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Why trust our heat protectant recommendations?
Heat styling tools, from blow dryers to straighteners and curling wands, can wreak havoc on hair health without proper protection. Finding the right heat protectant spray, however, is often a daunting task amidst countless options. To simplify your search, we consulted leading hair professionals, including celebrity stylists, salon founders, and haircare experts, to uncover the products they trust and use regularly.
Our beauty editor, Louise Whitbread, then rigorously tested each recommended product on her mid-length hair, assessing performance, ingredients, texture, and value for money. Whether you seek a bouncy blow-dry, tousled waves, or defined curls, this guide aims to help you maintain healthy tresses while achieving your desired look.
Our top heat protectant picks for 2026
- Davines melu thermal hair shield – Best overall heat protectant
- Schwarzkopf osis super shield – Best budget heat protectant
- K18 heatbounce – Best conditioning and detangling heat protectant
- Evo icon welder – Best heat protectant for all hair types
- L'Oréal Professionnel tecni.art flex pli hair styling spray – Best for long-lasting hold
- Kerastase ciment thermique – Best for improving texture of dry, coarse hair
- Sam McKnight save the do – Best heat protectant for damp hair
- Hershesons almost everything cream – Best multi-purpose heat protectant
- L’Oreal techni.art all-in-1 performer – Best heat protectant for adding shine
- ghd rehab damaged hair repairer – Best heat protectant for coloured hair
Detailed reviews of the leading heat protectants
Davines melu thermal hair shield earns the top spot as the best overall heat protectant. Anita Rice, co-founder of Buller & Rice, praises it as an excellent lightweight option that adds protection without a tacky feel. In testing, this spray proved easy to use on towel-dried hair, offering protection up to 230°C with rosemary extract for a smooth, shiny finish. It significantly reduced static and lasted well due to its generous 250ml size.
Schwarzkopf osis super shield stands out as the best budget choice. Philipp Haug of Haug London Haus highlights its pure protective design, lightweight texture, and suitability for damp or dry hair. At £16 for 300ml, it offers exceptional value, reducing frizz without weighing hair down.
K18 heatbounce is favoured for its conditioning and detangling benefits. Hadley Yates and Tom Smith recommend its innovative formula, which protects up to 232°C and improves hair health over time. Ideal for all hair types, it provides lightweight protection and eases detangling on wet hair.
Evo icon welder is celebrated for its versatility across all hair types. Tom Smith notes its light, user-friendly formula that offers style memory and meaningful heat protection. With a refreshing scent and dual-purpose shielding against heat and UV damage, it adds medium hold for lasting styles.
L'Oréal Professionnel tecni.art flex pli hair styling spray excels in delivering long-lasting hold. Experts praise its heat-activated volume and shape, making it perfect for fine hair that loses curls quickly. Though it leaves a slightly sticky finish, the payoff in hold and texture is worth it.
How to use heat protectant sprays effectively
For optimal results, apply heat protectant sprays liberally to damp hair before styling, focusing on the ends and scalp. Section hair when using direct heat tools like straighteners or curling irons to ensure even coverage. Allow the product to evaporate or brush it through for best protection.
Our testing methodology
Each heat protectant was evaluated over several weeks based on key criteria:
- Ease of application: We sought fuss-free formulas suitable for daily use.
- Texture: Products were assessed for any stickiness or crunch post-application.
- Added benefits: We noted extra perks like hold, conditioning, or volume boosts.
- Value for money: Comparisons between luxury and affordable options determined when higher costs are justified.
Louise Whitbread, an IndyBest beauty expert since 2020, brings extensive experience in hair care and product testing, ensuring trustworthy and detailed reviews.
