6 best hair protectants

Hair Protectants: Hair protectants are products designed to safeguard your hair from damage that can occur during styling, heat exposure, and daily wear and tear. They come in various forms, and their primary goal is to maintain the health and integrity of your hair.

  1. Heat Protectants:

    • Heat protectant sprays or creams are essential when using hot styling tools like hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons.
    • They create a protective barrier on your hair, reducing the direct impact of high temperatures and preventing heat-induced damage like split ends and breakage.
  2. UV Protectants:

    • UV protectant sprays or serums shield your hair from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
    • Exposure to UV rays can lead to color fading, dryness, and weakened hair structure.UV protectants help prevent these issues.
  3. Environmental Protectants:

    • Environmental factors such as pollution and humidity can affect the health and appearance of your hair.
    • Certain hair products contain ingredients that act as a shield against these environmental stressors, helping to maintain your hair's condition.
  4. Color Protectants:

    • If you have color-treated hair, specialized color protectants can help maintain the vibrancy of your hair color.
    • They often contain UV filters and ingredients that lock in color, preventing premature fading.
  5. Anti-Frizz and Moisture Locking Products:

    • Some hair protectants focus on combating frizz and locking in moisture. These are particularly useful in humid conditions.
    • They create a protective layer that seals the hair cuticle, reducing moisture absorption from the air and minimizing frizz.
  6. Application:

    • Hair protectants are typically applied to damp or dry hair before styling or exposure to environmental factors.
    • Follow the product's instructions for the best results, as application methods may vary.
  7. Ingredients to Look For:

    • When choosing a hair protectant, look for ingredients like silicone (dimethicone), keratin, and natural oils, as these can create a protective barrier and provide added benefits such as shine and smoothness.
  8. Regular Use:

    • For the most effective protection, make using a hair protectant part of your regular hair care routine, especially before applying heat or spending time in the sun.

Hair protectants are a valuable addition to your hair care regimen, helping to maintain the health and appearance of your hair while allowing you to style it without excessive damage. Consider your specific hair type and styling habits when selecting the right protectant for your needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best hair protectants on the market
  

L'Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Sleek It Iron Straight Heatspray, 5.7 fl. oz. (Packaging May Vary)

L'Oreal Paris

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Get 3-day sleek style with L’Oral Paris AHS SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray. This lightweight heat protectant spray is specially formulated to offer 450 degree heat protection for any heat tool. This anti-frizz spray blocks humidity to calm fly-aways and conditions for long lasting silky style. • 3 Day Sleek, 450 Degree Heat Protection • Calms Frizz, Seals in Shine • Lightweight Heat Protectant Spray • Anti-frizz Spray For All Heat Tools Press button to unlock trigger. Spray on damp or dry hair section by section to SLEEK IT as you style with your heat tool.

  • 3 Day Sleek, 450 Degree Heat Protection
  • Calms Frizz, Seals in Shine
  • Lightweight Heat Protectant Spray
  • Anti-frizz Spray For All Heat Tools

User questions & answers

Question: Can i use it if i will use curling iron
Answer: Yes i’ve used it with my flat iron and my curling iron
Question: is the shipping time for this really that long? it says between 1-2 months
Answer: At this time if you purchase it from Amazon it will take that long, but other third party sellers like our selves can usually deliver it to you in about 5 business days.
Question: For those of you reporting this made your floor slippery, how do you clean it?? i feel like i’ve tried water and normal floor cleaners to no avail. i have wood floors and marble floors. help
Answer: Time. No spray cleaner seemed to work-- I had it on wood floors and ceramic tile floors and both were insanely slippery for a while. Once this stuff dries it just seems to BE THERE.
Question: when i spray it in my hair do i wait for it to dry, or can i straighten my hair while the product is still wet
Answer: You should only be putting a light misting of the product on your hair, so you should wait for it to dry. If you're using it right out of the shower then spray in, dry hair, then straighten. Straightening hair while wet really damages your hair.

Product features

Boost It:

High-performance stylers deliver soft, touchable body + volume for up to 24 hrs.

Lock in weightless texture, density, and volume. Boost It.

Air Dry It:

High-performance stylers enhance hairs’ natural shape for up to 24 hrs without leaving residue behind.

For Frizz-Resistant, Heat-Free Style.

Drop the Dryer, and Air Dry It.

Lock It:

High-performance hairsprays and gels sculpt your most extreme style.

Lock your locks in place with maximum hold lasting up to 48 hrs.

Sculpt your style strand-by-strand. Lock It.

Curve It:

High-performance stylers define your curls for 24 hrR hi-definition shape, without the crunch.

Soften, tame, and fight frizz. Curve It.

Hair Food Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant Spray Blend, Paraben & Dye Free, 6.4 fl oz

AmazonUs/PRFZ7

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

"Can you handle the heat? Your hair can with Hair Food Heat protection blend. Infused with coconut & Argan Oil, this heat shield helps to seal and protect your hair from heat damage up to 450 Degree and gives it healthy shine. Made with thoughtfully curated ingredients, It has everything you'll want to nourish your hair-and nothing you don't. That means no sulfates, no Parabens and no dyes. Shake well and then spray liberally, section by section, before applying heat. It's as simple as that and you'll love how your hair looks and feels once you've achieved your perfect style. Due to thermal styling."

  • HEAT PROTECTANT: Have no fear of blow-dryers or styling irons! Hair Food Coconut & Argan Oil Heat Protectant Spray Blend helps to seal and protect your hair from heat damage* up to 450°F and give it healthy shine (*Due to thermal styling)
  • ONLY WHAT YOU NEED: We believe what you put on your hair is as important as what you eat. Hair Food products are sulfate free, paraben free and dye free
  • LEAVES HAIR SHINY: Protects all hair types to give hair a healthy-looking shine and lets you style to your heart's content
  • DESIGNED FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: Whether you have straight, wavy or curly hair, fine or thick, Hair Food Protectant Spray protects it all. Shake well and then spray liberally, section by section, before applying heat
  • KITCHEN-INSPIRED RECIPES: Blended with the essence of coconut for a refreshing, delicious scent. Use on its own or with your favorite Hair Food shampoo, conditioner or other styling products for best results

User questions & answers

Question: can you use thia on wet and dry hair
Answer: Yes, I have used it on both. I have thin, curly hair. So, I usually spray it in sections when it's damp, and use a small comb. I have re-sprayed the next day, when it was dry; but, I'm not sure that was really necessary.
Question: Can this be used on curly hair without straightening
Answer: I love this product even when I don't use a heating unit. So it should be good 👍.
Question: Is this cruelty free
Answer: No. Procter & Gamble sells its products in China, a country that requires imported cosmetics to be tested on animals.
Question: Is this hair product vegan
Answer: A product that is vegan does not contain any animal ingredients or animal-derived ingredients. This includes, but is not limited to, honey, beeswax, lanolin, collagen, albumen, carmine, cholesterol, gelatin, and many others. To many, the term “vegan” also means that a product is free from animal testing as well. That being said. I believe this product would be considered vegan when you see the list of ingredients

ArtNaturals Thermal Hair Protector Spray - (8 Fl Oz / 236ml) - Heat Protectant Spray against Flat Iron Heat - Argan Oil Preventing Damage, Breakage and Split Ends - Sulfate Free

Artnaturals

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price
  • HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAY – ArtNaturals thermal hair protector is a weightless mist to use before styling your hair with flat irons, blow dryers and curling wands Our thermal shield provides protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • LEAVE IN CONDITIONER – This protection spray doubles as a leave in conditioner. Our thermal shield hydrates your hair while protecting it from getting dry and damaged. This professional level item will speed up drying time, and boost shine.
  • FOR ALL HAIR TYPES – Our heat protector hair spray can be used for all hair types. It is safe for straightening and curling. Fine or damaged hair, blondes or brunettes. This argan hair spray is the ultimate experience.
  • ARGAN OIL – Argan oil is known for its ability to help hair restore, enhance and grow. The natural moisturizer will help repair, dry, brittle and damaged hair from blow drying, flat ironing and sun exposure
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - ArtNaturals offers a 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Try it risk free with no questions asked and top customer service. You have nothing to lose and your health to gain.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a sham product? ingredients on my bottle's label doesn't list argan oil. it differs from the ingredients listed above. very misleading
Answer: No
Question: Is it safe to be used in Brazilian Keratin treated hair
Answer: They are designed with locks for bedrooms and bathrooms, and no locks for closet and pantry doors.
Question: Is this made in U.S.A
Answer: These keyed door levers are 5 pin cylinders and use a Schlage C keyway.
Question: Can this be used on dry hair prior to styling with a flat iron
Answer: You will receive 6 keys if you order the 3 pack keyed alike.

Product features

THE NATURAL WAY

At artnaturals, our shampoos and conditioners are sulfate-free, paraben-free—and affordable! Natural ingredients, such as argan oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, keratin, botanical extracts, and vitamins, ensure that hair is clean, shiny, and hydrated, with no sulfates and no parabens, ever. You’ll love the way your hair looks—naturally !

Fights Hair Loss

Argan oil makes sure that you do not lose more hair follicles then the number you grow. Argan stimulates your scalp due to its rich nutrient content to produce more hair. Argan treats your stressed-out locks to a shower spa treatment. The fabled conditioning properties of Moroccan argan oil, combined with natural herbal extracts, protein and Vitamin E give you the confidence boost of another good hair day.

Protect your Hair

Unlike many styling agents which can cause long term damage to hair due to the many chemicals contained within, Argan oil helps to enrich the hair and nourish it with nutrients to repair the damage.

Define and Shine

Rich in Vitamin-E, Argan oil nourishes hair, repairing split ends and increase hair's shine and overall healthy appearance. Argan oil shampoo and conditioner is safe for all hair types

Dry and Damaged Hair

In addition using Argan oil can help repair split ends and prevent frizz. If your hair is dry and brittle, you can use it to leave your hair soft and moisturized. Argan oil prevents drying and environmental damage by coating the hair shaft.

Argan Oil Thermal Hair Protector Spray

Get it together—and maximize the restorative, revitalizing results to your hair with ArtNaturals Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner Set. This power couple is first on The List for moisturizing, strengthening and protecting your crowning glory.

ArtNaturals Argan Oil Hair Shampoo treats your stressed-out locks to a shower spa treatment. The fabled conditioning properties of Moroccan argan oil, combined with natural herbal extracts, protein and Vitamin E give you the confidence boost of another good hair day.

The rejuvenating Argan Oil Conditioner absorbs into hair follicles, repairing and protecting it from styling heat and the sun’s UV rays. Botanical extracts and essential oils enhance the health and appearance of your hair, including its length, color and texture. Argan Oil Conditioner strengthens hair shafts, preventing breakage and frizz as it nourishes.

The rich, moisturizing, organic formulas of both Shampoo and Conditioner, infused with restorative argan oil, aloe vera, white willow bark, burdock root, rosemary, and thyme, stimulates cell renewal and healthy growth as it revs up hair follicles and supports a healthy scalp. Hair feels healthier, less brittle, thicker and super-shiny. The Duo conquers static—and is always color-safe and safe for all hair types.

The hydrating and protective properties allow you to blow-dry without worry—you’ll look like you just walked out of the salon with gorgeous, healthy, eye-catching hair!

Argan Oil

  • Plant Part Used: Argan kernels
  • Botanical Name: Argania
  • Family: Sapotaceae
  • Origin: Morocco
  • Method: Cold pressed

John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-day Flat Iron Spray, 3.5 Ounce Heat-activated Straightening Spray, to Block Out Frizz, with Keratin Protein

John Frieda

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Take advantage of the heat from your flat iron and keep hair straight and smooth for up to three days. John Frieda Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight Flat Iron Spray with Keratin is heat-activated, so it works with your straightener to block out frizz as it smooths hair. Formulated with a blend of polymers with keratin protein, the weightless formula wraps each strand of hair, sealing in straight style without weighing it down. The result is glossy, smooth hair that lasts for up to 3 days - or until your next shampoo.

  • SMOOTH YOUR FRIZZY HAIR - Use our Flat Iron Spray as a straight hair styling product for smooth results that last up to 3 days, or your next shampoo.
  • HEAT-ACTIVATED FOR A LONGER STAY - Keep your straight hairstyle with our uniquely formulated Flat Iron Spray for sleek looks that last.
  • STRAIGHT WITHOUT THE WEIGHT - Using a proprietary blend of polymers with keratin protein, our weightless spray removes frizz from each strand.
  • ADD GLOSS BY REMOVING FRIZZ - With our unique, anti-frizz formula, your hair will become glossy and smooth.
  • SALON QUALITY - Combine with John Frieda Frizz Ease Shampoo and Conditioner for frizz fighting results from wild, unmanageable hair.

User questions & answers

Question: Can this be used with a blow-dryer only
Answer: The blow dryer helps straighten it out, but the flat iron is what seals the straightening treatment in your hair, and treats it as an iron guard. So the answer is no, it shouldn't be used with a dryer only. The back of the box says blow dry then use a flat iron to seal in the straightener *i just pulled out my box and read it lol*.
Question: Does anyone use it on dry hair for a touch up with a flat iron on day
Answer: No, but sometimes I wait a day to flat iron and it’s been fine. I use JF Serum and brightened pre 3 Day Straight after washing. Stays for 4 days!
Question: Plan to use with flat iron. Should I prep with other products (creams or heat protectants first before straightening, or does this do it all
Answer: You should not have to use any other products with this.
Question: Can this be used only on wet hair ? Times when I want to instant iron my hair, can I use this over dry hair
Answer: I used on dry hair and the instructions says apply to dry hair when you use curling iron or flat iron. I hope my answer help you.

Product features

Flawlessly Straight

Straight styles start in the shower. This Shampoo & Conditioner duo works to hydrate and even out texture to make straight styling easier. It's formulated with Keratin to help nourish your hair.

3 Day Straight

This heat-activated spray works with flat iron to keep style straight longer, without requiring heat touch-ups. Formulated with nourishing Keratin.

Straight Fixation

Styling creme that hydrates and smoothes away frizz and keeps hair silky-straight for up to 24 hours! Formulated with hydrating Milk Protein & Sweet Almond Oil.

CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray 8 Fl Oz

CHI

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Superior thermal protection spray that works from the inside-out, helping to protect hair from thermal damage and breakage with a weightless formula with no added build up. Helps to seal the cuticle and works to prevent future damage.

Brand Story

CHI haircare and tools are manufactured by Farouk Systems a Houston based company.

  • Contains an easy brush glide formula that is an ideal styling tool for all your smooth and sleek styles
  • It gives you superior heat protection for your hair
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray was launched by the design house of CHI
  • It is recommended for casual wear.
  • Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray by CHI for Unisex - 8 ounce Iron Guard

User questions & answers

Question: How do you use this on freshly washed 4c hair? Spray on while hair is wet? Then let air dry before blow drying
Answer: Well I'm a stylist and I use it on my 4b hair after blow drying with my plugin flatirons at 430 degrees by spraying my after I put in 4 sections. I let it air dry after I comb it thru my hair and spray with shine infusion first, section by section. It comes out silky soft and doesn't revert my edges, unless I take a steamy shower or bath.
Question: What kind of hair does this work best for? I have very thin fine hair
Answer: All types of hair. I have medium thickness color treated hair and it works great for me. My mother has very thin fine hair and she loves it.
Question: can this be used on color treated hair? Does it contai alcohol
Answer: Yes to both questions. You can use it on colour treated hair and yes, it does have a form of alcohol in it.
Question: Do I put this on before blow drying, or after when I use my flat iron
Answer: No.....first you blow dry normally, and just before you use your flat iron you use the spray....specially in the areas around your face....hope this helps!

HSI PROFESSIONAL Argan Oil Heat Protector | Protect up to 450º F from Flat Irons & Hot Blow Dry | Sulfate Free, Prevents Damage & Breakage | Made in the USA | 8 Ounce, Packaging May Vary

HSI Professional

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Get the vibrant, silky, shiny and healthy styles you've always wanted without damaging your hair. HSI’s argan oil hair heat protectant is a weightless mist meant to be used before heated styling that protects the hair to heat exposure up to 450º F.

This light thermal protection spray can be used as a conditioning serum for optimal styling and finishing results. Infused with highly concentrated antioxidant-rich argan oil and shine-boosting vitamins, the argan oil heat protectant hydrates, detangles, speeds up drying time, boosts shine and creates a nourishing protective barrier between your hair and high heat styling tools, leaving you with healthier, smoother and more manageable hair every time.

Our professional argan oil heat protectant is:

  • Color-safe
  • Sulfate-free, phosphate-free and paraben-free
  • Not tested on animals
  • Proudly made in the USA
  • For Natural hair and Human hair extensions

  • EXTREME HAIR PROTECTANT: Protect hair from heat exposure up to 450º F. HSI’s argan oil hair heat protectant is a weightless mist to be used before styling with flat irons, blow dryers & curling wands. Style safely and worry free!
  • LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER: This light thermal protection spray can be also used as a leave in conditioning serum. Get smooth, hydrated, frizz-free hair that's healthier than ever before.
  • PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA: Ensuring you get a premium quality high grade hair oil Infused with highly concentrated antioxidant-rich argan oil and shine-boosting vitamins. Not tested on animals.
  • SUITABLE FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: For Natural hair and Human hair extensions.
  • MILD FORMULA: Sulfate-free, phosphate-free and paraben-free, Color-safe.
  • PROFESSIONAL SALON LEVEL PROTECTION: Hydrates, detangles, speeds up drying time, boosts shine & creates a nourishing protective barrier between your hair & high heat styling tools.
  • Packaging may vary, may come in red or white packaging.

User questions & answers

Question: Does this style hair or just protect from heat
Answer: It's strictly a heat protectant. It does not act as a styling aid. It works very well to protect hair from heat and leaves it soft, silky and smells amazing!
Question: How exactly does it smell like
Answer: Overpowering smell, I did not like it at all. It gets stronger as you spray more on your hair. It does fade once the spray has settled in your hair, but the application process was almost unbearable.
Question: Does this make your feel like straw like other thermal protectors
Answer: 1. I have not used other thermal protectors, so I have nothing to compare to. 2. This product makes my hair soft, silky and shiny. People come up to me and ask me, "What do you do to make your hair so shiny?" I also use a Schwartzkopf split end repair product cream after shampooing with Redkin. So it could be the combination. But I like this product and would buy it again. Suggest using it sparingly as it really does make your hair super soft!
Question: What's in the ingredients
Answer: There are about 30 different ingredients... practically all unpronounceable and unrecognizable except water (1st) alcohol, silicon, soy protein. The seed oil that may be argan is about the 20th ingredient. It claims to be "infused" with argan oil prominently on the front. I tried it because it referenced Argan Oil...but It makes my hair coated dry and stiff feeling. HSI does make a GREAT leave in hair treatment where Argan Oil is the second ingredient that leaves your hair, even hair that starts dry and damaged, satiny and gorgeous and works beautifully with heat. It is expensive but lasts for a long long time as you seriously only use a drop or two at at time.

Product features

Top-Quality, Salon-Grade Appliances and Hair Care Products.

HSI Professional is committed to delivering salon-quality styling tools and hair care products to consumers all over the world. All appliances are designed to hold up to salon and home use, while all hair care products are made in the USA using pure Argan Oil containing vitamins A, B, C and D. These hair products are specially created to replenish, reinvigorate, repair, and add shine and smoothness to you hair. Using high-quality ingredients and construction in the expanding product line, this brand is built for you and will continue to adapt around your feedback.

Extreme Heat Protection.

Designed specifically for use before heated styling, this weightless mist protects the hair from

heat exposure up to 450°F. Simply spray it in your hair before styling with flat irons, blow dryers

and curling wands. In addition to creating a nourishing, protective barrier between your hair

and high-heat styling tools, this argan oil formula hydrates, detangles, speeds up drying time

and boosts shine.

Leave-In Conditioner.

Infused with highly concentrated, antioxidant-rich argan oil and shine-boosting vitamins, this light thermal protection spray can be also used as a leave-in conditioning serum for optimal styling and finishing results. Spray onto, clean wet or dry hair for a quick fix or extra shine, and relish in smooth, hydrated hair that's healthier than ever before.

Chemical-Free Formula.

Enjoy smooth, hydrated and frizz-free locks while protecting yourself from heat and harmful chemicals.

Healthy, More Manageable Hair.

Ideal for daily use, HSI’s Argan Oil Hair Heat Protectant can be used on any type of natural hair or human hair extensions. The professional argan oil heat protectant cuts styling time in half, leaving you with healthier, smoother and more manageable hair every time. Now you can get the vibrant, silky, shiny and healthy styles you've always dreamed about, without damaging your hair.

Choice of Size.

To accommodate everyone’s needs, the HSI Professional Heat Protector is available in a 2- ounce and 8-ounce spray bottle (nozzle spray mist varies with size). This formula is created using a combination of healing and protective oils to create healthy, gorgeous and selfie-worthy hair. Not only can you enjoy flawless hair, but you’ll never have to edit your photos again.

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