When using hot tools to style your hair, it’s critical to have the best heat protectant on hand, no matter your hair type. “I’d highly recommend a heat protectant to anyone who uses a blow dryer or hot tools directly on their hair, to eliminate as much heat damage as possible,” explains celebrity hairstylist Alexander Armand, who has an array of celebrity clients, from Marsai Martin to Serena Williams. Best Heat Protectants Concerned about the constant threat of heat damage every time you pamper yourself with a styling session? We have got just the right product for you, so that the next time you style your hair, you won’t have to worry about hair damage. The Matrix Heat Buffer Thermal Styling Spray is here to revolutionise your hair care routine, offering ultimate protection against heat styling tools.

Elevate your styling game to new heights with the Matrix Heat Buffer Spray. It not only shields your hair but also bestows a silky-smooth, gleaming finish. Bid adieu to dull, lifeless hair and welcome shiny and radiate hair that is super healthy. Thermal damage - which is the use of any heat on the hair - is one of the leading causes of degradation of the hair fibre,' says hairstylist, Tom Smith. 'Heat protectors provide a buffer between your hair and the hot surface or air flow minimising the amount of damage that can occur.' Start by prepping hair with a hydrating leave-in conditioner and comb through for even distribution. Graciano emphasizes this step: “If you don’t don’t comb through hair first, you might not be ironing out kinks or knots in your hair, which is also not the healthiest of practices.” Then, layer your hair with your heat protectant, starting from the most dehydrated point of the hair (your ends), working upward. As a rule when you are using any product (unless it’s a root volumizer), use a lighter hand as you work towards your scalp. Then, add your heat tool. Why Is A Heat Protectant Important To Use When Styling?

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer

But that’s not all. They can also help protect against moisture loss, which is essential to help keep hair happy and healthy." Once you've generously applied the Matrix Heat Buffer to your damp hair, you can seamlessly proceed with your usual styling routine. Bid farewell to the days of anxious styling, as the Matrix Heat Buffer Spray ensures your hair remains impeccably protected. Whether you're a styling enthusiast or simply looking to maintain your hair's natural radiance, our Thermal Styling Spray is your trusted companion. Read on to discover the benefits the Matrix Heat Buffer has to offer. Whether it’s managing frizzy hair, holding your style or simply protecting your hair to help prevent damage, read on for our guide to the brilliant hair heat protectors on Boots’ physical and virtual shelves, how to use them and why you shouldn’t skip these hair products when using heat tools. Heat protection sprays help prevent a number of issues that come from using heat-styling tools, and some of them can even double as styling and treatment products that can extend the life of your blowout or nourish your hair. Amazing, right? To find out more, I consulted some experts—hairstylists Castillo Bataille, Garren, Leo Izquierdo, and Nunzio Saviano—to get the top tips around. Ahead, the 17 best heat protectants available right now—plus, the most important things to know about using a heat protectant, according to the experts. But first, lemme give you a peek at my faves:

The Best Heat Protectant Overall: Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer According to Graciano, the best heat protectants usually include “better-for-you ingredients that may also nourish the hair.” Here’s what to look for in these haircare products that go above and beyond. Ingredients With dry hair, lightly spritz a spray over hair or run creams through mid lengths to the tips, avoiding the scalp to side step flat greasy roots. You can also comb it through for a more even distribution. Matrix is your partner in the battle against heat damage. Shielding your hair from the external stressors, the Matrix Heat Buffer acts as a saviour, allowing you to try your favourite styling tools without the fear of harm. Your hair remains healthy and resiliently beautiful.

What do heat protectants do?

We updated this article in January 2023 to add two new products, eva NYC and Curlsmith, in place of discontinued and sold out products. Heat protection is designed to work across all hair types, but some have built-in benefits that may be better for your hair type, like moisturizing properties,” says Redway. “If you have textured hair that reverts, it’s important to consider heat protection that will not counteract by reverting your hair.” The Best Heat Protectants Formula typically depends on the desired end result. The sleeker you want your look, the more concentrated the product should be. “Look at the foundation of the product itself. Let’s say you have extremely fine hair and need to work on volume. It’s likely you wouldn’t reach for a cream, so opt for a mist instead,” says Graciano. “This is a general rule that can be broken if there is a mist that is actually heavier than your hair can handle.” Philippo says those with curly hair or dry textures will benefit from something more moisturizing like oil or cream. Heat tools for hair — like straighteners, curling irons and hair dryers — are one of the biggest culprits of hair damage. Although there is no way to totally reverse the damage, you can minimize some negative effects by applying a thermal protecting leave-in styling product. In fact, two studies published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science ( 1998 and 2011) have shown that several ingredients (which include copolymers, hydrolyzed protein and cationic surfactants) can minimize hair breakage when applied before thermal exposure. And those with processed or dry textures risk damaging their hair cuticles, making it brittle. “A heat protectant protects the hair by enveloping the cuticles in a protective layer, while also reducing water evaporation by sealing in the hair’s natural moisture,” says Philippo. When Should You Use A Heat Protectant?

Initial heat damage can cause the hair to look dull and feel dry. As the cuticle of the hair strands lift, lipids are lost from the hair core which can eventually lead to split ends and breakage. A spritz of heat protector will help to slow down these effects. Our Matrix Heat Buffer offers robust thermal protection up to scorching temperatures of 450°F/232°C. Say goodbye to the fear of damaged hair and embrace the confidence of knowing your hair is safe from extreme heat. Put simply, heat protector spray and similar products create a barrier around the hair shaft, protecting the cuticle from heat damage during the extreme temperatures when using tongs, straighteners, or hairdryers," explains Sarah Salem, stylist and salon director at Hari’s. However, typically for wet hair: "Lightly spritz the spray products or run creams through mid lengths to the tips on damp or towel dried hair, after washing and before applying heat." advises Sarah. I’ll be honest: There is a lot of debate among hair professionals about heat protectants. Some stylists swear by their protection powers, while others can take them or leave them. The truth about heat protectants falls somewhere in the middle. “Heat protecting sprays minimize damage from heat—they don’t eliminate damage,” explains Brook. Having a dedicated heat protecting product is a set in stone way to ensure your hair is being protected, but more often than not, other styling products in your regimen will have a built-in heat shield. When Do I Use Heat Protectant?

R+Co Bleu Essential Hair Tonic

Matrix understands that nobody wants their hair to feel like a stiff, crunchy helmet. Our Matrix Heat Buffer offers a gentle, light hold that retains the flexibility and movement of your hair. You can now enjoy your preferred styles with the confidence of hair that feels as natural as it looks. Depending on the formula, benefits can include "colour protection, plus defending against breakage", says Sarah. Ingredients in heat protectants can come in many forms and have to do with personal lifestyle preference, says Graciano. “However, there is a rule to follow: [Look for] fatty ingredients that are able to shield the hair, like natural oils such as coconut or more of a polymeric compound like dimethicone,” she says. Formula

Blow-drying, straightening, curling... If any of these words are in your hair styling vocabulary, then you definitely need to make heat protection sprays part of that routine. As well as prep, technique is key. "In addition to investing in a heat protecting spray, you can try using heat styling tools on a medium heat," suggests Sarah. When it comes to key ingredients, Philippo is a fan of argan oil. “It protects the outside of the hair but also strengthens and moisturizes it as well,” he says.

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.