Heat Protectant Is A Must — Here’s How To Use It The Right Way

When you’re pressed for time in the morning, you may cut corners while styling your hair and skip out on heat protectant spray — no judgement, we’ve all been there. However, bypassing this heat styling essential could wreak havoc on your strands and lead to hair breakage, brittle ends, and other concerns. 

Whether you’re blow drying or flat ironing your mane, it’s a smart idea to apply a few quick spritzes of heat protectant spray for hair before styling — after all, it only takes a few seconds. So, we’re giving you the full breakdown on why heat protection is a must, along with the best heat protectant products from L’Oréal Paris to help in your hairstyling ventures.

What Is Heat Protectant?

Heat protectant is a type of styling product that helps protect your hair against damage caused by hot tools. This kind of product works to shield your strands from damage when used before applying heat. Think of it as armor for your hair. Generally, they work by helping to seal the hair, creating a physical and tangible barrier against moisture loss. Heat protectants can come in various formats, including spray, cream, oil, or serum formulas. Depending on the option you use, it can also help to tame frizz, condition your tresses, add shine, and block out humidity.
Heat protectants sprays are ideal for fine or thin hair, offering a lightweight option. Creams work well for thick or dry hair, providing added moisture and control. Oils are best for coarse or frizzy hair, offering deep hydration and shine. Serums are perfect for medium to thick hair, providing a smooth finish and added protection without weighing hair down. Each formula caters to specific hair needs for optimal protection. Knowing your hair type is key to get the most out of your 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. But we get it — heat-styling isn’t always avoidable. Thankfully, by applying a heat protectant for hair and being smart about how you use your hot tools, you can help prevent damage while still creating a unique style. It only takes a couple of extra seconds to apply heat protectant to help prevent long-term damage. 

The only concern you may need to have with heat protectant is that over time, it can cause buildup. This simple step can help you to avoid that. Adding a clarifying shampoo to your weekly routine can help keep weighty build up at bay. This tip goes for any hairstyling product really, not just heat protectant.

Do Heat Protectant Sprays Actually Work?

A common question is “Does heat protectant work?”. And despite what some may think, heat protectant sprays do work — assuming you follow the instructions listed on the product. They’re often formulated to protect hair from temperatures as high as 450 degrees. Make sure your heat tools aren’t exceeding the temperature that your hair heat protectant can defend against to ensure its effectiveness.

When Should You Apply Heat Protectant?

Heat protectant should be applied to damp hair before using a blow dryer to ensure it protects while drying. For flat irons or curling irons, ensure your hair is fully dry before applying the product. To ensure even distribution, section your hair and spray or apply the product to each part. Hold the bottle 6-8 inches away from your hair to avoid over-application. Always refer to the instructions on your specific product for best results.

How Much Heat Protectant Should You Use?

When using heat protectant spray for hair, a light mist is usually sufficient—oversaturating hair can lead to a greasy texture. For even coverage, choose a fine-mist spray and hold the bottle 6-8 inches away from your hair. If it is not a spray, apply it first in your hands and then massage in your mane. After application, comb through your hair to ensure the product is evenly distributed and all strands are covered. This helps prevent patchy coverage and ensures optimal protection of your hair. Remember to always read the product instructions for specific guidance on the right amount to use and also consider the length of your hair.

What to Look for in a Good Heat Protectant

Looking for the right heat protectant can be overwhelming. Follow these tips to make it easier. When selecting a good heat protectant for yourself, look for a lightweight formula that won't cause buildup and works well for all hair types. Consider products with frizz control and smoothing benefits to prevent flyaways and enhance shine. Ensure the product offers high-temperature protection, ideally up to 450°F, for optimal effectiveness with styling tools. If you're concerned about long-term hair health, choose silicone-free options to avoid potential damage from build-up. These features help maintain both your hair's appearance and condition.

Our Best Heat Protectants For Hair

Now that you’re all in on using heat protectant whenever you pick up your hot tools, it’s time to find your heat-safe match. Have your pick from our best heat protectants for hair below.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Oil-in-Serum

This is a heat protectant serum that reinforces weak hair bonds and protects hair from future damage with up to 450 degree Fahrenheit heat protection. It has been created for dry, damaged hair, to leave it intensely shiny and soft, without weighdown, and a non-greasy finish. It can be used on damp hair before styling for heat and damage protection or use on dry hair for a finishing touch.

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray

This high-performance heat protectant spray offers 450-degree heat protection for a sleek look. Specifically formulated to work with any heat-styling tool, the unique formula goes beyond heat protection to calm frizzy hair, seal in shine, block humidity, and condition strands. Best of all, it’s versatile! It can be used as a heat protectant for dry hair or damp hair. Just spray onto hair section by section before styling.

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave-In

This leave-in spray is part of the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths family, formulated to nurture your tresses through your hair growth journey. It’s specially made to work with a flat iron to protect against heat up to 450-degrees while strengthening your hair. Spray it on evenly, holding the bottle six to eight inches away from clean, damp strands before heat-styling.

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner

The formula of the EverPure Moisture 21-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner, with rose extract and almond milk, has been created to nourish and protect color treated hair. This is a leave-in product to use in damp hair. You just have to comb through prior to styling. It is a 100% sulfate-free and paraben-free product. This is not a good heat protectant, it is a great one.

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Leave-In Conditioner Treatment

In addition to being formulated to protect against heat up to 450-degrees, this hair cream helps increase hair strength and flexibility and protect against everyday damage. Apply a small amount of product onto clean, wet hair, working through from the roots to the ends. Leave in and style as usual.

Other Ways To Prevent Heat Damage

Now that you have the resources to pick the best heat protectant for you, that shouldn’t be your only line of defense. Besides stocking up on heat protectant, there are other strategies you should employ to help beat heat damage. Consider these four additional tips below to play it safe.

Tip 1. Allow hair to partially air dry before using your blow dryer

Blow-drying your hair when it’s soaking wet is only going to extend the process. And the more time your hair is exposed to high heat, the more damage that can occur. Let your hair air dry at least halfway before reaching for your blow dryer. 

Tip 2. Limit your use of hot tools

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), decreasing the number of times you blow dry every week helps limit damage. In addition to partially air-drying your hair, you can also consider allowing your hair to air dry completely at times. 

Beyond taking a break from your blow dryer, it’s also a smart idea to cut back on the frequency with which you curl and straighten your hair. The AAD shares that flat irons should be used no more than every other day. If your use exceeds that, take a little hiatus and put your strands into a pretty braid or bun instead.

Tip 3. Adjust your heat settings

Always use the lowest heat setting possible on your hair, because those super-high heat settings likely aren’t necessary to get the job done. In reality, the highest settings are typically meant for in-salon treatments with a pro — not at-home use.

Tip 4. Don’t pass through the same section of hair too many times

Repeatedly applying heat to the same section of hair will increase the chances of damaging your strands. The AAD recommends that when working with a curling iron or wand, you only leave your heat tool in place for a second or two. As for using a flat iron, straighten your hair in small sections, so you’ll only need to pass through each section once to get it straight.

Next Up: How To Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron

Photos courtesy of L’Oréal Paris