We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping People Tested The 14 Best Heat Protectant Sprays of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Our top pick is the Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 27, 2024 04:25PM EDT In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Things to Consider How We Tested FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? People / Jessica Juliao Whether you blow-dry, curl, or wave your strands, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the heat required to set the style and get that salon-worthy ‘do when using these styling tools (they are called hot tools, after all). There are certain things you can do to help alleviate the effects of high heat when styling, though. This includes applying a heat protectant formulated with specific ingredients designed to provide hair with a layer of protection and combat some of the drying effects of styling with high heat. “Heat protectants are used to literally protect the hair from damage caused by any version of heat styling — this can range from blow-outs to silk pressing to the use of curling irons and flat irons,” Christin Brown, a celebrity hairstylist and curl specialist, tells PEOPLE. “Using a heat protectant can truly give your hair a fighting chance when it comes to styling the hair with high-heat hot tools.” With their heat-protecting abilities, these formulas are considered essential by many hairstylists to preserve healthy and strong strands. There’s just one problem: Seemingly every haircare brand offers a heat protectant in their lineup, making it hard to narrow it down to the best of the best. After researching and testing dozens of formulas using hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons, we found the best heat protectants that nourish and protect hair while styling. Whether you need a versatile heat protectant spray or a frizz-taming cream, here are our top picks for the best heat protectants that truly wowed us. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray at Amazon ($33) Jump to Review Best Budget: CHI Total Protect at Amazon ($17) Jump to Review Best for Frizz Control: Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème at Target ($26) Jump to Review Best for Damaged Hair: Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best for Thick Hair: Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Amika Blockade at Amazon ($28) Jump to Review Best for Curly Hair: Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best for Fine Hair: Gisou Heat Protecting Spray at Amazon ($41) Jump to Review Best Shine: Bumble and bumble Invisible Oil Primer at Target ($16) Jump to Review Best Cream: Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream at Sephora ($46) Jump to Review Best Overall Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray Amazon View On Amazon $33 View On Nordstrom $18 View On Sephora $18 Our Ratings Application 5/5 Absorption 5/5 Efficacy 5/5 Hair Feel 4.9/5 Overall Look 5/5 Pros The spray is easy to distribute throughout strands for full coverage protection. It comes in two different sizes, including a travel size. It’s both a leave-in detangler and a heat protectant spray. It provides UV protection in addition to heat protection. Cons We found nothing notable in our testing. Our top pick for the best heat protectant spray is the Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray which is formulated with nourishing ingredients and free from lots of faux pas ingredients such as parabens, formaldehyde, and sulfate. Additionally, the heat protectant spray is color-safe and compatible with chemically treated hair. After testing dozens of formulas, we found that this heat-protectant spray worked best on a variety of hair types, including natural textures and curly strands. We also love that it comes in two different sizes (including a travel size) and acts as a heat protectant, UV protectant, and a leave-in detangler, making it a multipurpose formula that not only preserves hair health while styling but also encourages luscious and well-nourished locks with an added boost of hydration and breakage prevention. When using this heat protectant as a styling product, we were particularly impressed by the way it decreased frizz and created an overall sleek and bouncy look. The spray nozzle makes it easy to distribute throughout the hair for full coverage and protection. While we wish it promoted a little more volume for thin hair types, we thought that it worked well at protecting hair from high heat while also giving strands an extra styling boost. Size: 1.7, 8 ounces | Benefits: Detangles and softens strands, UV protection, nourishes dry hair | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Beet root extract People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Budget CHI Total Protect Ulta View On Amazon $17 View On Ulta $14 View On Chi.com Our Ratings Application 4.8/5 Absorption 4.5/5 Efficacy 5/5 Hair Feel 5/5 Overall Look 4.8/5 Pros You can use this on both wet and dry hair, making it ultra versatile. The product absorbs well and becomes undetectable once dried. It doesn’t weigh the hair down. It doubles as a UV protectant. Cons Since it has a creamy texture, it’s a little hard to apply evenly to dry hair. For a more budget-friendly formula, we love the CHI Total Protect, which is formulated with lots of antioxidants to provide overall environmental protection (including UV protection) and heat protection. While testing this product, we were most impressed by the creamy formula which, much to our surprise, works on both wet and dry hair, giving you a lot of versatility — safely re-style dry hair with your favorite curling iron or blow-dryer in between washes (though applying it evenly on dry strands was a little tricky). For the budget-friendly price, we found that this heat protectant is comparable to some of its more expensive counterparts and provides some of the same impressive benefits, including UV protection and overall hydration and nourishment. The heat protectant is also incredibly lightweight so it doesn't weigh the hair down and is undetectable once hair is dried. So you get that heat protection and antioxidant nourishment without it ever looking or feeling like you used the product. Size: 6 ounces | Benefits: Antioxidant protection, strengthens strands, UV protection, heat protection | Temperature Protection: Not listed | Key Ingredients: Silk molecules, vitamin E, UV absorbers People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Katy Glovinsky Best for Frizz Control Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème Briogeo View On Target $26 View On Nordstrom $26 View On Sephora $26 Our Ratings Application 4.5/5 Absorption 5/5 Efficacy 5/5 Hair Feel 4.5/5 Overall Look 5/5 Pros It’s a multitasking product. It instantly softens strands and makes them look and feel smoother. It has a lightweight consistency that is hard to notice once hair is styled. Cons It has a creamy gel texture that might not work for all styling preferences. If frizz is a concern, instead of a heat protectant spray, you can use a cream, such as the Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème, which is specifically formulated to not only protect hair from high heat but also decrease frizz by 80 percent — and it really works. Enhanced by rosehip oil, which is rich in fatty acids for frizz control and deep hydration, along with moisturizing coconut oil and strengthening argan oil, this heat protectant cream distributes easily and evenly on the strands to provide protection from high heat up to 450°F. While testing this heat protectant product, we were most impressed by how well it targets frizz and smooths and softens strands but also found its lightweight consistency and absorbency factor supremely impressive. Even when running our fingers through wet hair, the product was undetectable, though you could absolutely tell a difference in the overall finish and health of your strands after styling with a hair dryer. In addition to targeting frizz, we also thought the multitasking gel-cream formula (which might not work for all styling preferences) worked well at holding our hairstyle and resulted in bouncier and more voluminous strands once styled. The hydration benefits were also as long-lasting as the product claims and left hair with a vibrancy we wouldn’t otherwise notice without it. Size: 4 ounces | Benefits: Smooths strands, hydrates hair, decreases frizz by 80 percent | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, argan oil, coconut oil People / Toni Gibbs People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best for Damaged Hair Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Olaplex View On Amazon $30 View On Nordstrom $30 View On Sephora $30 Our Ratings Application 4.9/5 Absorption 4.7/5 Efficacy 5/5 Hair Feel 4.9/5 Overall Look 5/5 Pros It doubles as a detangler and anti-static product. The formula is designed to set hairstyles so you can extend the life of your blowout. Cons It has a scent that we love, but it might be too strong for those with sensitive noses. Whether you have damaged hair or want to avoid it altogether, we found that the Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum is the best heat protectant for the job. This formula protects hair from high temperatures of up to 450°F and, with ingredients such as red algae extract and OLAPLEX® Bond Building Technology™, it not only helps target and provide nourishment to damaged locks but also helps keep damage at bay. In addition to providing heat protection, the formula also doubles as a detangler and an anti-static formula that helps prevent breakage and tames flyaways and frizz. Plus, it also sets hairstyles so it can extend the life of your blowout or wavy look. It has a scent that we found pleasant, but it may be too strong for those with sensitivities to fragrances. After testing this heat protectant, we were most impressed by how smooth our strands looked after styling, plus how healthy our hair appeared after every use. Size: 3 ounces | Benefits: Prevents static and tangles, helps set hairstyle, boosts shine, and protects against pollution | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Red algae extract, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best for Thick Hair Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Nordstrom $30 View On Sephora $30 Our Ratings Application 4.9/5 Absorption 5/5 Efficacy 4/5 Hair Feel 4.5/5 Overall Look 4.8/5 Pros It’s formulated with argan oil to strengthen and nourish strands. It has a lightweight scent that isn’t overpowering. It helps combat frizz, especially on curly strands. Cons The hair feels a little stiff after application but that goes away once the hair is brushed. The best heat protectant for thick hair is the Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant which is formulated with the brand’s signature argan oil to strengthen and nourish strands while also protecting hair from high temperatures up to 450°F. When testing this product, we were most impressed by how well it targets frizz — especially on thick, curly strands — and provides an overall smoothing effect that leaves hair looking luscious and soft. While the hair feels a little stiff after application, we found that the stiffness completely went away and softened once we brushed through our strands. The scent might not be for everyone, but we are obsessed with the way this product smells. It has a lightweight scent reminiscent of vanilla and amber with an overall warm sensation that feels so luxe. The scent is a little potent at first but quickly dissipates into a light fragrance that doesn’t overpower and smells absolutely divine for up to 24 hours. Size: 2, 6 ounces | Benefits: Hydrates and nourishes strands, boosts shine | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Argan oil, panthenol, octylacrylamide/acrylates/butylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Lightweight Amika Blockade Amika View On Amazon $28 View On Loveamika.com View On Revolve $28 Our Ratings Application 4.5/5 Absorption 5/5 Efficacy 4.6/5 Hair Feel 4.8/5 Overall Look 5/5 Pros This heat protectant provides just as much nourishment as its creamy counterparts. Its fast-absorbing formula doesn’t weigh the hair down. It has a bright floral scent that's light and fresh and doesn’t linger. Cons It feels a little greasy on the hands when applying. If you prefer a lightweight heat protectant product, we can’t say enough good things about the Amika Heat Defense Serum, which features a lightweight formula with nourishment comparable to a creamy texture. This fast-absorbing hair serum is designed to protect hair from high temperatures up to 450°F and is safe to use on all hair types, including those with keratin treatments and color. It has a bright, fresh floral scent that doesn't linger. When testing this product, we were most impressed by its lightweight texture and how well it nourished strands thanks to the inclusion of sea buckthorn, which is one of the only plant-based sources of fatty acid omega 7. This ingredient helps elevate hair health and protects against moisture loss while decreasing frizz and promoting shine. It felt a little greasy on our hands when we first applied the product, but that wasn't a dealbreaker. Size: 1.7 ounces | Benefits: Protects against moisture loss, decreases frizz, promotes shine | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Sea buckthorn, cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best for Curly Hair Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray Sephora View On Amazon $26 View On Sephora $26 View On Jcpenney.com $24 Our Ratings Application 4.9/5 Absorption 4.7/5 Efficacy 4.5/5 Hair Feel 4.8/5 Overall Look 5/5 Pros Our hair felt softer and more nourished after the first use of this product. It works well at smoothing strands and promotes overall shine. It's lightweight and doesn’t feel too greasy. Our hair appeared more voluminous after use. Cons It features an incredible scent that we love but might be too overpowering for some. The best heat protectant for curly hair is, without a doubt, the Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray which is formulated with rose water to help target frizz and soften strands. We loved this heat protectant spray because, despite providing tons of nourishment, it didn’t feel too greasy or heavy on the hair. It provided an overall lightweight finish that smoothed and softened curls after the first use. Additionally, it helped support our styling efforts and left hair looking more voluminous and shiny with each use. While we were completely obsessed with the scent — it can seriously double as a hair perfume — it might be a little too strong for some, especially those who are sensitive to fragrance. Size: 8.5 ounces | Benefits: Promotes shiny strands, softens hair | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Rose water People / Jessica Juliao People / Cara Milhaven People / Cara Milhaven The 9 Best Brushes for Curly Hair, Tested and Reviewed Best for Fine Hair Gisou Heat Protecting Spray Gisou View On Amazon $41 View On Harrods.com Our Ratings Application 4.8/5 Absorption 4.7/5 Efficacy 4.8/5 Hair Feel 5/5 Overall Look 4.5/5 Pros The spray cap evenly distributes the product on strands. It boasts a lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh hair down. Our hair felt silkier and smoother after use. Cons It has a honey-like scent that some might not love. Using styling products on fine hair can get tricky as you don’t want to add anything that will weigh hair down and make it look less voluminous. For a heat protectant spray that is lightweight enough for fine hair, we recommend the Gisou Heat Protecting Spray which protects strands from high temperatures up to 446°F and is formulated with bee propolis to strengthen and protect against breakage. The infusion of propolis does give the product a honey-like scent that might not be for everyone. While testing this product, we were most impressed by the spray cap, which evenly distributes the product to strands and makes it super easy to use. We also loved the overall lightweight texture that doesn't weigh down the hair. We also loved how the product left our hair looking and feeling silky and smooth with a weightless feel. Size: 6.8 ounces | Benefits: UV protection, strengthens strands, prevents breakage | Temperature Protection: Up to 446 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Mirsalehi honey, mirsalehi propolis, panthenol, sunflower seed extract People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Shine Bumble and bumble Invisible Oil Primer Amazon View On Target $16 View On Nordstrom $15 View On Sephora $16 Our Ratings Application 4/5 Absorption 4/5 Efficacy 5/5 Hair Feel 3/5 Overall Look 4/5 Pros This spray effectively decreases frizz by 50 percent. It comes in a large 8.5-ounce bottle, making it a good value for the price. It’s formulated with nourishing coconut, argan, grape seed, macadamia seed, sweet almond, and safflower oil. Cons It contains a lot of oil-based ingredients, so it's not ideal for oily or thin hair. Formulated with nourishing coconut, argan, grape seed, macadamia seed, sweet almond, and safflower oil, the Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer provides tons of nourishment and, as a result, shine. We love this product because it decreases frizz by 50 percent and comes in a large 8.5-ounce bottle, so you get a lot for the price. Throughout the testing period, we found that this hair primer not only hydrated dry strands and helped prevent damage caused by hot tools like flat irons but also felt comparable to a leave-in conditioner since it left our hair feeling softer and silkier. The amount of oil-based ingredients in this product means it may not be ideal for oily or thin hair. Size: 8.5 ounces | Benefits: Prevents color from fading, UV protection, decreases frizz, hydrates dry strands | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Signature 6-oil blend People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Cream Shu Uemura Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream Sephora View On Sephora $46 View On Shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com Our Ratings Application 5/5 Absorption 4.9/5 Efficacy 5/5 Hair Feel 4.7/5 Overall Look 5/5 Pros It’s designed to help hold the hair's shape for a longer-lasting style. The formula is easy to apply evenly throughout strands. It absorbs quickly and provides strands with a burst of hydration. Cons It’s designed for use on wet hair, so you can’t use it on dry strands. After testing several cream formulas, we recommend the Shu Uemura Netsu Blow Dry Cream as the best cream heat protectant. This styling product is designed specifically for blow drying, but we tested it on hot tools and found that it worked just as well, especially since it protects strands from high temperatures up to 450°F. Overall, we found that this heat protectant is super easy to use and the cream formula blends well into strands for an even coverage throughout. It works well to set and hold a hairstyle after blow drying or using a hot iron. It also absorbs quickly and provides strands with a dose of hydration without being detectable. In addition to its hydrating and heat-protecting properties, the cream helps decrease the look of frizz and promotes an overall shiny finish. It also features a lightweight scent that isn’t too overpowering and dissipates quickly. Our only hangup? We wish we could use it on wet and dry hair because we loved it that much. Size: 5 ounces | Benefits: Sets hairstyles for long-lasting hold, decreases frizz | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Cera alba (beeswax), dimethicone People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Courtney Kassel Best for Dry Hair Kérastase Résistance Ciment Thermique Blow Dry Primer Kerastase View On Amazon $46 View On Sephora $46 View On Kerastase-usa.com Our Ratings Application 4.5/5 Absorption 5/5 Efficacy 5/5 Hair Feel 4.9/5 Overall Look 4.5/5 Pros This primer features keratin and ceramides to support healthy strands. It helps prevent hair color from fading. It has a liquidy formula that makes it easier to apply all over the strands. Cons It feels a little sticky on the strands at first (but goes away once fully absorbed). We liked this primer for its color-safe and hydrating formula. This heat protectant is specifically designed for blow-dry styling so it's great to use with hot air brushes. Since it protects hair from high heat, it also works well for straighteners, curling irons, and other hot tools. In addition to being safe for hair color, it's formulated with keratin and ceramides to smooth the hair and reduce breakage caused by blow-drying by up to 85 percent, which helps maintain overall hair health. Its creamy formula is also a little more on the runny side, making it easier to apply all over dry strands. It does feel a little sticky on the hair at first, but that goes away once it's fully absorbed. Size: 5.1 ounces | Benefits: Promotes elasticity in dry strands, strengthens hair | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Pro-keratine complex, ceramides, resurrection plant sap People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao The 5 Best Temporary Hair Colors of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Investment Oribe Balm D’Or Heat Styling Shield Amazon View On Amazon $48 View On Nordstrom $48 View On Dermstore $48 Our Ratings Application 5/5 Absorption 4.5/5 Efficacy 5/5 Hair Feel 5/5 Overall Look 5/5 Pros The heat-activated polymer technology creates a smoothing effect on strands. It has a lightweight formulation that doesn’t weigh the hair down. With a sandalwood and maracuja oil base, it boasts the most incredible scent. Cons It comes in a small bottle, so you don’t get as much product as some of the others we tested. Formulated to provide strands with heat protection up to 450°F, this lightweight elixir is designed with a heat-activated polymer technology to help smooth strands without weighing them down. One tester noted that she experienced fewer flyaways after styling, though others said that they couldn't tell much of a difference between not using the balm and using it. At 3.4 ounces, the Oribe heat protectant is a bit expensive for the size of the bottle; however, we found that we didn’t need to use much product, meaning we anticipate one bottle to last a long time. And, as far as luxury goes, one tester said that if they could bottle this scent as perfume, they would. Size: 3.4 ounces | Benefits: Supports hair strength, restores damaged hair, protects against flyaways | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Maracuja oil, sandalwood, biotin People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best Lightweight Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist Olaplex View On Amazon $30 View On Sephora $30 View On Ulta $30 Our Ratings Application 4.9/5 Absorption 4.7/5 Efficacy 5/5 Hair Feel 4.5/5 Overall Look 4.7/5 Pros The formula doesn’t weigh down fine hair. We noticed a marked difference in our hair’s hydration levels after using this product (read: our hair felt much softer and silkier). It has a de-frizzing formula that can make styled hair look more smooth and slick. Cons It doesn’t provide as much bounce as we would have liked. Whether you like a barely-there feel or have fine hair and need a heat-protecting formula that won’t weigh your strands down, we recommend the Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist. Formulated with Olaplex Bond Building Technology, this heat protectant spray helps nourish and repair damaged strands while promoting a softer texture and shine. While testing this product, one of our testers found that it worked particularly well on their fine hair and, although it didn’t give off a ton of bounce, it still provided some lightweight volume. In addition to its lightweight formula, we love it for its de-frizzing effect, which we found worked really well at keeping our flyaways at bay and providing a smoother and sleeker look. While it might have a lightweight formula, it certainly doesn’t lack in the hydration department as our hair felt ultra-nourished and moisturized after testing this out. Size: 5 ounces | Benefits: Repairs damaged strands, promotes softer texture and shine | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: Jackfruit polysaccharides and advanced polymers, bamboo extract lipopeptides, pea peptides People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Best for Color-Treated Hair dpHUE Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray Ulta View On Amazon $30 View On Ulta $21 View On Dermstore $30 Our Ratings Application 5/5 Absorption 5/5 Efficacy 4.8/5 Hair Feel 4.6/5 Overall Look 4.6/5 Pros The formula has a more lightweight texture that works well on most hair types, including oily strands. The spray nozzle makes it easy to cover hair evenly without over-saturating it. This product promotes de-frizzing and shine. Cons We didn't notice anything notable in our testing. If you have color-treated hair, a heat protectant spray can help prevent fading caused by excessive styling as well as dry, damaged hair. After testing several options, we found that the best heat protectant for color-treated hair is the dp Hue Color Fresh Thermal Protection Spray, which can protect hair up to 450°F and is designed to not only act as a shield when styling but also promote de-frizzing and shine while preserving your fresh new paint. When testing this formula, we were highly impressed by the spray nozzle which helped cover hair evenly without making it too "wet." To that point, we loved that it features a more lightweight formula that works well with most hair types — one of our testers has oily hair and barely even noticed it in their strands. Size: 5 ounces | Benefits: Protects hair color from heat | Temperature Protection: Up to 450 degrees F | Key Ingredients: UV absorber, velvet feel emollient, humidity protection shield People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao People / Jessica Juliao Things to Consider Before Buying Heat Protectant Sprays Heat Protection Of course, the purpose of heat protectant formulas is to provide effective heat protection. “Look for a spray that clearly states its ability to protect hair against high temperatures,” says Sharon Dorram, owner of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger. “It should have a high heat protection rating such as 450°F to protect your hair from the heat of various styling tools.” Hydrating Ingredients In order to truly protect hair from heat damage, Brown says to look for a heat protectant spray with hydrating ingredients. This is especially important for those with natural textures and curly strands. “Naturally curly hair is the most fragile and susceptible to weakened hair strands when it comes to high heat,” Brown explains. “This typically means that the product has to be a humectant that provides the hair with a ton of extra moisture, slip, and reduces the drag while styling.” One of the most hydrating heat protectants on our list is the Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème, which is also our pick for the best protectant for frizz control. Flexibility When looking for the best heat protectant spray for your strands, Sarah Potempa, celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of The Beachwaver Co. says it’s important to find one with flexibility. “This means that the product will be buildable, workable, and still soft to the touch after use,” she explains. Since heat protectant is simply there to protect the hair from heat without interfering with the hair’s overall texture, you want to ensure the product doesn’t leave behind a stiff and crunchy feeling. With this in mind, Potempa says to look at the formula’s ingredient list for polymers that are designed to give strands that luscious movement vs. a starchy finish. Our pick for the best curly hair heat protectant spray, Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray, left our hair soft and flexible after use. Multi-Purpose With heat protectants, there’s no need to use so many hairstyling products since many formulas have multi-purpose benefits. If you want to lower the number of products you use in your routine, Dorram says to look for formulas that do a bit more than just protect from high heat. “Some heat protectant sprays offer additional benefits, for example, some products may also provide detangling properties, frizz control, or added shine.” For a heat protectant with frizz control, consider the Briogeo Blow Dry Perfection & Heat Protectant Crème for its taming formula. If you want to add a little more shine to your strands, we love the Bumble & Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer, which leaves hair looking ultra sleek. People / Jessica Juliao How We Tested To find the best heat protectants, we researched dozens of formulas and put them to work in our PEOPLE Tested lab. Application: Each tester was to follow the instructions on their designated product (for example, if the protectant needs to be applied on wet hair, they then used a spray bottle of water to get their hair damp) and apply the product to only the right side of their hair to visually see a difference as well as physically feel the difference in using a heat protectant versus not using one at all (on the left side).Styling: They then each blew out their full head of hair with a hair dryer and round brush and ran a straightener through their hair, taking stock of how both sides of the hair looked and if the heat protectant made an obvious impact on their strands.Heat Test: If the protectant was dispensed via a spray bottle, we misted receipt tape with the product before running a flat iron down the paper to take note of the thermal reactivity.Long-Term Testing: We also conducted real-world testing to see how the heat protectants hold up in everyday use. Over two weeks, we tested each formula against curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers and made note of how well the formulas performed against high heat. We also considered how our hair looked and felt after each use, and whether or not our hair looked healthier after styling. Once the testing period was up, we compiled all of our notes and compared experiences to determine which formulas performed the best to bring you this very list. Frequently Asked Questions Do heat protectant sprays really work? Heat protectant sprays, creams, and serums are designed to protect hair from high heat and, if they have a high-quality formulation, they can certainly get the job done. “If used correctly, they can provide a protective barrier separating the hair and the heat, in turn preserving the hair,” says Sharon Dorram, owner of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger. “Heat protectants typically contain ingredients that help to coat the hair and create a shield against high temperatures,” she adds, noting that these ingredients include silicone derivatives, polymers, and other heat-resistant compounds. With that said, heat protectant sprays can’t eliminate the risks of heat styling entirely. “High heat can still potentially cause damage to the hair, especially if used excessively or at very high temperatures,” Dorram notes. Which heat protectant spray is best? After testing several formulas, we were most impressed by the Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray and chose it as our top pick for the best heat protectant spray (though we had many other noteworthy winners on our list!). This formula is enhanced by nourishing ingredients and doubles as a detangler, making it a multipurpose formula that protects from high temperatures and promotes soft and smooth strands. Do you put heat protectant spray on wet or dry hair? “When it comes to application, some products ask that you apply on wet hair and some products are just as effective with dry application,” says celebrity stylist Christin Brown. No matter what the application process entails, she recommends always following the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle for the best results, noting “It definitely matters.” Some heat protectant formulas also allow for both wet and dry application, like our best budget option, Chi Total Protect, making them more versatile depending on your styling needs. Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best heat protectant sprays, Jessie reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s real-world testing insights, carefully considering each experience and how they compared. She also asked haircare experts for their insights on heat protectant sprays and the most important qualities to look for when shopping for a heat protectant formula. Meet Our Experts Christin Brown is a celebrity hairstylist and curl specialist. Sharon Dorram is the owner of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger. Sarah Potempa is a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of The Beachwaver Co. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.