Best heat protection sprays, creams and oils for every hair type (2025)

Score: 87/100

K18 products often come out head and shoulders above the rest in our tests (see our best hair repair treatment) and this oil didn’t disappoint. The brand claims it helps repair damage, reduce frizz and improve shine – and it delivered across the board, no matter our testers’ hair type.

Our panellists found it easy to dispense and said a small amount of product went a long way. “You only need a couple of drops for mid-length hair, and it made the final effect sleeker, shinier and easier to dry and style,” said one pleased panel member.

“Having grey hair can mean it feels coarse and frizzy, but this genuinely brought back my healthy hair texture,” said another, while users reported softer hair that lasted all week. It also resisted the typical effects of humidity and kept hairstyles intact for longer without any need for hair spray. Where do we sign up?

Score: 86/100

This nourishing hair serum has been formulated with Olaplex’s patented bonding technology to protect against heat damage and pollution, add shine and reduce static and tangles. Silicone-, phosphate- and paraben-free, it claims to protect hair against heat up to 232°C.

Our testers felt it did the trick, with everyone saying their hair felt less frizzy after use. “It left my hair really soft and hydrated, right through to the next wash day,” said one. “This serum is lightweight and made my lengths feel silky and look shiny. It also seemed to give my thin hair more body and texture after drying,” said another.

If your hair is thin, dry or damaged and can’t cope with anything too thick or heavy, this serum could be the answer. Most testers also said it prevented their colour from fading.

Score: 86/100

If you’ve got super damaged strands, you may be better off opting for a cream or oil, but if your hair is relatively healthy, a convenient, easy-to-use spray could be the answer. Just take extra care combing it through the lengths, to ensure you cover every part of the hair shaft.

Perfect for use with messy hands (i.e. as part of your post-shower moisturising routine), this spray was an instant hit with our time-poor panellists. “It was convenient to use and didn’t saturate my hair, as the dispenser lets out a light mist,” said one, while another claimed: “This is the best heat protect spray I’ve used.”

The immediate effect was shinier, sleeker hair, even in the face of summer humidity, and longer-term, testers said it reduced breakage and helped their hair grow. All our testers praised its lightweight finish and frizz-fighting abilities.

Score: 84/100

Formulated with haircare’s favourite protein — keratin — this spray claims to protect your locks against temperatures up to 230°C, while offering frizz control that makes styling last all night. But did it deliver?

Our panellists said it visibly reduced heat damage. “There was no steam where there typically is when using straighteners,” said one tester, while another said their hair felt “more manageable” after use, without leaving any build-up on the iron plates like other, thicker protectants can do. Oh, and it costs under £5.

Score: 82/100

This leave-on spray uses citric acid to alleviate frizz by adjusting the hair’s pH, along with the brand’s signature plant complex to provide the highest level of heat protection. As well as protecting against damage, it claims to nourish strands and boost hair’s elasticity.

Our testers were full of praise for this product, which they said “instantly” smoothed frizz, even before using heat. They also found it left their hair “sleek” and “non-sticky” and said their blow dry lasted longer than normal. However, one person did complain that it made their hair greasier, more quickly.

All our testers said it was lightweight and didn’t leave any residue. For those with finer hair, this is a good pick for fighting off heat without weighing strands down.

Score: 82/100

If dehydrated tresses are a battle you’re tired of fighting, it could be time to look Down Under for your dream ‘do. Formulated with native Australian ingredients, which are naturally potent (all that sun and proximity to the equator works wonders on nutrition density), Aussie Haircare’s shampoos and conditioners have been keeping locks luscious for years.

This instant heat saviour spray is no exception. Testers told us it smoothed down flyaways and made them easier to work with, while hair felt fresh thanks to the “tropical, fruity fragrance.” If you’re looking for a moisture-locking shield that transports you to a faraway paradise, this is the one. Plus, it kept hair feeling thick and healthy all day for most of our panel, although one said the effect wore off as the day went on. Can’t win ‘em all.

Score: 82/100

This spray pays particular attention to repairing the effects of sea water, chlorine and pollution, while also protecting from heat and UV damage that leads to breakage. In short, it covers all bases.

This makes it a good choice for those with curly hair, which is often more fragile and susceptible to damage and dryness – and particularly for those who can’t live without their straightening tools.

Testers said their hair felt healthy and their curls were more defined after use. It softened frizz and even those with typically dry lengths said their hair felt silky smooth as soon as they sprayed it on.

There was mixed feedback on the packaging, though. Some found the spray nozzle convenient, while others said it made it tricky to avoid the roots when applying, and some said it leaked. It may be one for the bedside table or bathroom shelf rather than carrying around in your gym bag, then.

Score: 79/100

This spray is part of a range of products formulated to help prevent over-washing by prolonging your style for as long as possible – a nod to the humble dry shampoo. And according to our panellists, it worked.

Almost everyone said their locks felt smoother and sleeker after use, plus many agreed it left them with healthier-feeling hair long-term. Many said they didn’t need to wash their hair as frequently either and there was less colour fade for those who dyed their 'do.

Score: 78/100

Sol de Janeiro is famed for its head-turning scents and feel-good formulations, and it knows what it's doing when it comes to haircare, too. This blend of Brazilian oils works to hydrate and nourish strands (hello multi-tasker), while protecting against heat and fighting frizz for up to 72 hours.

Many of our panellists said their hair looked shinier and felt more hydrated and nourished after use, giving it a healthier look. It wasn’t for everyone, though. Some said it left locks a little oily and weighed their hair down. Essentially, this is one for those with dry ends (note, it’s an oil, so shouldn’t be used on roots).

Score: 77/100

This one is guaranteed to bring a dose of chic to any shower shelf. Founded by Oribe (pronounced or-bay) Canales – a sought-after celebrity stylist who made big, beautiful hair synonymous with ‘90s supermodels – the packaging oozes sophistication and glam.

Enriched with edelweiss, watermelon and lychee flower extracts, along with plant-based collagen and vitamin B, the formulation doesn’t skimp on sumptuous, nourishing ingredients. Also aimed at detoxifying hair exposed to pollution at the end of the day, it does more than just protect from heat, although it seems to do that too.

Testers told us it calmed frizz and added a healthy helping of volume to their hair. It was was also ultra-convenient to use, as you can apply it to damp or dry hair (many heat protectors work on damp hair only). Our panellists recommended using it more sparingly on dry hair than damp.

Score: 76/100

If you like your 'do to last past lunchtime, then don’t underestimate the importance of a style-retention product as part of your morning routine. This spray was formulated with both protection and reliable hold mind. And we can tell.

Our panellists said it detangled typically knotty hair, smelt amazing, and felt lightweight and soft to the touch on the lengths. They also said their hair felt healthier and looked fuller after use, with a good boost of volume. A few found the cherry blossom scent slightly overpowering, so don’t go for this one if you prefer your products fragrance-free.

Score: 75/100

Packed with strengthening protein and available in a handy mini size for throwing in your gym bag or taking away for the weekend, we love the convenience of this mist, especially for those with curls.

Our panellists were fans too. “I was so impressed with how this made my curls look! My ringlets were super tight and uniform, and my hair was perfectly protected and hydrated, despite the heat styling,” said one delighted panellist.

Others loved that it was multi-use – great for before styling on wash day to protect their hair from heat damage and on day two or three to refresh curls between washes. We love a beauty multi-tasker.

Score: 75/100

OGX is known for its accessibly-priced yet effective hair treatments, and this spray is no exception. Not only does it protect against heat, but it also claims to help hair dry more quickly and add shine.

Testers told us it fought humidity and frizz with ease on days when their style would normally have fallen out in the heat. So, if you’re going on holiday and want to avoid a Monica Geller frizz situation, this could be the heat protector for you.

Umberto Giannini’s products are largely designed to help people nourish, soften and define their waves. It’s no wonder then that this blow dry spray is also great at combatting frizz.

It coats the hair cuticle in a moisture-repelling layer that not only protects against heat but also defends against the moisture in the air, which can cause flyaways. Essentially, it fights off frazzled-looking ends and shields against future heat damage, all at once. According to our editors, it’s a gym bag essential.

Not only does this do a fine job of keeping locks in good condition in the face of frazzling hair tools, but it smells absolutely exquisite while doing it. Although the brand belongs to Adam Reed, a super-stylist to the stars, he wanted his professional products to come with an affordable price tag.

This priming spray will keep your hair looking healthy and turn heads when you walk into a room – honestly, it smells so good.