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If You're Using Hot Tools, You Need A Heat Protection Spray—We Only Recommend These 15
Because burnt, sizzled hair isn’t doing us any favors.
Consider heat protectants the SPF of hair care. In the same way that we use sunscreen to shield our skin from harmful UV rays, a heat protectant protects our hair from damage when exposed to heat. The high temperatures from a curling iron, hair straightener, or blow dryer can wreak havoc on our hair’s outer cuticle and lead to dryness, split ends, and dullness—similar to how excessive sunshine on our skin can cause wrinkles and cellular damage. Now you get why it's so freakin' necessary and something you def shouldn't skip.
Though a heat protectant's main selling point is its ability to prevent the issues above, some can even double as styling and treatment products that can (1) prep your hair for a blowout, (2) add extra moisture to dry hair, and/or (3) extend the life of your color. Amazing, right? To find out more, I consulted some experts—hairstylists Castillo Bataille, Garren, Leo Izquierdo, and Nunzio Saviano—to get the top tips and discover the best heat protectants on the market:
Our top picks for the best heat protectants of 2025:
Keep reading for the entire list of best heat protectant sprays, creams, and serums that can be used whether you’re giving yourself a classic blowout, some beachy waves with a wand, or creating a sleek style with your flat iron.
Pros
- The multi-tasking formula does so much more than shield your hair from heat
- This smells ~amazing~ (like guava fruit)
- Simplifies your hair care routine
Cons
- Might be a tad too heavy for those with fine hair
I'm always trying to simplify my hair care routine, and though I hate to admit it, heat protectant almost always gets the boot to cut down on time. (Sorry to my stylist!) If you feel the same way about heat protectants, I'm here to tell you that you no longer have to compromise when you have this genius multitasker.
The four-in-one mist works overtime, functioning as a detangler, anti-frizz spray, and a protectant against heat and UV rays. It manages to do this with an all-natural, clean formula that's made with butterfly ginger, avocado, and its namesake guava (FYI: we're in a guava girl summer rn). Full stop: it's no surprise it won top accolades in our Clean Beauty Awards.
- Size: 6.7 oz.
- Formula: Mist
- Level of protection: Up to 450 degrees
One Cosmo expert says: “Nothing makes my hair shine like this spray. It's boosted with botanical ingredients (like aloe vera, avocado oil, coconut oil) and offers heat and UV protection along with detangling benefits. I also like using it after styling to smooth down flyaways and reduce frizz. Plus, it smells like a tropical dream."—KRISTINA RODULFO, BEAUTY EXPERT
Pros
- I'm obsessed with the fruity, bright scent that lingers in my hair
- Boosts shine and minimizes frizz
Cons
- Will need to pair with a more moisturizing pick for coarse, thick, dry hair types
You'll never forget to apply heat protectant when you have this mist in your vanity. Why? Well, it smells so. damn. good. Like, your hair routine won't feel complete if you don't mist on this tropical delight. Of course, the scent isn't the only thing that makes this spray top-notch. The multi-use formula ensures your hair is soft and smooth through the most humid days because it offers light hold and minimizes flyaways. Oh, and you can never spritz too much—even if you have fine hair—because it's totally weightless too.
- Size: 5 oz.
- Formula: Mist
- Level of protection: Up to 450 degrees
One Cosmo editor says: "I never ever used heat protectant (I know, bad) until this rolled across my desk. Not only does it smell like a tropical vacation, but it keeps my hair looking flawless and extra shiny. Truly, I can't live without it and have gone through two bottles." —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- Formula feels lightweight and non-sticky
- Adds a touch of shine and softness, courtesy of argan oil
- Can be used on wet and dry hair
Cons
- Might not work as well on thicker hair
This heat protectant spray has won many awards over the years, and shoppers can't get enough of it... for a few reasons. One: The dry aerosol mist is virtually weightless (so your hair will never feel gunked up or greasy), yet it still gives hair noticeable shine thanks to a hint of argan oil in the formula. Plus, while most heat protectants can only be used on wet of dry hair, this one can be spritzed on regI use it on both, making it great for blowouts and also hot tool touch-ups.
- Size: 6 oz.
- Formula: Mist
- Level of protection: Up to 450 degrees
One Cosmo reader says: “I have fine, color-treated hair and this product works perfectly with it. It doesn’t weigh my hair down and it helps with my flyaways too.”
Pros
- Great at preventing frizz and flyaways
- Soooo affordable
Cons
- The sprayer can sometimes get clogged
Real talk: You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get your hands on a really great heat protectant spray. This top-rated option from drugstore brand OGX is the GOAT hair protector. For less than 10 bucks, it helps speed up my dry time, prevents breakage and split ends, and shields my hair from up to 450 degrees of damage. *Chef's kiss*
- Size: 6 oz.
- Formula: Spray
- Level of protection: Up to 450 degrees
One Cosmo reader says: “I used to avoid blow-drying my hair because it would take forever and just end up looking like a frizzy mess. This product has made such a difference! Not only does it smell heavenly, but it also makes blow-drying my hair a breeze.”
Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray
Pros
- Great for type-3 and 4 hair
- Super moisturizing without feeling heavy
Cons
- The nozzle can be prone to clogging
This protective formula is the hair equivalent of drinking a cool glass of H20 when you’re mad thirsty. Packed with a moisturizing oil blend—it contains everything from almond to argan oil—this curly hair fave takes dry and brittle hair and makes it super soft and hydrated for days.
- Size: 4 oz.
- Formula: Spray
- Level of protection: Does not specify
One Cosmo reader says: “I have 4B/4C hair and am very tender-headed but this product provided slip, and shine, and made my blow-drying experience very quick and easy. A little goes a long way.”
Pros
- Testers said it lessened their blow-drying time
Cons
- Texture can feel weird if you spray too much, per reviews
If you're running late, I implore you not to skip out on heat protectant—especially this one that speeds up drying time by 30 percent (yes really!). This spritz allows you to zip out the door faster all while protecting your hair from damage, dryness, and even color fading. Just spray it all over your hair, detangle, then blow dry. One tester said it cut down their drying time by as much as 15 minutes.
- Size: 5 oz.
- Formula: Spray
- Level of protection: Does not specify
One Cosmo reader says: “I use this product on myself as well as my two daughters. We all have very thick hair that takes forever to blow dry and using this product has truly cut down on dry time.”
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer
Pros
- Helps prevent color fading
- Super moisturizing without weighing down hair
Cons
- Might be too heavy for fine, thin hair
This lightweight primer features six powerful oils (think: Coconut, argan, macadamia nut, sweet almond, safflower seed, and grapeseed) to help prevent breakage from heat styling. It’s also formulated to block UV rays from penetrating—and, as a result, fading—color-treated hair, so your dye job will last longer and look brighter.
- Size: 8.5 oz.
- Formula: Spray
- Level of protection: Up to 450 degrees
One Cosmo reader says: “I can’t express how much of a gem this product is—it cuts blowout time in half and gives my hair such a pretty shine. Definitely keeping this one in my hair arsenal,”
Pros
- Great for oily hair types that are typically get weighed down
Cons
- The scent can be a little overpowering for sensitive noses
Not only does this oil- and silicone-free heat protectant spray add shine to blowouts without weighing down hair, but it also protects against hair static—a total pain in the ass during winter months. Those with fine hair will always feel good about using this because it feels like air while also offering major protection.
- Size: 5.5 oz.
- Formula: Mist
- Level of protection: Up to 450 degrees
One Cosmo editor says: “Legit everything weighs down my fine hair, but this mist is light as air. I spray it all over my hair before any heat styling—especially curling or straightening—and it protects my hair without feeling like I have anything on top of it."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Redken Extreme Play Safe Heat Protection and Damage Repair Treatment
Pros
- Great for tools that emit super high heat
- Uses plant proteins to help strengthen hair and prevent damage
Cons
- Can leave some buildup over time due to proteins (one pump is enough)
If your hair is already working with some damage (like dehydration and breakage), it's best to avoid heat styling altogether. We know that's easier said than done, though, so this spray helps strengthen to prevent any future issues. The formula is filled with plant proteins and tourmaline to protect your cuticle while also preventing breakage and split ends.
- Size: 6.8 oz
- Formula: Cream
- Level of protection: Up to 450 degrees
One Cosmo reader says: “I do really notice a difference in my hair since I’ve been using this. My hair feels softer and has zero flyaways.”
Pros
- Helps extend the life of your style
- Feels lightweight on hair
Cons
- Can make hair feel stiff if overused
For those who reach for their flat iron a bit more than they probably should, try this heat-activated spray, which provides thermal protection up to 428 degrees. It's fantastic for wavy hair, because it won't weigh down your waves, but also provides a teensy bit of extra moisture. The nonstick formula also means that the bends of your hair won’t get “stuck” to the iron while you work—basically, you’ll get silkier, shinier results, every time.
- Size: 10.1 oz.
- Formula: Spray
- Level of protection: Up to 428 degrees
One Cosmo reader says: “I have a lot of fine hair that normally won’t hold a curl for very long. This product makes that happen. I’ve used this when my hair was chin-length and my curls would last all day.”
Pros
- Contains purple pigments to neutralize brassiness
- Hydrates hair with hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Designed for only blonde, highlighted hair
Between regular hair appointments and a lot of bleach, blondes are more prone to damage. To prevent extra brittleness and dryness, a heat protectant is non-negotiable—and this one was specifically made for the blondies. The purple-tinted formula (yep, this spray even diminishes brassiness) uses hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump hair strands plus antioxidants to prevent color fading.
- Size: 5.1 oz.
- Formula: Cream
- Level of protection: Up to 450 degrees
One Cosmo reader says: “I apply this wonderful stuff in sections to coat my hair before I apply heat. I use an electric blow-dry brush and blow it out. It seriously looks amazing for days.”
CHI 44 Iron Guard Style & Stay Firm Hold Protecting Spray
Pros
- Contains a blend of hair-healthy vitamins and proteins
- The consistent mist makes protecting your hair easy
Cons
- Some testers say the texture can feel sticky
Here’s the thing about thick hair: It can require more heat and tool time to get the effect you want (like slowly and methodically straightening it to death, literally), which means it’s extra susceptible to damage. Luckily, this protecting spray helps hair stay resilient during the styling process, thanks to hair-friendly ingredients like vitamins E and A, along with a mix of strengthening proteins.
- Size: 10 oz.
- Formula: Mist
- Level of protection: Does not specify
One Cosmo reader says: “I've been using this heat protectant since middle school, and it still works as well as anything that's launched in this decade (not to age myself...). It acts as a styler, treatment, and heat protectant all in one. The smell is also so nostalgic—like a woody, warm jolt back to flat ironing my hair every single day. Memories!"—BG
Pros
- Protects from heat along with UVA and UVB rays
Cons
- There isn’t a ton of product for the size of the can
Specifically designed for those with damaged or overprocessed hair (two things that often go hand in hand), this spray hydrates extra-delicate hair with artichoke leaf extracts while shielding it from color-fading and damage with UVA and UVB ray protectors.
- Size: 4.6 oz.
- Formula: Mist
- Level of protection: Up to 450 degrees
One Cosmo reader says: “I often use straightening and curling irons on my hair, so I thought I’d try this out. To my surprise when I use this product, my hair is smoother, has more sheen, and looks healthier.”
Pros
- Meets our 'Cosmo' clean standards
- Creamy yet lightweigt
Cons
- Oily hair types may find this product too moisturizing
Made without any potentially meh ingredients—i.e., silicones, parabens, or phthalates—this clean heat-protectant cream does it all. You know, minimizes frizz, smooths flyaways, amplifies shine, and protects hair from up to 450 degrees of heat damage, all thanks to a blend of plant oils and proteins.
- Size: 4 oz.
- Formula: Cream
- Level of protection: Up to 450 degrees
One Cosmo reader says: “This smells really good and is amazing at smoothing down hair my coarse, medium-thickness hair. It works great for frizz when I blow dry my hair too.”
Pros
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- A little goes a long way (which helps save some money)
Cons
- One of the more expensive options on the list
Daily blowouts can take their toll—especially on curls—but this mist helps speed up drying time and cut down on some damage, so you can blow-dry and diffuse faster and safer. Unlike the others on this list, this spray is pretty concentrated, so use sparingly on damp hair, mid-lengths to ends, and comb through to distribute.
- Size: 5.9 oz.
- Formula: Spray
- Level of protection: Does not specify
One Cosmo reader says: “I will never give myself a blowout without using this product. It’s the absolute best—I already want to buy an extra backup!!”
Do you really need a heat protectant?
Absolutely, without a doubt—yes. Not using a heat protectant is like walking out into the sun without sunblock, says Castillo Bataille, a celebrity hairstylist and Matrix Brand Ambassador. A good heat protectant on your hair will help reduce breakage and prevent damage to your hair’s protective cuticle. If you’re using a blow dryer or hot tool with more than 350-degree heat, you need to be protecting your hair with a heat protectant, says celebrity hairstylist Garren.
Heat styling tools often reach damaging temperatures, explains hairstylist Nunzio Saviano. Heat protectants provide thermal protection and create a barrier around each hair strand to protect the cuticle, lock in moisture, and prevent frizz and flyaways too. And JSYK, hair that’s color-treated or chemically processed is even more susceptible to damage and breakage.
How do heat protectants work?
Heat protectants work by coating the hair with a protective layer of oils (like coconut oil and sunflower oil) and/or silicones (like dimethicone or cyclomethicone), says Bataille. “A heat protectant is usually applied to damp hair right after washing and before drying with a blow dryer and styling with a hot tool,” he says.
How to choose the best heat protectant
Consider your hair type.
Most heat protectants come in a spray, cream, or serum form, so you’ll want to choose a formula that best suits your hair type and texture. For curly hair types, Bataille recommends applying a cream-based heat protectant right out of the shower and then diffusing with a blow dryer for full and bouncy curls.
For those who want a bouncy blowout, Bataille suggests using a lightweight heat protectant spray like the Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray. If you’re looking for a razor-straight finish and mega shine, try a heat-protectant serum. And if you have thick hair? A heat protectant balm might be best, says hairstylist Leo Izquierdo. It will give your hair a super-smooth finish and just the right. We recommend the Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream.
Determine what level of protection you need.
Not all heat protectants provide the same level of heat protection, so you want to check either the product label or online description for the exact degrees of protection a formula offers before you purchase. TLDR: if you like to use your wand or flat iron at a higher temp, like 400 or 425 degrees, be sure your heat protectant can offer that much protection—if not more.
Meet the experts
- Castillo Bataille is a celebrity hairstylist and Matrix Brand Ambassador who has worked with celebrities like Bella Poarch, Alyssa Milano, and Meghan Trainor.
- Garren is a celebrity stylist and Co-Founder of R+Co. He’s worked with celebrities like Madonna, Linda Evangelista, and Kylie Jenner.
- Leo Izquierdo is a cofounder of IGK Hair and owner of IGK Salons who worked with celebrities like Valentina Ferrer and Gizele Oliviera.
- Nunzio Saviano is a professional hairstylist, educator, and owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York, NY.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Mary Honkus is a contributing beauty editor for Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including a deep dive on why your hair gets so oily and making a case for coconut oil for hair. She's an authority in all beauty categories and her hair is her prized possession. For this story, she tested dozens of heat protectants to find the best picks.
Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan, and has four years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing beauty stories, like the cutest hair clips and the best cream blushes. She regularly tests and analyzes heat protection sprays on herself for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top hair stylists to assess new brands and products.
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