximum hair protection. It goes without saying that you definitely need a product that promises hair protection from heat styling. …
  2. Find a product that combats frizz. …
  3. Protect your hair with a conditioning mist. …
  4. Keratin is your best friend. …
  5. The applicator matters.
How often should you put heat on your hair?

Don’t style hair with heat every day. Hot tools can also make hair look crispy and create split ends if overused. Blow out hair 3-5 times a week and try to limit your flat iron/curling iron usage to 1-2 times a week.”

Article first time published on

What should I spray on my hair before straightening?

Use hairspray before you straighten. Spraying a little hairspray on dry hair before you start to straighten keeps it straight for longer, but professionals suggest to keep it light.

Can I use conditioner as heat protectant?

Leave-In Conditioner Can Protect Your Hair Many people reach for commercial heat protectants when their leave-in conditioner could perform just as well as, or even better than, a traditional heat protectant. The key is to make sure that your leave-in conditioner has ingredients that can protect your hair from heat.

Can you put oil in hair before straightening?

Can I use oil before straightening? No, do not use any oil before straightening. Dry your hair completely with a blow dryer before using a straightener.

Can I put oil in my hair before straightening it?

Avoid Oil Before Ironing Applying a natural oil after you iron is fine. Sometimes you need a little weight afterward, but don’t put oil on your hair ​before you press it. This will heat the oil, and then oil will eventually deep-fry your hair.

Is Hairspray a heat protectant?

HAIRSPRAY FOR MEN AND WOMEN: Hairspray with incredible hold and shine that doesn’t weigh down the hair or make the hair sticky or crunchy. This thermal protectant spray for hair can handle any hot tool from flat irons to curling irons. … Spray offers the best heat protection on processed and damaged hair.

How do you use coconut oil as a heat protectant?

To properly use as a heat protectant, melt 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and then dilute it by adding 3/4 cup of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before each use. It’s always best to apply this formula to wet hair, and to keep it all on the mid-shaft to ends, away from the scalp.

Can baby oil be used as heat protectant?

The baby oil closes each hair cuticle. This helps to prevent heat damage from blow-drying or other styling tools. Using baby oil as a post-shower hair treatment helps hair look smoother, shinier, and less frizzy.

What's thermal protection for hair?

Heat protectant is a product that reduces damage to your hair when used before heat styling. (Note that we say it reduces — not prevents. More on that later.) It’s often a spray, cream, or serum that you leave in your hair (damp or dry), although there are also formulas you rinse out in the shower.

Do you let heat protectant dry before straightening?

That sizzling sound can be caused by either the hair still being wet from the wash or it’s because there is moisture left by the heat protector. Hair should be completed dry from the wash and the heat protectant should be completely dry as well before the straightening begins.

Can I use hair straightener without heat protectant?

Transforming wavy hair into a stick-straight style often involves the copious use of chemicals, hair dryers, and flat irons—all amped up to their highest, most follicle-damaging heat settings. …

Is Olaplex oil a heat protectant?

OLAPLEX has created a first-of-its-kind, highly-concentrated, nearly weightless reparative styling oil. OLAPLEX No. 7 dramatically increases shine, softness, and color vibrancy. Other amazing benefits include heat protection up to 450°f and minimizing fly-aways.

Does coconut oil protect hair from heat?

Coconut Oil This oil is one of the most popular natural heat protectant options out there. There are so many ways you can use coconut oil to protect your hair against the effects of heat-styling tools. Since coconut oil can make your hair a bit on the oily side, we recommend applying just a few drops to your strands.

How do you straighten your hair with heat protection spray?

To use heat protection spray, spritz your hair when it’s damp, making sure to cover the entire area. Then, blow-dry your hair with a paddle brush. Before straightening your hair, you’ll want to apply another light layer of heat protectant spray. Then, straighten your hair as normal!

How long does heat protectant last in hair?

How Long Does Heat Protectant Last In Your Hair. Typically, it is better to heat style or blow dry your hair within an hour after spraying the heat protectant on your hair. However, the effectiveness of a heat protection spray can last up to 4 hours on average.

Is it bad to put heat on your hair once a week?

It’s generally suggested that heat styling be done not more than once a week. Natural hair should always be freshly shampooed, conditioned, and completely dry before heat styling. Straightening dirty hair with a flat iron will only burn oil and dirt, which will lead to more damage.

Is using heat on hair once a week bad?

Each time that you use one of these devices as part of your beauty regimen, your hair is exposed to an immense amount of heat. Like most things, however, straightening your hair is fine in moderation — and doing it once a week is unlikely to cause long-term damage.

How much heat is too much for natural hair?

Your hair can withstand a temperature of 450F before burning or becoming damaged. Simply using heat does not automatically mean that your hair is or will become damaged. In most cases, healthy hair will only experience heat damage with excessive use of heat or using heat appliances at temperatures of 450F or more.

Which serum is best for hair straightening?

  • Ic Fantasia – Heat Protector Straightening Serum.
  • Wella Professional Element Hair Straightening Serum.
  • Smooth Care Smooth Control Serum by Fanola.
  • Ic Fantasia Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum.
  • Mixed Chicks Straightening Serum.

Can you use heat protectant everyday?

It’s important to use a heat protectant every time you straighten your hair because it will limit the damage. However, straightening everyday isn’t a good idea and will usually leave you with drier, more brittle hair.

How do you make heat protectant at home?

  1. Fill the spray bottle with water almost to the top.
  2. Add coconut oil, almond oil and conditioner in the bottle.
  3. Fill the remaining part of the bottle with water.
  4. Shake the bottle well.

Should you wash hair before straightening?

Should I Wash My Hair Before Straightening It? Having clean hair is recommended because dirty hair can cause frizz. If you choose to condition your hair, make sure it is rinsed out well, as the conditioner could burn with the flat iron heat.